While women have topped lists of highest paid actors in recent years, a new study published in the Journal of Management Inquiry found that after a certain age, female actresses' earnings begin to decline.
We already knew that roles were harder to find for women of a certain age in Hollywood. A Vulture story last year showed that while male leads from Denzel Washington to Tom Cruise increase in age, their female counterparts do not.
But this new study pinpointed another, less reported aspect: that the decline in available roles also means a decline in salary. While female actresses outearn their male counterparts in their 20's, they peak in their earnings at the young age of 34. According to this study, that analyzed 265 film actors and actresses who have starred in movies from 1968 to 2008, male actors peak in their earnings around age 51.
There are clearly some actresses for whom this study does not apply. Meryl Streep, who is 64-years-old, has starred in multiple movies in recent years, most recently August: Osage County, for which she earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Streep's co-star, Julia Roberts, who is 46-years-old, also earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Stars including Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker topped Forbes' list of highest paid actresses, each earning a reported $30 million in 2013. The highest paid actor of 2013 was Robert Downey Jr., according to Forbes, who brought in an estimated $75 million in 2013. Channing Tatum followed, earning a reported $60 million in the past year. In fact, the top ten men featured on Forbes' 2013 highest paid actors list earned more than $30 million in 2013.
-
Inside One of the Most Exclusive and Dazzling Health Spas in the U.S.The Golden Door in Southern California costs tens of thousands of dollars for a weeklong stay—and donates 100 percent of its proceeds to nonprofits.
-
Kendall Jenner’s Hair at the Schiaparelli Fashion Show Was Easily Six Inches Tall
The model and 818 founder closed the runway.
-
Red Is the Color for Fall Fashion, But It Also Belongs in Your Makeup Routine
Red lipstick is just the beginning.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
