Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. On top of having an Oscar to his name and being a world-famous celebrity, for many years, he was the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There is no denying that the success he achieved as Iron Man has continued to help him, even after his exit from the franchise.
![Robert Downey Jr. in a still from Iron Man 2](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/26032350/ironman2-RDJ-compressed.jpg)
One can only assume that an actor as successful as Downey would also be very well off. The truth is not far from this assumption, as all of his films have gained an impressive amount of money.
![Robert Downey Jr. in a still from Oppenheimer](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/10010944/rdjo.jpg)
However, many of his fans would be surprised to know that a figure that took Downey his entire career, was achieved by Ryan Reynolds in a matter of years.
Robert Downey Jr’s Films Are Worth A Lot
Through his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. has been involved in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. Although his work before wasn’t as high-profile, there is no denying that his respect as an actor has only grown since his exit from the billion-dollar franchise.
![Robert Downey Jr in Iron Man suit](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/29023743/rdj-iron-man.jpg)
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was also impressive at the box office, making over $957 million worldwide, according to Forbes. This, on top of all his Marvel credits, brings the overall gross of his films to an impressive figure.
His first role ever was in the 1970 film Pound. In the 54 years of his career, all of Downey’s films have managed to make around $14 billion, according to The Numbers. This makes him the third-highest-grossing actor of all time, behind Scarlett Johannson and Samuel L. Jackson.
Ryan Reynolds’ Success Did Not Take As Much Time
When it comes to income in Hollywood, many actors often look for external pursuits to make more profits. Ryan Reynolds is the same in this. While Robert Downey Jr. spent 54 years to reach a number as high as $14 billion for all of his films collectively, Reynolds has managed to achieve the same figure, if not more, in far less time. All with the help of his five business ventures.
![Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in FX's Welcome to Wrexham | Image via FX Press Room](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/28233021/pre_90508e566eff23c06d7db464285f363c-scaled.jpg)
It was reported by Mario Peshev on X that, after quite a lot of research, he has calculated that Reynolds has made over $14 billion through his non-acting-related forms of income. The actor has been closely associated with five different companies, be it through a partnership or via a stake.
Ryan's business empire of $14B spans across industries:
• Sports (Wrexham AFC)
• Tech (1Password, Mint Mobile)
• Food & beverage (Aviation Gin)
• Automobile (Alpine F1 racing team)
• Creative (Maximum Effort Productions)His secret? A genius, hands-on approach to marketing… pic.twitter.com/WUaFCijx30
— Mario Peshev (@no_fear_inc) May 28, 2024
He founded a production company named Maximum Effort, and they have been a part of several of his most iconic films. He owns stock in the Formula One Alpine F1 Team, and also has an ownership stake in Mint Mobile. Finally, his two most well-known partnerships are with Aviation Gin and Wrexham AFC.
![Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in FX's Welcome to Wrexham | Image via FX Press Room](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/28232930/pre_63cb5ee5e02c1611daf747097380cdde-scaled.jpg)
It is safe to say that all of these business ventures have been very fruitful for him and have helped him gain an immense amount of success in a span of just a few years. All of these collectively helped him build an empire that is worth more than $14 billion, something that took Downey an entire career’s worth of time.