The Best Paid Actors and Actress

Jennifer Aniston
Age: 37
Earnings: $18.5 million*

Although she has released two films recently and has several more on the way, it is Jennifer Aniston’s love life that gets all the attention. After her high-profile split with hubby Brad Pitt, she is now said to be hooking up with Break Up co-star Vince Vaughn.

*(10.6M pounds, 15.5M euros, 822.1M rupees, C$21.3M, A$25.1M)

Drew Barrymore
Age: 31
Earnings: $22 million*

Landing her first starring role–in a television commercial for dog food–before her first birthday, Drew Barrymore has been wowing fans ever since. More recently, she appeared alongside Will Ferrell in the animated hit Curious George. Next up: Lucky You, a poker flick scheduled to hit the big screen later this year.

*(12.6M pounds, 18.5M euros, 977.7M rupees, C$25.3M, A$29.8M)

Sandra Bullock
Age: 41
Earnings: $10.5 million*

The Miss Congeniality star may not be armed, but she’s certainly fabulous. And with a handful of films–The Lake House and Grace, among others–due to hit theaters soon, the newly married Bullock definitely has her hands full.

*(6M pounds, 8.8M euros, 466.6M rupees, C$12.1M, A$14.2M)

Tom Cruise
Age: 43
Earnings: $31 million*

The couch-jumping episodes may get Tom Cruise in the tabloids, but it’s his movies that pay the bills. Cruise, who has a very lengthy list of film credits but no Oscars, will star in Mission Impossible III later this year.

*(17.8M pounds, 26M euros, 1,377.6M rupees, C$35.7M, A$42M)

Matt Damon
Age: 35
Earnings: $27 million*

Matt Damon has just announced that he’ll be reuniting with Ben Affleck for a new dramatic film. The two, who wrote and starred in 1997’s Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting, also helped found Live Planet, a production company, in 2000. Also on the horizon for Damon: high-profile roles in The Good Shepherd, The Departed and The Bourne Ultimatum.

*(15.5M pounds, 22.6M euros, 1,199.9M rupees, C$31.1M, A$36.6M)

Jennifer Garner
Age: 33
Earnings: $14 million*

Jennifer Garner, best known as Sydney Bristow on ABC’s Alias, is heading for the silver screen. The 33-year-old new mother will lend her voice as Susy in Charlotte\’s Web and star in the romantic comedy Catch and Release.

*(8M pounds, 11.7M euros, 622.2M rupees, C$16.1M, A$19M)

Patricia Heaton
Age: 47
Earnings: $9 million*

Patricia Heaton, better known as Raymond’s perpetually irritated housewife, took home an estimated $9 million for the final season of Everybody Loves Raymond. Between income from syndication and new projects, expect the big bucks to continue flowing her way. Recently, Heaton was reported to have signed a seven-figure development deal with ABC Television and its sister studio, Touchstone TV.

*(5.2M pounds, 7.5M euros, 400M rupees, C$10.4M, A$12.2M)

Nicole Kidman
Age: 38
Earnings: $14.5 million*

In addition to her many film projects, Nicole Kidman is cashing in as the face of Chanel’s iconic No. 5 perfume brand. The Oscar-winning Australian actress was also recently named goodwill ambassador to the United Nations.

*(8.3M pounds, 12.2M euros, 644.4M rupees, C$16.7M, A$19.6M)

Jennifer Lopez
Age: 36
Earnings: $17 million*

With a production company, clothing lines and a handful of perfumes for sale–to say nothing of her singing and acting careers–it’s no wonder Jennifer Lopez has been dubbed “the hardest-working woman in Hollywood.” Recent projects include filming El Cantante with husband Marc Anthony and debuting her fashion line’s fall collection at New York’s Fashion Week.

*(9.8M pounds, 14.3M euros, 755.5M rupees, C$19.6M, A$23M)

Tobey Maguire
Age: 30
Earnings: $32 million*

It looks as if Spider Man–er, Tobey Maguire–will be squeezing his way into yet another spider suit for the third part in the hit series. Of course, if Spider Man III earns him as much as the last Spidey movie did, it will be well worth the limited oxygen.

*(18.4M pounds, 26.8M euros, 1,422.1M rupees, C$36.8M, A$43.4M)

Julia Roberts
Age: 38
Earnings: $8 million*

Though money is hardly the driving force for Julia Roberts\’ return to showbiz–the actress continues to earn millions in royalties from her previous films–the mother of 1-year-old twins is ready to return to the spotlight. First up, Broadway. Roberts will make her Broadway debut in 3 Days of Rain later this spring.

*(4.6M pounds, 6.7M euros, 355.5M rupees, C$9.2M, A$10.8M)

Adam Sandler
Age: 39
Earnings: $28 million*

Stay tuned for a few more laughs from funnyman Adam Sandler. With projects like The Benchwarmers and Click under way, Sandler plans to be laughing his way to the bank…again.

*(16.1M pounds, 23.5M euros, 1,244.3M rupees, C$32.2M, A$37.9M)