logo
Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

7 Times A-List Celebrities Acted In Movies For Which They Were Paid Absurdly Low

by Maryjane

Typically, low-skilled employment pays little. The employee may receive low pay since they are not qualified to perform skilled labor.

The employee may opt for part-time work and does not mind receiving poor compensation. The same goes for employees who might not bargain for higher pay because they see their current position as a temporary stopgap until a better opportunity arises

Another significant issue is a lack of information. Workers who are unaware of alternative employment opportunities sometimes receive lesser pay.

Well, it appears that celebrities also received extremely low pay too. This is for the movies that first got them famous on their road to their current status.

Due to the persistent gender pay discrepancy, some have not received as much compensation. Others simply wanted to create a movie with a smaller budget, or it was their first in the business.

Whatever the cause, you will be shocked by the disconnect between these actors' fame and fortune. Even after being recognized, a lot of renowned people chose to accept roles in movies for modest pay.

The majority of actors seem to have amassed a lot of wealth through their careers. However, you'd be shocked to learn how many well-known people have worked for little compensation just because they desired that particular role or were just getting started in the film business. 

1. Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle

She claims that despite winning the Oscar for her performance in American Hustle, she was paid significantly less than Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. She only received 7% of the money, compared to the director and her male co-stars who each received 9%.

In an interview, the actress said that she avoided conflict to avoid coming across as "difficult" or "spoiled." She did, however, bring up the subject of women's pay disparity in the film industry, stating that "we have to be made equal."

1. Jennifer Lawrence in American HustleAmerican Hustle

2. Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall Street

He agreed to play a part in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street in exchange for $60,000. He was subsequently nominated for an Academy Award for the role.

Hill claimed that he went above and above to collaborate with the director and that, given the chance, he would do it once more.

2. Jonah Hill in The Wolf of Wall StreetThe Wolf of Wall Street

3. Christian Bale in American Psycho

In the 2000 suspense film classic American Psycho, Christian Bale played the lead role. The film was an instant hit, with much of the acclaim going to Bale for his performance as the film’s protagonist, Patrick Bateman.

Later in an interview, it came out that Bale had been paid less than the minimum wage for his critically acclaimed role. He revealed that the set’s makeup artists were paid more than he was, recalling an incident in which he was mocked for the disparity.

3. Christian Bale in American PsychoAmerican Psycho

4. Jennifer Lopez in Hustlers

Although she won praises for her portrayal of the movie's protagonist, Ramona, Jennifer Lopez wasn't compensated for her work in Hustlers. The stunning actress and singer took part because she was passionate about the subject.

Jenny from the Block's own words:

"I didn’t get paid a whole bunch of money for Hustlers. I produced and performed it for no charge. I do what I love.”4. Jennifer Lopez in HustlersGetty Images

5. Jim Carrey in Yes Man

Due to his various amusing cinematic appearances in the 1990s, Jim Carrey rose to fame. When Carrey could have easily sought a high compensation for Yes Man, he adopted a different strategy than normal.

The actor agreed to accept 36.2% of the movie's revenue in exchange for receiving zero dollars in remuneration. Jim Carrey was eager to accept the risk while knowing that signing a deal of this sort was a big risk.

The movie's $223 million worldwide box office earnings proved that Carrey's investment was worthwhile.

5. Jim Carrey in Yes ManYes Man

6. Brad Pitt in Thelma & Louise

One of Hollywood's most well-known actors, Brad Pitt, received $6,000 for this single film role. Thelma & Louise was the first of many commercial hits he would experience as a leading man, and it was while filming that he made his breakthrough.

6. Brad Pitt in Thelma & LouiseThelma & Louise

7. George Clooney in Good Night, and Good Luck

He put in numerous hours of unpaid work behind the scenes for this black-and-white documentary, which he also co-wrote, produced, and directed. Clooney was excited to work on the movie even though he was only paid $3 up front because his father served as his motivation.

In the end, the movie was nominated for six Academy Awards.

7. George Clooney in Good Night, and Good LuckGood Night, and Good Luck

One needs to be highly gifted in a certain field or accomplish something remarkable that captures the attention of many. It can be challenging to catch people's attention, but some people have succeeded, especially on social media.

But these celebrities went from taking high wages to collecting little or nothing. So tell us what you think about them by dropping a comment below.

