The financial status of Hollywood’s most iconic actors can often be a source of surprise to the public. Many of these stars, who appear to be living high-profile, luxurious lifestyles, may in fact be struggling to make ends meet. Despite their fame, many actors are not compensated adequately for their work and are unable to accumulate substantial wealth. One reason for this is the lack of residuals. Actors often receive a fixed fee for their work, and do not benefit from future profits. The money made from television reruns and DVD sales does not go to the actors, but to the producers and investors. This means that, although some actors may become incredibly famous, they may not become incredibly wealthy. Another issue is the prevalence of low budget films. Many actors are willing to accept smaller salaries in order to work in more interesting, independent projects. These lower salaries can add up over time, leaving an actor with less money than expected. Finally, actors must pay taxes on their income, and are often subject to higher taxes than the general public. This further reduces their earnings, leaving them with a smaller nest egg than one may expect. In spite of these factors, some actors have managed to amass great wealth. Those who have made smart investments and have earned a large salary for their work have been able to accumulate wealth and financial stability. For the majority of actors, however, the financial reality is quite different. While these actors may appear to be living luxurious lifestyles, the truth is often far from it. It is important to remember that even the most iconic actors may be struggling financially.