You know these Hollywood legends by name, but what exactly propels a movie star to the echelons of cinematic greatness? It could be their box office domination, a trophy case filled with awards, their undeniable impact on the industry, or simply the way they’ve captured hearts across the globe. Here’s a look at the careers of these iconic figures, and just what it is that cements their place among the elite of the movie world.
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Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep’s impressive record includes three Academy Awards and an astounding 21 nominations, including for movies such as “The Iron Lady” and “Sophie’s Choice”. Her films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide, which is on the lower side of actors on this list, but Streep’s reputation as one of the best actors in Hollywood can’t be denied. She’s received over 600 awards and nominations total throughout her career, and more Oscar nominations than any actor ever.
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Tom Hanks
It’s nearly impossible not to like a Tom Hanks film, thanks to his charm and talent. The star’s popular movies have achieved an estimated $9.7 billion in global box office revenue over the years. Hanks has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor for “Forrest Gump” and “Philadelphia”, one of only two actors ever to win the award consecutively. He’s also been nominated numerous times for films including “Saving Private Ryan” and “Castaway”. From a Kennedy Center Honor to a Presidential Medal of Freedom, Hanks is an undeniable Hollywood legend.
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Harrison Ford
It’s hard to imagine iconic characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones played by anyone other than the charismatic Harrison Ford. His films have garnered over $9.3 billion in worldwide earnings. Throughout his lasting career, Ford has earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award. Ford’s most popular movies, such as “Star Wars”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “The Fugitive”, and “Blade Runner”, have cemented his status as a legend.
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Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. brought “Iron Man” to life, and raked in a jaw-dropping $14 billion in box office earnings worldwide, making him one of Hollywood’s highest grossing actors. Starting from his early gigs in movies like “Less Than Zero,” Downey has had his ups and downs both personally and professionally. But his comeback into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tony Stark has cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s royalty. He’s been nominated for an Academy Award twice, and we suspect there are more nominations to come.
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Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise isn’t just an actor; he’s basically an institution. Cruise’s filmography is literally a parade of box office heavyweights, with “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible” as standouts. As for awards, three Golden Globes grace his collection, and Cruise’s performances in “Jerry Maguire” and “Born on the Fourth of July” earned him Academy Award nominations. Cruise’s films have grossed over $10 billion, making him a true success story.
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Julia Roberts
Bona fide Hollywood icon is a good way to describe the effervescent Julia Roberts. Garnering an impressive $3.6 billion in global earnings, Roberts has consistently demonstrated her charisma in classics such as “Pretty Woman” and “Erin Brockovich”, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. After a string of romantic comedies in the 1990’s, Roberts has continued to be a box office winner, often teaming up with her close pal George Clooney for projects.
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Leonardo DiCaprio
Love him or hate him, Leonardo DiCaprio has carved his name into Hollywood history. His substantial box office gross exceeding $7 billion worldwide stands as a testament to his remarkable acting prowess and obvious dedication to his craft. From teen heartthrob in the epic “Titanic” to playing a rugged frontiersman in “The Revenant”, for which he won an Oscar, DiCaprio is known for throwing himself into his roles. He’s been nominated multiple times for Academy Awards, and we’re sure to see even more nominations in the future.
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Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson is a true Hollywood powerhouse, amassing a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most films over $100 million at the worldwide box office by an actor. He’s become recognizable not only for his unforgettable roles but also for his unmistakable voice. Some of his most well-known hits include “Pulp Fiction”, “The Avengers”, and “Snakes on a Plane”, all of which span genres and generations. He received the Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement in 2022.
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Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson has earned her way on this list, despite not having as long a career as some others, thanks to her huge box office clout. The actress’s films have grossed over $14.3 billion worldwide, which makes her allegedly the highest-grossing box office star of all time. Johansson’s roles in Marvel movies such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Widow” have made her a sought-after commodity, and she’s been nominated for two Academy Awards already.
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Chris Pratt
Like Scarlett Johansson, Chris Pratt’s name has become synonymous with box office earnings, giving him a place on this list amongst the most successful of all in Hollywood. His films have grossed over $13 billion in the box office, which is more than even legendary actors like Tom Cruise. His appearances in major hits such as the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, “Jurassic World,” and “The Avengers” franchise have significantly contributed to his impressive earnings.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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