The Silent Stars · 1910s
Top-earning actor
$1,075,000
First National deal, eight filmsDeal
About $27 million in 2025 dollars
In June 1917 First National agreed to pay more than $1 million for eight short comedies, the first million-dollar contract for an actor.
Top-earning actress
≈ $676,000
$13,000 a week, annualizedEstimate
About $17 million in 2025 dollars
The Broadway star signed with Metro Pictures in 1917 for $13,000 a week, more per week than Pickford, and with unusual control over her films.
By U.S. theatrical rentals, the studios' share of ticket sales
$1 million
$446,000
$425,000
Neither top earner was in one of the year's three biggest films.
