Highest-Paid.net

Hollywood has once again proven to be an unfair town. While they’re not exactly impoverished, these female performers aren’t raking in the dough like their male counterparts. Gender issues aside, these are the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.

5. Gwyneth Paltrow – $25 million

Born in LA to actress Blythe Danner and director/writer/producer Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth Paltrow started acting professionally at 18, making her film debut in Shout (1991). In her breakthrough role, she played wife to Brad Pitt in Se7en (1995). Most recently, she played Robert Downey, Jr.’s capable assistant in Iron Man (2008)—a role she is reprising in the 2010 sequel.

4. Reese Witherspoon – $25 million

At the age of fourteen, Louisiana native Reese Witherspoon auditioned for a bit part in The Man in the Moon (1991). Instead, she landed the lead role. She garnered worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (2001). That film’s sequel, despite poor reviews, made her one of Hollywood’s highest paid actresses.

3. Jennifer Aniston $27 – million

With only a number of failed television shows and the poorly received Leprechaun (1992) under her belt, Jennifer Aniston almost quit acting altogether. Her role in Friends (1994-2004), however, ensured her continued career. She is mostly known for comedies such as Office Space (1999) and romantic comedies such as The Break-Up (2006).

2. Keira Knightley – $32 million

The only non-American actress on the list, Keira Knightley’s first role was a small part in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999). Cast for her resemblance to lead actress Natalie Portman, she played a decoy meant to deflect assassination attempts. Since then, she has become a lead actress in her own right and went on to star in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (2003-2007) with fellow highest paid thespian Johnny Depp.

1. Cameron Diaz – $50 million

Hollywood’s highest paid actress as of this year, Cameron Diaz spent five years as a fashion model before landing the lead female role in The Mask (1994). She won her first award, a Golden Globe for Best Actress–Musical or Comedy, for There’s Something about Mary (1998). She has since starred in Charlie’s Angels (2000), Vanilla Sky (2001) and the Shrek (2001-2010) trilogy, among others.