Friday January 4, 2008

Film star Johnny Depp has been named the actor who made the most money for cinema owners in 2007.

The annual survey by Quigley Publishing Co revealed Depp took the top spot for the second year in a row thanks to roles in blockbusters “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”.

Depp, 44, helped bring in ticket sales of more than $340m (£172m) in tickets across the US.

The poll, conducted every year since 1932, asks movie exhibitors to vote for the 10 stars who generated the most box-office revenue for their cinemas.

Will Smith, now starring in “I Am Legend,” came second on the list, followed by George Clooney, Matt Damon, Denzel

Washington, Russell Crowe, Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage, Will Ferrell and Tom Hanks.It was the first list in 24 years that did not included a female star in the top 10, the pollsters said.

Depp first appeared on the register in number six in 2003 and he was second to Tom Cruise in 2005.

And while Cruise came seventh this year, he has taken the top spot seven tims in the past.

Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds and Bing Crosby all finished first five times in years gone by. This is the 76th annual Quigley poll.