Julia Roberts became well-known in a profession usually dominated by male actors because of her extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges. With her groundbreaking achievements, the 55-year-old created a new era in Hollywood, where A-list female movie stars could command the highest paychecks.

Throughout her illustrious career, Roberts challenged traditions and defied expectations, leaving a memorable mark on the industry and inspiring countless women to reach for their goals.

Julia Roberts Broke The Barrier Of Salaries For Female Movie Stars

In Hollywood, where gender pay disparities were a prominent issue, Julia Roberts emerged as a motivation for change. It was in the year 2000 when she broke the barrier for A-list female movie stars, commanding an outstanding $20 million for her role in the biographical legal drama Erin Brockovich.

Read more: "You'd laugh and die": Julia Roberts Reveals Why She Doesn't Want to be Stranded With George Clooney, Picks Brad Pitt and Tom Hanks Instead

This landmark salary showcased her value and talent and garnered widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe.

The Wonder star discussed how she approached negotiations for equal pay in a previous session that Gayle King hosted, highlighting the importance of fairness. She said,

"I didn't feel so boxish about it, but I felt like, Come on. Which is my nature — not to be all up-in-arms about something, but to say, Let's get real. Let's be fair."

With an impressive portfolio of iconic films like Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and My Best Friend's Wedding, the actress firmly stated that her dedication and hard work justified her paycheck. She explained,

"When I'm working, I work very hard. I'm ready. I'm on time. I'm prepared. I'm happy. I'm all in. So, show me the money."

As a groundbreaker, Roberts inspired a new generation of actresses, including Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson, to demand equal pay for their remarkable contributions to the industry and become Hollywood's highest-paid actresses.

The Net Worth Of Angelina Jolie And Scarlett Johansson

Read more: Julia Roberts Demanded $750,000 Per Day Salary For 6 Minutes of Screen Time in Jennifer Aniston's Hit Movie

The 48-year-old and Marvel star has amassed notable fortunes throughout their illustrious careers and also earned equal pay as their male partners. 

Jolie's estimated net worth stands at an impressive $120 million. She has commanded salaries of up to $20 million for a single role, positioning her among the highest-paid actresses globally.

Annually, she earns between $20-30 million from film projects and endorsements, according to Celeb Worth. Her substantial compensation reflects her undeniable star power and the demand for her acting skills.

Similarly, Scarlett Johansson brags an estimated net worth of $165 million. Notably, she earned $40 million in salaries and endorsements between August 2017 and August 2018, becoming the world's highest-paid actress. 

Despite starting with relatively modest compensation for her early Marvel appearances, she eventually secured a significant $15 million for her standalone film, Black Widow, as well as substantial earnings for her contributions to Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Both celebrities continue to captivate audiences with their remarkable talent and versatility, ensuring their net worths will continue to soar as they leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. 

Source: Variety