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Tom Cruise, Will Ferrell Top List of Most Overpaid Actors

Wednesday – November 18, 2009 – 6:25pm

Hollywood is taking its box office bombs to the bank, according to a new ranking released by Forbes magazine Wednesday.

Will Ferrell tops the list of stars who cost more than their movies do, taking in one dollar for every $3.29 his films make. The 42-year-old star -- known for his man-child roles in comedies including Elf -- was pushed to No. 1 on the Forbes list because of Land of the Lost, which earned just $65 million worldwide after a $100 million price tag.

See photos of stars on set.

Tom Cruise -- who celebrates his third wedding anniversary with wife, Katie Holmes today -- came in sixth, earning one dollar for every $7.18 his movies earn. Forbes reports that the 47-year-old even skips out on an up-front lump sum in exchange for a large chunk of his films' initial gross dollars, earning a paycheck even if his bosses don't.

Check out the day's top celeb news photos.

Rounding out the top 10 list? Ice Cube, Ewan McGregor, Billy Bob Thornton, Eddie Murphy, Drew Barrymore, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson and Jim Carrey.

See which celebs made Us' 2009 Hot Hollywod List!

In order to make the Forbes list, each celeb had to star in at least three blockbuster movies in the last five years. The return-on-investment dollar amount was calculated based on dividing the films' operating costs by the actors' total compensation.

 

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  • December 02, 2009 - 10:37am Nancy S Says:

    Sorry I forgot to mention pharmacists- they are also in the business of saving lives and they are ALSO UNDERPAID AND UNDER APPRECIATED in comparison to these celebrity airheads!!!
  • November 25, 2009 - 8:33pm Nancy S Says:

    I've got news for all of you:ALL actors and celebs are overpaid- and overrated!!!Look at the rates of pay for teachers,lawyers,doctors,nurses,veterenarians,police officers,firefighters...ALL of those professions save and/or shape lives and they are ALL UNDERPAID NOT TO MENTION UNERAPPRECIATED in comparison to actors and other celebs!!!
  • November 20, 2009 - 5:22am Joe Says:

    Yes this magazine is on Brad Pitt's payroll so they tend to bash all his competitors. Tom also carries movies on HIS OWN, doesn't rely on people like Cate Blanchette or Quentin Tarantino to carry them for him or charity stunts to get people to go and see films. Forbes is a dubious mag anyway, last year they had Angelina Jolie top the list for money she'd received for a movie that hadn't even been out yet. Salt is only coming out this year.
  • November 19, 2009 - 2:23pm katia Says:

    Tom Cruise does not "top" the list. He came in 7th. How about citing the guy who came in second or third topping the list? Sensationalized journalism at its best.
  • November 19, 2009 - 1:49pm Paula Says:

    It's a good thing they don't get paid going by talent; they'd be broke.
  • November 19, 2009 - 8:24am Vicky Says:

    I have to agree with the statement on Will Ferrell. I loved him on SNL, but have yet to see a movie of his that I could stomach. Same thing with Jim Carrey; I just cannot stand to watch that man and his weird facial contortions. Eddie Murphy was great in Beverly Hills Cop, but he's gone so far downhill. The only thing that has gotten better about him is his enormous ego. My little boys love Shrek, luckily we only have his voice in those.
  • November 19, 2009 - 7:23am Jenna Says:

    Leo is not one. He is an amazing actor and philanthropist. His movies charm and amaze millions. What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Titanic, Blood Diamond, The Aviator, The Departed...c'mon people.
  • November 18, 2009 - 11:12pm Marg Evans Says:

    Tom appears to be a god in his own eyes. He also seems to think he is the "boss" and women that he is involved with need to obey his every wish. Do not upset Tom or you will pay. Words of advice: Grow up and get over yourself. Do a bit of good in the world. You have the power and the money to help a lot of people. Enlarge your heart and soul.
  • November 18, 2009 - 8:52pm rm2h Says:

    Only 7 more years Katie - make sure you are prepared when the loser walks, you will not even know that he files for divorce because he just a LOSER. I am surprised that they lump Will Farrell in with someone of no morals or honor.