Samuel L. Jackson Named Highest-Grossing Actor of All Time
Samuel L. Jackson
Although Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio were named the highest-paid actors by Forbes in 2009 and 2010, respectively, they are not the highest-grossing. Tom Hanks, whose “Toy Story 3” and “Forrest Gump” are among the top 25 grossing films of all time, doesn’t even claim the title. The real highest-grossing actor of all time is someone completely different: Samuel L. Jackson.
Raking in the Money
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the “Pulp Fiction” star is the highest-grossing actor of all time, appearing in more than 100 films that have grossed a total of over $7.42 billion over his career.
For example, “Jurassic Park,” the “Star Wars” prequels, and both “Iron Man” films earned more than $300 million each. According to IMDb, even Jackson’s “Snakes on a Plan” grossed $62 million worldwide. So as is apparent, Jackson has had quite a successful film career, which makes it understandable why he is the highest-grossing actor of all time.
A Star is Born
Samuel L. Jackson grew up in a working-class family. He attended Morehouse College studying marine biology before switching to architecture. He later settled on drama after taking a public speaking class and appearing in a play. After, he appeared in several television films and made his feature film debut in the blaxploitation film “Together for Days.” Jackson had his first breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s 1991 “Jungle Fever” and has since built a career that includes some of the most top-earning movies of the last 20 years.
It’s All About Quality, not Quantity
While quantity is clearly a main feature of his success, the actor maintains he’s dedicated to quality, as well. Many actors, including Johnny Depp, cannot watch themselves on television or movies, as they can’t handle seeing themselves in action. Jackson, however, enjoys watching his work and critiques his performances to become a better performer.
It makes sense that Samuel L. Jackson is the highest-grossing actor of all-time. Through his hard work, talent, and many starring roles and blockbuster hits, he has clearly earned the title and will work harder to keep that title for many years to come, I’m sure.