33) STEVE CARELL

RANK LAST YEAR: Not ranked.

TITLE: Stevie Wonder.

CAREER DOMESTIC BOX OFFICE: $545 million.

2005 BOX OFFICE: $172 million.

STATUS REPORT: After 15 years of supporting roles—most recently in Anchorman and Bewitched, alongside pal Will Ferrell—the 42-year-old finally popped his movie-star cherry in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, single-handedly leading the sleeper comedy to an eyebrow-raising $109 million gross. Voiced Hammy the Squirrel in Over the Hedge.

NEXT: Little Miss Sunshine, Bruce Almighty sequel Evan Almighty (Carell played Jim Carrey’s rival in the original), Get Smart.

YES, IT’S TRUE: Universal was disappointed with Virgin’s early dailies.