Sherlock Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in the Detective World, Ranked

The world of Sherlock has attracted some of the biggest stars on the planet, from headline movie leads to long running television icons. Many of these performers built fortunes that extend far beyond Baker Street thanks to box office hits, prestige series, savvy producing deals, and work that ranges from theater to voice acting.

This countdown looks at actors who played key roles across modern Sherlock films and series along with a few classic turns. Each entry highlights the projects, contracts, and career moves that shaped their earnings power, from franchise paydays to production companies and brand work.

Amanda Abbington

Amanda Abbington played Mary Watson in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’ across multiple seasons, turning a recurring role into a central arc that expanded her profile in the UK and internationally. The series sold strongly worldwide, with robust DVD and streaming licensing that helped cast members through negotiated fees across the run.

Outside the detective world she has sustained income through British television dramas, stage work, and regular appearances on entertainment programming. That mix of scripted roles and live performances provides reliable earnings alongside convention appearances and touring theater.

Rupert Graves

Rupert Graves portrayed Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade in ‘Sherlock’ and remained a fixture throughout the show. Long series residencies deliver steady episode fees, appearance payments, and participation in press tours that often come with negotiated bonuses.

His broader career includes decades of film and television work, from period pieces to contemporary thrillers. That longevity creates a diversified income stream, complemented by stage roles that keep his schedule active between screen projects.

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss co created ‘Sherlock’, wrote multiple episodes, and played Mycroft Holmes on screen. That combination of writing, acting, and executive producing generates several revenue lines within the same property, including script fees and producer compensation across international sales.

Beyond Baker Street he has written for and appeared in ‘Doctor Who’ and built success with ‘The League of Gentlemen’, as well as frequent stage work. A portfolio that spans authorship, development, and performance supports long term financial stability.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott’s turn as Jim Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ became one of modern television’s most recognizable villains. While the role was not in every episode, prestige exposure at a global scale elevates quote levels for future films, series, and stage productions.

He has since led acclaimed projects such as ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Ripley’, along with feature work in franchises and independent films. This mix of lead roles and high profile supporting parts sustains premium rates and regular awards season visibility that strengthens negotiating leverage.

Natalie Dormer

Natalie Dormer appeared in ‘Elementary’ as Irene Adler and Moriarty, anchoring major twists across the series. Network procedural work provides strong per episode earnings during long broadcast seasons and keeps residuals flowing through syndication and streaming.

Her career includes prominent roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Hunger Games’, plus stage and audio projects. That blend of global franchises and steady television builds durable earning potential across markets and formats.

Kelly Reilly

Kelly Reilly played Mary Morstan in the Guy Ritchie film ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and returned in the sequel. Big studio releases bring strong upfront fees and extensive international exposure that supports long term career momentum.

She later became a lead in the hit series ‘Yellowstone’, where multi season contracts and renegotiations significantly increase compensation over time. Feature films, limited series, and brand partnerships round out a schedule that balances prestige and mainstream appeal.

Jared Harris

Jared Harris portrayed Professor Moriarty in ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’, a global box office success that kept the franchise in the spotlight. Studio villain roles often command premium rates for sequels and event films.

He subsequently led ‘Chernobyl’ and joined ‘The Crown’ and ‘Foundation’, projects that deliver top tier television compensation and international reach. Consistent work across respected series and features sustains reliable income and strengthens future deal terms.

Jonny Lee Miller

Jonny Lee Miller starred as Sherlock Holmes in ‘Elementary’ across seven seasons, a run that yields substantial per episode earnings and residuals. Long term network leads also create opportunities for directing episodes and negotiating step ups.

His film work includes ‘Trainspotting’ and a wide range of independent features, while theater roles keep his profile high between screen projects. Mastering a steady television lead alongside film and stage provides a balanced financial base.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu co led ‘Elementary’ as Joan Watson through the full series, earning strong network television compensation over many years. She also directed multiple episodes, adding directing fees and valuable experience that opens future opportunities.

