Robert Downey Jr tops Forbes’ Highest-Paid Actors

MANILA, Philippines – Robert Downey Jr. tops Forbes‘ list of Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actors this year.

The critically acclaimed actor, who has had his spectacular rise and sharp fall in an altogether fascinating career, had earned an estimated $75 million from June last year to this year.

Downey starred in “The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3,” two adaptations from Marvel Comics that raked in more than $1 billion.

Among Downey’s next projects are a sequel to “The Avengers” and the third installment of the also popular “Sherlock Holmes.”

The son of actor, screenwriter and director Robert Downey Sr, Downey started acting in his childhood and rose to prominence in adolescent-themed films associated with the “Brat Pack” from the 1980s.

The Nineties saw Downey gaining critical notice on the heels of Richard Attenborough’s “Chaplin,” turning in an inspired performance and a loving tribute to the iconic Charlot.

But Downey’s career virtually collapsed amid his protracted troubles with drug addiction. In the last decade, he has cleaned up and started rebuilding on a slow but steady comeback, appearing in distinguished projects like “Good Night, Good Luck” and in surefire hits like the “Sherlock Holmes” franchise.

Channing Tatum is second place in the Forbes list, taking home $60 million from last year, followed by Hugh Jackman whose upcoming “The Wolverine” is expected to further boost his estimated earnings of $55 million.

The others in the Forbes list are Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler and Leonardo DiCaprio. Tom Cruise, who topped last year’s list, has dropped to eighth place with an estimated $35 million. – Rappler.com

Robert Downey Jr photo by Featureflash from Shutterstock