Julia Roberts, a prominent figure in Hollywood, has made headlines for her reported $25 million payday for the film Mona Lisa Smile. This amount marked one of the highest salaries ever paid to an actress at the time. Roberts, who rose to fame in the 1990s, is best known for her role as Vivian Ward in the iconic romantic comedy Pretty Woman, which significantly boosted her career.
In Mona Lisa Smile, released in 2003, Roberts played Katherine Ann Watson, a progressive art history professor at Wellesley College. The film featured a strong ensemble cast, including Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Despite its star power and Roberts’ hefty salary, the movie grossed $141 million worldwide against a budget of $72 million.
Roberts’ biggest payday came after she had already established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. She had previously earned $20 million for her role in Erin Brockovich, a performance that won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Roberts starred in numerous successful films, including Hook, The Pelican Brief, and My Best Friend’s Wedding.
While Mona Lisa Smile was not as critically acclaimed—receiving a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Roberts’ performance was still noteworthy. Critics pointed out that the film’s predictable storyline and lack of depth detracted from its potential impact. Despite this, Roberts commanded a significant salary for her role.
Since Mona Lisa Smile, Roberts has continued to work in Hollywood but has taken fewer roles. Her net worth is estimated at $250 million, thanks to her successful career and various ventures. Although some of her more recent films have not performed as well at the box office, she remains a respected figure in the industry.
Analysts note that Roberts had an unmatched decade from 1990 to 2000 in terms of box office success for actresses. Studios are still keen to cast her, hoping to capture the charm and charisma that made her a star.
Roberts has also appeared in notable films such as Valentine’s Day, August: Osage County, and Wonder. As she continues her career, she remains an influential presence in Hollywood.
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