Women's Media Nation | Social, political, and cultural issues relating to women

Women actors make way less money than men

posted by Women & Hollywood
Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:27pm CDT

I’m sure this is no shock to anyone but the new Forbes list of top earning actresses is out and while some women earn a ton of money from acting and endorsements, they make way les than their male peers.

The top female earner was Angelina Jolie with $27 million. The top male earner was Harrison Ford at $65 million. The top 10 actors earner earned $393 million compared with $183 million for actresses.

Right behind Jolie is Jennifer Aniston at $25 million, and surprisingly and happily Meryl Streep is third with $24 million. I’m going to say that again. Meryl Streep made $24 million last year. A 60 year old female actress made $24 million. How cool. Even though Meryl has always been on top with nominations she has never been a big earner and now at 60 she is making some serious bucks. It definitely helps that Mamma Mia! has earned over $603 million worldwide.

The only woman of color in the top 20 is Halle Berry who earned $7 million.

The list:

Angelina Jolie- $27 m

Jennifer Aniston- $25 m

Meryl Streep- $24 m

Sarah Jessica Parker- $23 m

Cameron Diaz- $20 m

Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon- $15 m

Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore- $12 m

Renee Zellweger- $10m

Cate Blanchett- $8m

Anne Hathaway and Halle Berry – $7m