Forbes compiled their list of highest-paid actresses by talking to “agents, lawyers, producers and other industry insiders” to come up with an estimate of their pre-tax gross income between May 2010 and May 2011.
The two actresses that tied as highest paid are Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker, each raking in an estimated $30 million.
Jolie has been in huge blockbusters including ‘Salt’ and ‘The Tourist’ and is testing out her directing chops in her upcoming film, ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’. Her high-profile relationship with long-term boyfriend Brad Pitt probably helps her earning potential.
Sarah Jessica Parker makes the bulk of her money from reruns of ‘Sex and the City’ — which she starred in and produced. She produced and starred in ‘Sex and the City 2’, which brought in $290 million. She also brought in $18 million from her perfumes (Lovely, Covet, NYC).
Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon tied for third place, each making $28 million. Julia Roberts and Kristen Stewart round out the top five, each earning $20 million.
What has some critics concerned is the lack of actresses of color at the top of the earning list. In years past, Halle Berry had a place on the list, but since her much-publicized child custody case has been headline news, she has been rejecting major film roles.
Why are there so few black women on the screen? Many say that it’s a tough time for women actors in general and that it’s particularly so for blacks.
Other top-earning actresses include:
•Katherine Heigl: $19 million
•Cameron Diaz: $18 million
•Sandra Bullock: $15 million
•Meryl Streep: $10 million
