8 Supporting Actors Who Were Paid More Than The Lead Actors

Lead actors are often paid hefty paychecks. Their compensation not only includes their salary but often they also receive a percentage of the film’s profit. But at times, it has happened, that the lead actor was paid a lesser amount than other supporting actors.

Here is a look at times when the lead actor was paid less than a supporting actor
 

1. Abhay Deol – Ranjhanna

Abhay Deol was paid 5 times more than Dhanush, who actually played the lead.

Dhanush was a newcomer in the industry whereas Abhay Deol was already an established actor and so he made it clear that he would act in the film only if he was given a better compensation than Dhanush.
 

2.  Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has charged more than Rajnikanth to be part of Robot 2.0.

No matter how strange it may sound but if sources are to be believed, Akshay Kumar has been paid more than Rajnikanth for his role in the film. Though Rajnikanth will play the lead character in the film yet his paycheck will be less than that of Akshay’s. Well, it is every day that you see an actor make more money than Rajnikanth.
 

3. Harrison Ford – Star Wars

The actor made 50 times more than other lead actors in the latest Star Wars film.

It is true Harrison Ford plays one of the most iconic characters in the film but you would quite surprised to know that the veteran actor is paid much more than other actors for a much smaller role.
 

4. John Travolta – Ladder 49

John Travolta earned $20 million for a far less substantial role.

In 2004’s Ladder 49, Phoenix played a firefighter and was the main lead of the film, yet he was paid just $850,000 to star in the film.
 

5. Marlon Brando – Superman (1978)

Brando netted around $19m. Over 35 years on, it remains the most expensive cameo in movie history

When the film was shot, Christopher Reeve, who played the character of Superman, was relatively unknown face then. The producer wanted a bigger star in the film that would attract the audience. Finally, Marlon Brando was roped in for the role of Jor-El and the rest as you is history.
 

6. Aamir Khan – Taare Zameen Par

Aamir made a quite a lot of money from this film, even though he did not play the lead.

The lead actor of this film made peanuts when compared to what Aamir khan made from this film. Aamir’s screen time was less than that of Darsheel Safary, who played the lead. Yet Safary was a newcomer and Aamir was a superstar, so , I guess that the compensation was pretty justified.
 

7. Robin Williams – Good Will Hunting

The veteran actor got a cool $1,500,000 for his supporting role.

Good Will Hunting is often considered one of the best films ever made. The film made Matt Damon and even Ben Affleck overnight stars. Although Matt Damon played the lead in this film, Robin Williams was a bigger name than him. Williams also went on win an academy award for the best supporting actor for the film.
 

8.  J K Simmons – Whiplash

The veteran actor was paid handsomely while the lead actor was paid just $8,000 for the role.

Although, Miles Teller was played the lead in this oscar nominated movie yet he was paid way less than the Simmons. Well, it did give the actor the much-needed recognition.

Well, as you can see that these actors might have got a smaller role but definitely not a smaller paycheck.

Cover Image Source 1 & 2