Benicio Del Toro Speaking Fee: $100,000 to $125,000

Benicio del Toro, born on February 19, 1967, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, is a distinguished actor and producer renowned for his compelling performances and dedication to his craft. Raised in a family of lawyers, del Toro experienced a significant loss at the age of nine when his mother passed away. This profound event led to a relocation to Pennsylvania during his teenage years, where he attended Mercersburg Academy. Initially pursuing a business degree at the University of California, San Diego, he discovered his passion for acting and subsequently studied under the tutelage of Stella Adler in Los Angeles and at the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City. Del Toro's early career featured roles in films such as "License to Kill" (1989) and "The Indian Runner" (1991). His portrayal of Fred Fenster in "The Usual Suspects" (1995) garnered critical acclaim, earning him an Independent Spirit Award. He continued to build his reputation with performances in "Basquiat" (1996) and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998), showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. In 2000, del Toro's role as Javier Rodriguez in Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic" earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award. He further demonstrated his range with a poignant performance in "21 Grams" (2003), which led to another Academy Award nomination. His commitment to complex characters was evident in his portrayal of Che Guevara in "Che" (2008), a role that won him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Beyond his work in independent cinema, del Toro has made notable contributions to mainstream franchises. He portrayed the Collector in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014) and "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018). Additionally, he took on the role of DJ in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017), further cementing his status as a versatile actor capable of navigating both independent and blockbuster projects. Del Toro's dedication to his craft and his ability to embody a wide array of characters have solidified his place among the most respected actors of his generation. His journey from Puerto Rico to Hollywood serves as an inspiring testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for storytelling.