World-renowned actress and producer Julia Roberts is a household name across the globe. She is truly gifted when it comes to making timeless movies, earning her a pretty penny.
Julia Roberts has made history, by being the first woman to make $20 million off of one movie. Her prices have significantly increased since her first role in 1987. Roberts knows her worth and is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
With over 30 years in the industry under her belt, Roberts has starred alongside some of the most talented actors and actresses throughout the world. Her determination and drive at only 19 years old, was what pushed her to take a leap of faith, that would change her life forever.
Making It on Her Own
After graduating from high school Julia decided to move to New York City to pursue her passion for acting. Her two older siblings also resided there and were both actors.
Not long after moving from Georgia, the 19-year-old graduate landed her first role in an episode of “Crime Story”. This aided her in receiving small roles in movies like “Firehouse” and “Satisfaction”, she was even featured on an episode of “Miami Vice”.
Cast in the 1988 movie “Mystic Pizza”, Roberts worked hard to build her credibility. This movie showed viewers what she had to offer and left a strong impression.
Not only did she start to spike people’s interest, only a short time after she was cast in another phenomenal role. This time as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias”, she left fans in awe, even winning a Golden Globe for her performance.
This film secured her spot in the limelight and became a true portfolio for her potential.
Even though it is unknown how much she was paid for her first few roles, Roberts made a whopping $300,000 for one of her most famous movies to date, “Pretty Woman”. This 1990 film has become a classic, making those who haven’t seen it, the minority.
Pretty Woman was her turning point in the industry, she had the credibility, the portfolio, and now the awards to boot. This movie earned her a second Golden Globe, along with a second Oscar nomination.
Watch one of her most famous scenes below.
Taking Over the Box Office
After a few failed movies in the mid-’90s, Julia Roberts was back on top as a leading lady in “Stepmom”, “Notting Hill”, and “Runaway Bride”. The young actress even ended up earning more than Richard Gere in “Runaway Bride”.
Taking home $17 million, while Gere only made $12 million. This was a huge step up from a measly $300,000 in “Pretty Woman”.
For her brilliant performance in “Notting Hill”, Roberts pocketed $15 million.
Taking the world by storm, Julia Roberts broke headlines in 2000 when she became the highest-paid actress for her role in “Erin Brockovich”. This was the first time an actress had made $20 million off of one single movie.
Setting the standard high, this became her new rate, and production companies were not arguing. They wanted her enough, as they knew she would bring that in tenfold.
In 2001 Roberts starred alongside major names in Hollywood, such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt, in “Ocean’s Eleven”. The cast of the movie decided to take significant pay cuts from their usual rates, in order to allow for a bigger budget.
This is one of the only times noted that the Hollywood actress has not charged her $20 million flat fee.
How Much???
Julia Roberts is estimated to be worth an astounding $200 million. This is not so shocking when we know how much she charges per film.
The seasoned actress has more than 64 credits to her name and has been in the business since 1987. Needless to say, Roberts is a hot commodity in the world of film and no longer needs to search for roles.
Since her first debut, she has starred in a film every single year to date. With no slowing down in sight, Roberts is also currently working on two new projects, but no release date has been announced yet.
Who knows what the coming years have in store for Julia Roberts. Will $20 million be seen as conservative, or will she keep her rate the same? Only time will tell.