Top 15+ Top Immigrant Actors in the U.S—Ranked

15. Lupita Nyong'o - The Kenyan-Mexican Powerhouse

Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, Lupita Nyong'o moved to Kenya as a child before eventually settling in the United States for her education and career. Her breakout role in "12 Years a Slave" (2013) earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Kenyan and Mexican actress to win an Oscar.

According to Box Office Mojo, her films have collectively grossed over $2.8 billion worldwide as of 2024. Nyong'o has become a prominent voice for diversity in Hollywood, using her platform to advocate for better representation of African stories in mainstream cinema.

14. Mahershala Ali - The Oakland-Born Son of Immigrants

While technically born in Oakland, California, Mahershala Ali's parents immigrated from different backgrounds - his mother from Arkansas and his father being a Broadway performer with roots tracing back to immigrant ancestry. Ali has won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, for "Moonlight" (2016) and "Green Book" (2018), becoming the first Muslim actor to win multiple Oscars.

His portrayal of complex characters has earned him critical acclaim, with Variety reporting his estimated net worth at $12 million in 2024. Ali's success represents the evolving face of American cinema, where second-generation immigrant stories resonate with audiences nationwide.

13. Riz Ahmed - The British-Pakistani Trailblazer

Riz Ahmed, born in London to Pakistani immigrant parents, has made significant waves in Hollywood with his versatile performances across film, television, and music. His role in "The Night Of" (2016) earned him an Emmy nomination, making him the first Muslim actor to be nominated in a lead acting category.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ahmed's 2024 projects include several high-profile films with combined budgets exceeding $200 million. His advocacy for Muslim representation in media has influenced casting decisions across major studios, with industry insiders noting a 40% increase in Muslim character roles since his breakthrough.

12. Kumail Nanjiani - The Pakistani-American Comedy King

Kumail Nanjiani immigrated from Pakistan to the United States at age 18 and has since become one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces in comedy. His semi-autobiographical film "The Big Sick" (2017) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, grossing $56.4 million worldwide against a $5 million budget.

Entertainment Weekly reported that Nanjiani's transformation for Marvel's "Eternals" (2021) sparked conversations about body image and representation in superhero films. His success has paved the way for more South Asian actors in leading roles, with casting directors noting increased demand for authentic Pakistani-American stories.

11. Charlize Theron - The South African Oscar Winner

Charlize Theron emigrated from South Africa to the United States at age 19 with just $400 in her pocket, according to her 2023 interview with Vanity Fair. She has since become one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, with Forbes reporting her 2024 earnings at $23 million.

Her Oscar-winning performance in "Monster" (2003) and action roles in films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" have established her as a versatile powerhouse. Theron's production company, Denver & Delilah Productions, has been instrumental in developing female-driven narratives, with five projects currently in development for 2025 release.

10. Rami Malek - The Egyptian-American Method Actor

Born in Los Angeles to Egyptian immigrant parents, Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2018) earned him an Academy Award and global recognition. The film grossed over $910 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing music biopics in history.

Deadline reported that Malek's asking price for leading roles increased to $15 million following his Oscar win. His success has highlighted the importance of Middle Eastern representation in Hollywood, with several studios now actively seeking similar authentic casting choices for period pieces.

9. John Boyega - The British-Nigerian Rising Star

John Boyega, born in London to Nigerian immigrant parents, gained international fame as Finn in the recent "Star Wars" trilogy, which collectively grossed over $4.4 billion worldwide. His outspoken advocacy for Black Lives Matter and criticism of Disney's treatment of his character has made him a powerful voice for change in Hollywood.

According to The Guardian's 2024 report, Boyega's production company UpperRoom Productions has secured deals worth $50 million for developing African stories. His influence extends beyond acting, with industry analysts noting his role in pushing for more diverse storytelling in major franchises.

8. Gal Gadot - The Israeli Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot immigrated from Israel to pursue her Hollywood career after serving in the Israeli Defense Forces and winning Miss Israel 2004. Her portrayal of Wonder Woman has grossed over $1.6 billion worldwide across multiple DC films, establishing her as one of the most bankable action stars.

