The Rock is now the highest paid actor in the world

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Five years after his debut as a professional wrestler, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson punched his way onto the silver screen with a small role in 2001’s The Mummy Returns. In the 15 years since, he’s used his action hero physique, deep voice and on-screen charisma to climb the ranks of Hollywood, claiming the title this year of the world’s highest-paid actor, with total earnings of $64.5 million and the 19th spot on FORBES’ Celebrity 100 list.

“I can kick arse better than anyone on the planet,” Johnson said in 2012, the year he debuted on the Celebrity 100. “And I have a decent smile.”

What Johnson managed to do—parlay his original career into a lucrative “second act”—is rarely done successfully. Just think of all the forgotten celebrities who pop up on reality TV or as hosts of various award shows. But some on our Celeb 100 list have managed to come back with a new groove—and mint millions while while doing it.

What Johnson has pulled off with that arse-kicking and grinning —parlay his original career into a lucrative “second act”—is rarely done successfully and takes time. He transitioned from ensemble roles in films like Fast and Furious to be a box office draw, as evidenced in his $472 million grossing star vehicle San Andreas—from which he likely got a hefty backend cut.

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