Here's why:
* 1923: Valentino signed a contract with Famous Players-Lasky (later Paramount Pictures) that reportedly guaranteed him a salary of $1 million over a period of five years.
* Landmark Deal: This deal was groundbreaking at the time, making Valentino the first actor to command such a high salary.
* Impact on the Industry: His contract significantly boosted the public's awareness of actors' earning power and marked a shift in the industry's financial landscape.
It's important to note:
* Contract Details: The exact details of Valentino's contract, including the specific salary structure, are subject to some debate. Some sources mention a higher overall sum, while others provide more specific details about the annual payments.
* Other Million-Dollar Contracts: There might have been earlier million-dollar deals for other actors, but Valentino's contract was certainly one of the first, if not *the* first, to be widely publicized and make headlines.
Ultimately, while the precise title of "first million-dollar contract" may remain elusive, Rudolph Valentino's 1923 deal with Famous Players-Lasky stands as a landmark moment in Hollywood history, signifying the rise of the "star system" and the immense financial value of a successful actor.