10 Celebrities Who Were Paid Not to Work

TAO New York 10th Anniversary Party

Many people secretly – or not so secretly – wish they could get paid for doing absolutely nothing.  While work can provide people with a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, it is often time-consuming and tedious.  For many celebrities, this idea of getting paid to do nothing has become a reality.  Whether it be being paid in full for a project that fell through, or making a living just by existing and allowing others to watch, there are many celebrities who are bringing in the bucks just for being themselves. While the amount of money varies, it’s safe to say that celebrities have the potential to make more money not working than some people do by working 40 hours a week.  Here are 10 celebrities who were paid not to work.

(Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

"24: Live Another Day" Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals

10.  Keifer Sutherland

Keifer Sutherland was once half of one of Hollywood’s hottest couples.  During the early 90s when he and actress Julia Roberts dated and eventually got engaged, they quickly became a fan favorite. In an effort to capitalize off of their relationship, the couple was set to star in a film together.  However, when the couple’s relationship ended, it was clear that the film wasn’t going to work out.  To avoid conflicts on set, Sutherland was reportedly paid a whopping $3 million dollars to leave the film.  Although his part was intended to be recast, the film never made it to production.

 (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)

Special Screening Of "G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra" - Arrivals

9. Marlon Wayans

It may be hard to imagine funny guy Marlon Wayans as a superhero sidekick, but that was almost the case. In 1995 he was cast in the role of Robin in the 1995 film Batman Forever. However, in the middle of the film’s production, there was a change in directors which ultimately resulted in Wayans losing the role.  Despite never actually appearing in the film, Wayans still received payment for the film.

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

tumblr_n4vk06VUwc1t04ld8o2_1280

8. Bob Haskins

Robert De Niro will go down in history for his roles in mobster films.  However, there’s one film that he almost missed out on.  Although De Niro was originally casted for the role of Al Capone in the 1987 film, The Untouchables, he eventually turned the role down.  As a result, Bob Haskins, the second choice for the role, was offered the job.  Unfortunately for Haskins, De Niro changed his mind and decided that he would like to appear in the film, leaving Haskins without a part in the film.  Although Haskins lost out on the job, he didn’t lose out on a paycheck, and was paid to be bought out of his contract

(Photo courtesy of Tumblr)

"The Rover" Premiere - The 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival

7. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton may be an extremely accomplished business woman now, but that wasn’t always the case.  As an heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune, Hilton has received money all of her life without actually having to work.

 (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Viacom Winter TCA 2015

6. Hilary Duff

According to sources, Hilary Duff was supposed to appear in a 2011 remake of Bonnie and Clyde.  However, she is believed to have lost out on the role because she was pregnant at the time.  Although losing the role probably wasn’t the best thing for her career, it certainly didn’t do any harm to her pockets.  Duff reportedly received $100,000 for the role, even though she never actually appeared in the film.

 (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for Viacom)

Celebrity Front Row Day 5 - LFW Autumn/Winter 2011

5. Amber Rose

When Amber Rose began dating Kanye West in 2008, many sources reported that she was a model – although no one had ever seen or heard of her before. Over the years, Rose’s modeling career hasn’t really seemed to grow, but the 0’s in her bank account sure have.  Although it’s still not quite clear what Rose does for work, or if she works at all, she is certainly getting paid.  It seems like a substantial part of her income is generated through hosting events and appearing at clubs.

(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

James Garner Portrait Shoot

4. James Garner

Legendary star James Garner appeared in a slew of successful films throughout his career, and was often in high demand. However, in 1960, a role that Garner landed fell through after Warner Bros. studio was affected by the writer’s strike.  Although Garner had signed a play-or-pay contract which entitled him to his money, the studio initially refused to pay.  Fortunately for Garner, Warner Bros. backed down when he pursued legal action, and he was paid even though things never panned out with the film.

(Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Gov. Schwarzenegger Addresses State's Green Technology Programs

3. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most well-known action film stars of all time.  But, in Hollywood even a career full of hit movies, isn’t always a guarantee of things to come. During the early 90s, Schwarzenegger was set to star in a film titled Crusades; however, after the film’s budget continued to grow beyond belief, it was shelved and never produced. Although the film never came to be, Schwarzenegger could have made $15 million on the film, as designated in his contract.  However, he opted to leave the money in exchange to the rights to the script, and he hopes to one day complete the film.

 (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Kate Gosselin Book Signing For "Eight Little Faces"

2. Kate Gosselin

Reality TV star and mother of eight, Kate Gosselin, seems to be doing pretty well financially.  For appearing in her reality TV show, Kate Plus 8, she is bringing in approximately $40,000 per episode.  Although there’s no denying the fact that raising children is the equivalent to having a full-time job, Gosselin’s mothering skills have often been called to question – suggesting that she isn’t really doing much work in the parenting department. Other than the show, Gosselin doesn’t seem to have any other source of income, and doesn’t appear to be looking either.

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Cinema For Peace Event Benefitting J/P Haitian Relief Organization In Los Angeles - Red Carpet

1. Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian deserves credit for taking her 15 minutes of fame and turning it into a sound career.  However, when she first hit the public scene, she was a relatively unknown semi-sociliate who essentially landed a reality TV series for appearing in a homemade adult film.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For J/P Haitian Relief Organization and Cinema For Peace)

Similar Posts