Getting an acting project in Hollywood is a fierce business, let alone being recognized for it. There are millions of struggling actors aiming to score that one spot under some big production banner. You need exceptional skills as well as sheer luck to land a big movie. While most are racing to become a film star, some find the small screen more attractive. Several actors have built a successful career out of just one series. Appearing on the big screen today does not promise a film project tomorrow. But in case of series, these actors are making thousands and millions of dollars per episode for at least eight seasons. Here are 10 highest paid TV actors of Hollywood series.
Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston
Reese and Jennifer are the most beloved queens of both big and small screens. The actors have smitten billions of fans with their exceptional acting and charming personalities. So, fireworks were inevitable when two such powerful stars reunited on “The Morning Show”. Reese’ critical-acclamation and Jennifer’s ability to break Instagram made it possible for them to charge $ 2 Million per episode.
Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld was the face as well as the backbone of the classic sitcom “Seinfeld”. He made the most contributions to the show as the starring actor, creator and writer. By practically being one of the prime reasons behind the show’s growing viewership, the network rewarded him with a whopping amount of $2,364,862 per episode. Not just that, when the actor decided to end the show, NBC tried to convince him to stay by offering $ 5 Million.
Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon
Not everyone can retain their fame like these two strong actors, Reese and Nicole. They graced Hollywood since they were young and new with some classic hits. These actors have only climbed up the ladder over the years without looking back even once in their career. The women dabbled their feet in the small screen after a long time with “Big Little Lies”. And boy did they steal the spotlight again. Both these divas have embellished their bank accounts and homes with $1 Million per episode and numerous awards, respectively.
Cast of Friends
As an immortal sitcom with a crazy viewership that still breaks the graph, it’s safe to say that “Friends” was the hen that laid golden eggs. It made actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc iconic names in the history of entertainment. The show ran from 1994 to 2004, but it still attracts new viewers every day and sees itself on almost every merchandise. Each and every actor was the life of “Friends” and managed to bag $1Million.
Charlie Sheen
Sheen may have got the boot from the small screen, but he is still the most talked-about actors amongst series fanatics. He was the star and fuel of the hit show “Two and a Half Men”. Before his notorious life came in the spotlight, Charlie Harper was the one who magnetized millions of audience. He had a pretty golden time by earning $1.8 Million per episode.
The Cast of Big Bang Theory
“Big Bang Theory” is one of the few sitcoms that came toe to toe with “Friends” in terms of popularity. It started with a niche audience but eventually expanded to a wider fanbase. Each character became a fan favourite for their quirks and wits. The gang of Kaley Cuoco’s Penny, Jim Parson’s Sheldon Cooper, Johnny Galecki’s Leonard, Kunal Nayyar’s Raj Koothrappali, and Simon Helberg’s Howard used to make a whopping $1 Million from each episode. After Melissa Raunch’s Bernadette and Mayim Bialiks’s Amy joined the team, the original cast agreed to get a pay cut of $100,000. So each star cast settled for $900,000 per episode.
Michael C. Hall
One of the frustratingly hottest bad guys on the screen was Dexter. Michael C. Hall played the titular anti-hero in “Dexter” who was a forensic technician/criminal-slasher. Whoever was hooked on this 2006 mystery couldn’t get enough of Michael’s face. He became a teen sensation overnight and earned himself about $830,000 per episode.
Elisabeth Moss
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is one of the best discoveries for series fanatics in recent years. It is a futuristic story based on Margaret Atwood’s novel with horrifying and chilly episodes. Elizabeth Moss is the protagonist and the producer of this critical and commercial success. So far, it has released 3 seasons and Moss’ powerful acting has blown away our minds. She is reportedly making $1 Million per episode from the show.
Ray Romano
Ray Romano’s paycheck could tell how much everybody loved him on “Everybody Loves Raymond”. He started with $800,000 when the sitcom took off in 1996. Ray Barone immediately won a spot in everyone’s heart with his wit and optimism. This catapulted the actor’s stardom and his salary to $1.8 million per episode.
Tim Allen
Tim Allen was a household name throughout the ‘90s for his popular sitcom “Home Improvement”. The show centred on a TV host named, Tim Taylor, who waded through his everyday life of raising three notorious kids with the help of his co-host, controlling wife and a neighbour. Allen’s character became so endearing to the audience that the actor managed to take home $1.25 Million per episode.