Share this article:

Facebook icon Pinterest icon Tumblr icon Link icon Twitter icon

Related Articles

Fans Are Only Now Realizing The 'Meaning' Behind Nintendo's Iconic Name

Fans Are Only Now Realizing The 'Meaning' Behind Nintendo's Iconic Name

Jeremy Clarkson Shares Why He Purchased A Farm In 2008 Despite Having No Farming Experience

Jeremy Clarkson Shares Why He Purchased A Farm In 2008 Despite Having No Farming Experience

21 Hilarious Photos Guaranteed To Make You Laugh Out Loud

21 Hilarious Photos Guaranteed To Make You Laugh Out Loud

14 Fierce Female Leaders Of The Animal Kingdom You Need To Know

14 Fierce Female Leaders Of The Animal Kingdom You Need To Know

Hailie Jade Talks About What Bothers Her The Most About Being Eminem's Daughter

Hailie Jade Talks About What Bothers Her The Most About Being Eminem's Daughter

42 Healthy Relationship Memes For Couples Who Understand Love Languages

42 Healthy Relationship Memes For Couples Who Understand Love Languages

If You Recognize More Than 15 Of These Pictures, You Might Be Getting Old

If You Recognize More Than 15 Of These Pictures, You Might Be Getting Old

25 Beloved Products You Won't Believe Were Invented By Accident

25 Beloved Products You Won't Believe Were Invented By Accident

How A Man Endured 438 Days At Sea Without Food Or Water

How A Man Endured 438 Days At Sea Without Food Or Water

Cameron Diaz Advocates For 'Sleep Divorce' As This Trend Gains Popularity

Cameron Diaz Advocates For 'Sleep Divorce' As This Trend Gains Popularity

Could It Be Taylor Swift - Deadpool Trailer Gets Fans Buzzing About Who Will Play Lady Deadpool

Could It Be Taylor Swift - Deadpool Trailer Gets Fans Buzzing About Who Will Play Lady Deadpool

21 Bizarre “Accidental Camouflage” Instances That Completely Stumped Us

21 Bizarre “Accidental Camouflage” Instances That Completely Stumped Us

UK Truck Driver Leaves Many Speechless After Revealing His Paycheck On The Internet

UK Truck Driver Leaves Many Speechless After Revealing His Paycheck On The Internet

She Quit Her 9 to 5 — 35 Y.O. Woman Transforms Side Job Into A $141M Empire

She Quit Her 9 to 5 — 35 Y.O. Woman Transforms Side Job Into A $141M Empire

New Pageant Queen Confronts Abuser Who Attended Ceremony

New Pageant Queen Confronts Abuser Who Attended Ceremony

Gen Z Feel That Thumbs-Up Emoji Needs To Go, They Interpret It As Rude

Gen Z Feel That Thumbs-Up Emoji Needs To Go, They Interpret It As Rude

Streamer Reveals Massive Fortune He Risks Losing If He Stops Running Ads, And These Numbers Are Insane

Streamer Reveals Massive Fortune He Risks Losing If He Stops Running Ads, And These Numbers Are Insane

Scientist Reveals Unusual Theory Suggesting We Are Always 'Living In The Past'

Scientist Reveals Unusual Theory Suggesting We Are Always 'Living In The Past'

Prolific Artist Shows How Pop Culture Of The 21st Century Evolved Through The Years

Prolific Artist Shows How Pop Culture Of The 21st Century Evolved Through The Years

7 Hidden Hazards In Hotels Revealed By A Former Employee

7 Hidden Hazards In Hotels Revealed By A Former Employee

Three New Gen Z Terms Added To The Dictionary - Millennials Might Not Know Them

Three New Gen Z Terms Added To The Dictionary - Millennials Might Not Know Them

Eminem Debunks Popular Fan Theory About His New Album

Eminem Debunks Popular Fan Theory About His New Album

Fans Outraged - The Netflix Thriller Everyone's Begging To Bring Back After A Shocking Cancellation

Fans Outraged - The Netflix Thriller Everyone's Begging To Bring Back After A Shocking Cancellation

25 Costly Mistakes That Are Both Hilarious And Heartbreaking

25 Costly Mistakes That Are Both Hilarious And Heartbreaking

Top 20 Hilarious Tweets About The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Top 20 Hilarious Tweets About The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Retro Tech Photos That'll Make You Remember The Dial-Up Tone

Retro Tech Photos That'll Make You Remember The Dial-Up Tone

Categories

Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Business

About Us Advertise Contact Us

Legal

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy DMCA Removal
 Logo
About Us Privacy DMCA Removal Contact Us Terms Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

© 2025 - All Rights Reserved

 logo

Sign In to

facebook icon Sign in with facebook
facebook icon Sign in with google

Or sign in with email

Need an account? Sign Up

Forgot Password?

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

 logo

Sign Up to

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

Edit profile

User Photo