Every Movie Where Animals Got Paid More Than Actors

Animals in movies often steal the show with their charm and talent. But did you know some animal actors earn more than their human co-stars? This happens when animals are the main draw or require special training and care. From dogs to bears, these creatures sometimes outshine and out-earn even the biggest Hollywood names.

This article lists movies where animals were paid more than some human actors. We’ll explore the films, the animals, and why their paychecks were bigger. Get ready for surprising stories about Hollywood’s furry and feathered stars.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Terry, a Cairn Terrier, played Toto, Dorothy’s loyal companion in ‘The Wizard of Oz’. She earned $125 per week, which was more than some human actors got. The Munchkins, for example, were paid around $50 per week. Terry’s pay was high because she was in almost every scene and needed skilled training.

Her role wasn’t easy. Terry suffered a broken foot when an actor accidentally stepped on her. She recovered at Judy Garland’s home and continued filming. Her big paycheck showed how vital she was to the movie’s success.

Lassie Come Home (1943)

Pal, a Rough Collie, starred as Lassie in ‘Lassie Come Home’. He reportedly earned $250 per week, outpacing a young Elizabeth Taylor, who made $100 per week in one of her first roles. Pal’s high salary came from being the film’s main star and a proven audience draw.

Pal’s training and reliability made him valuable. He performed complex scenes and launched a franchise that lasted decades. His pay reflected his importance to the studio and the film’s success.

The Lighthouse by the Sea (1924)

Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd, was a silent film star who earned $1,000 per week for ‘The Lighthouse by the Sea’. His human co-star, William Collier Jr., made only $150 per week. Rin Tin Tin’s massive paycheck was due to his fame and ability to save Warner Bros. from bankruptcy.

Found on a World War I battlefield, Rin Tin Tin became a Hollywood icon. His films drew huge crowds, and his salary showed how much studios valued his star power over human actors.

The Bear (1988)

Bart, a Kodiak bear, was the star of ‘The Bear’ and earned around $1 million for his role. Many human actors in the film made far less, as Bart was the main attraction. His high pay came from his unique skills and the rarity of a trained bear in Hollywood.

Bart worked with stars like Anthony Hopkins in other films, but his role in ‘The Bear’ was huge. His trainers ensured he could perform safely, which added to his value and justified his massive paycheck.

Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)

In the low-budget film ‘Manos: The Hands of Fate’, a Doberman played the Master’s familiar. The dog’s owner, Jackey Neyman Jones, who played Debbie, said the dog was paid with a 50-pound bag of food. No human actors, except Jackey, received any payment due to the film’s tiny $19,000 budget.

This bizarre case shows how even a bag of dog food was more than what most actors got. The Doberman’s “payment” was practical, as it supported the animal’s care, unlike the unpaid cast.

Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Asta, a Wire Fox Terrier named Skippy, played a key role in ‘Bringing Up Baby’ alongside Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. He earned up to $250 per week, while his trainer made just $60. Asta’s pay was higher than some supporting actors because of his comedic timing and scene-stealing antics.

Asta’s charm made him a fan favorite in multiple films, including ‘The Thin Man’ series. His high salary reflected his ability to perform tricks and add humor, outshining some human co-stars.

What’s your favorite animal actor moment from these films? Share your thoughts in the comments below!