Her broader career spans ‘Charlie’s Angels’, the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise, and frequent voice work. Voice acting in successful animated series and films produces ongoing residual income while demanding fewer on set days than live action projects.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams appeared as Irene Adler in ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’, two high earning studio films. Major franchise participation supports higher quotes for subsequent features and premium placement in marketing campaigns.

Her career features a steady slate of hits such as ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Spotlight’, and ‘Doctor Strange’, plus acclaimed limited series work. A dependable mix of studio releases and prestige projects creates consistent demand and strong negotiating power.

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman’s John Watson in ‘Sherlock’ became a signature television role with international distribution. The series success boosted rates for future projects and added recurring income from home entertainment and streaming deals.

He later headlined ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in multiple films and series. Franchise work across two major universes provides substantial earnings and maintains visibility with global audiences.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown leads ‘Enola Holmes’ and its sequel, serving both as star and producer. Producer credits add a second revenue stream on top of acting fees and position her to participate in development and rights.

She is also a principal in the beauty brand Florence by Mills and holds producer deals for film and television. Combining entrepreneurship with flagship series work on ‘Stranger Things’ creates diversified income beyond single project paychecks.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry played Mycroft Holmes in ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and remains a familiar face to global audiences. He has hosted long running television programs and narrated bestselling audiobooks, both of which generate steady income over time.

Fry’s career includes authorship, documentary work, and frequent voice acting for animation and games. Multiple creative lanes ensure recurring fees from publishing, broadcasting, and licensing across the English speaking world.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch’s lead role in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’ propelled him to global stardom and premium television rates. The show’s strong sales and cultural impact supported higher quotes and award circuit momentum.

He later anchored ‘Doctor Strange’ across several Marvel films and series, with franchise agreements that raise compensation on each installment. His company SunnyMarch produces film and television, adding development and producer income to his acting portfolio.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen starred in ‘Mr. Holmes’, bringing his stage and screen gravitas to the role. Feature leads and prestige limited runs provide solid fees while preserving time for theater seasons that keep demand high.

He remains a cornerstone of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X Men’ franchises and continues to work on stage and screen. Conventions, readings, and special events add appearance income alongside royalties and residuals from decades of work.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter appears in the ‘Enola Holmes’ films as Eudoria Holmes, adding a popular family franchise to an already strong resume. Lead and pivotal supporting roles in studio features keep quotes high across genres.

Her career includes ‘Harry Potter’, major collaborations with Tim Burton, and extensive television work such as ‘The Crown’. Continued demand in both film and prestige TV sustains premium compensation and long term residuals.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill plays Sherlock Holmes in the ‘Enola Holmes’ films while leading multiple global franchises. Feature lead deals and streaming film packages provide substantial upfront pay and ongoing visibility.

He has anchored ‘Man of Steel’ as Superman and starred in ‘The Witcher’, which delivered top tier series compensation. His move into developing ‘Warhammer 40,000’ as a producer and star adds ownership and backend potential to future earnings.

Jude Law

Jude Law portrayed Dr John Watson in two Guy Ritchie films that performed strongly worldwide. High grossing features support seven figure paydays and improved terms for sequels and endorsements.

Beyond the detective universe he has led in ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, joined the Wizarding World, and entered the Marvel universe. A stable mix of studio franchises and award nominated roles maintains a strong market rate across film and television.

Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell headlined ‘Holmes & Watson’, adding the detective brand to his long list of studio comedies. Lead roles in wide releases carry strong upfront compensation and participation in performance based bonuses.

Outside acting he co founded production banners and invested in sports ownership with Los Angeles FC. Producing profits, live shows, and recurring brand partnerships supplement film income and create long horizon revenue.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr led ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’, both major box office successes. Lead deals on franchise films provide high upfront pay and performance based bonuses tied to global grosses.

His long run as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe included escalating salaries and backend participation across multiple films. He also develops projects through Team Downey, adding producer fees and ownership stakes that extend earnings beyond acting.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which Sherlock world star you think belongs on this rich list.