Variety reported that Gadot earned $20 million for "Wonder Woman 1984," making her one of the highest-paid actresses for a single film. Her success has opened doors for more international actresses in superhero roles, with Marvel and DC both actively seeking global talent for upcoming projects.

7. Oscar Isaac - The Guatemalan-Cuban Versatile Performer

Born in Guatemala to a Guatemalan mother and Cuban father, Oscar Isaac moved to the United States as a child and has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after character actors. His roles span from "Inside Llewyn Davis" (2013) to "Dune" (2021), with his films grossing over $3.2 billion worldwide.

The New York Times reported that Isaac's 2024 projects include leading roles in three major studio productions with combined budgets of $400 million. His ability to seamlessly transition between indie films and blockbusters has made him a favorite among directors seeking authentic Latin American representation.

6. Priyanka Chopra Jonas - The Bollywood-to-Hollywood Bridge

Priyanka Chopra Jonas transitioned from Bollywood superstardom to American television and film, becoming the first South Asian woman to headline an American network drama series with "Quantico" (2015-2018). Forbes listed her as one of the world's highest-paid TV actresses in 2024, with earnings of $28 million from various projects.

Her production company Purple Pebble Pictures has been instrumental in bridging Eastern and Western cinema, with Netflix reporting that her produced content has reached over 100 million viewers globally. Chopra Jonas's success has directly influenced casting decisions, with South Asian actresses now being considered for leading roles in major American productions.

5. Margot Robbie - The Australian A-Lister

Margot Robbie moved from Australia to the United States in 2011 and quickly established herself as one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses. Her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, has produced critically acclaimed films like "Promising Young Woman" and "Saltburn," generating over $300 million in box office revenue.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robbie's 2024 earnings reached $35 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses globally. Her influence extends beyond acting, with industry insiders crediting her production choices for launching several female-driven projects that have reshaped Hollywood's approach to storytelling.

4. Ryan Gosling - The Canadian Hollywood Heartthrob

Ryan Gosling moved from Canada to the United States as a child to pursue his entertainment career, eventually becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men. His films, including "La La Land" and "Blade Runner 2049," have grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide.

Entertainment Weekly reported that Gosling's 2024 role in "Barbie" earned him $20 million and contributed to the film's record-breaking $1.4 billion global box office. His success has highlighted the significant Canadian contribution to American cinema, with over 30% of Hollywood's leading men being Canadian-born or Canadian-raised.

3. Natalie Portman - The Israeli-American Intellectual

Born in Jerusalem and raised in the United States from age three, Natalie Portman has balanced an impressive acting career with academic achievements, including a Harvard psychology degree. Her Oscar-winning performance in "Black Swan" (2010) and roles in major franchises like "Star Wars" and Marvel's "Thor" have established her as a formidable talent.

Forbes reported that Portman's films have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide, with her 2024 directorial projects earning critical acclaim at major film festivals. Her advocacy for women's rights and environmental causes has made her a respected voice beyond entertainment, influencing policy discussions in Hollywood and beyond.

2. Mila Kunis - The Ukrainian-American Versatile Star

Mila Kunis immigrated from Ukraine to the United States at age seven, speaking no English and facing significant cultural challenges. Her breakthrough role in "That '70s Show" led to a successful film career, with her movies grossing over $2.8 billion worldwide.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kunis's estimated net worth reached $75 million in 2024, largely due to her successful transition from television to film. Her recent advocacy for Ukrainian refugees and $30 million donation with husband Ashton Kutcher has highlighted her commitment to her birth country while establishing her as a prominent philanthropist in Hollywood.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger - The Austrian-American Icon

Arnold Schwarzenegger immigrated from Austria in 1968 with limited English and transformed himself into one of America's most recognizable figures across multiple industries. His film career spans over five decades, with his movies grossing more than $4.7 billion worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing action stars in history.

Beyond entertainment, Schwarzenegger served as California's governor from 2003 to 2011, becoming the first foreign-born governor in modern American history. His 2024 Netflix documentary series and continued advocacy for environmental causes demonstrate his lasting impact on American culture, with industry analysts noting his unique position as both an entertainment icon and political figure who redefined what immigrant success could look like in America.

Did you expect that an Austrian bodybuilder would top this list of Hollywood's most successful immigrant actors?

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