Hollywood hasn’t been that kind to black actors over the years but the industry is showing Will Smith lots of love. Big Willie pulled in an estimated $80 million over the last year, according to a new report issued by Forbes, making him Tinseltown’s best-paid actor.

Eddie Murphy’s $55 million tied with Mike Myers for third, behind No. 2 Johnny Depp with $72 million.

And get this: the former Fresh Prince of Bel Air star also set a theatrical record this year. Thanks to the commercial success of this summer’s anti-superhero flick Hancock, he’s the first actor in Hollywood history to have eight straight movies eclipse $100 million at the box office.

All this success hasn’t gone to Will’s head.

“He’s the biggest movie star on the planet, [but] he’s still the same Will – the same good guy,” his longtime friend and former rap partner DJ Jazzy Jeff told People earlier this month. “He’s just a little harder to get in touch with.”

Will has said, “I love being black in America, and especially being black in Hollywood.”

We would too if we were making money like you Will.

TAGS: Eddie Murphy, Will Smith

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