You're right Johnny. I didn't mean to put it that way. As a skill I'm sure it's very high. When it's elevated to true 'art' it's beyond reproach.
Many of them, like DiNiro have definitely earned their pay.
I'm sure there is more to it than just being a clown. I'm sure any of them spend time in trenches so deep we can't imagine. Waiting on tables, commited to following a niaeve dream when they could just give up and go make a middle class wage.
In those instances where percevierience and the true skill of an artist is involved, they have probably deserved all that pay and that wealth. They were bold and did what not many of us would not.
But I guess I had a different caliber in mind when I wrote that initial post. Many of them have opportunity handed to them and they're just not that great.
Tell me this ... is a popular actor that is loved by millions... but always plays the 'same role'... plays basically the same guy (girl) in every movie... still a great actor?
I think sometimes we overvalue their ability. I see likable actors who have charisma but no range.
Some of the great character actors come to mind.