The 50 Highest-Paid TV Actors 

The 50 Highest-Paid TV Actors 

As a huge TV buff, I am overjoyed to share an exclusive sneak peek at the 50 top-grossing television stars. These acclaimed performers earn enormous paydays for their standout acting abilities.

Follow my lead as I unveil their names, popular shows, and the massive salaries cementing their status as TV’s highest-paid. From legendary comedians to award-winning dramatic icons, we’ll see who takes home the biggest bucks.

I’ll spotlight the elite few who turn TV fame into multimillion-dollar windfalls. By the end, you’ll know the giant paychecks and unmatched negotiating power of the most lucrative screen talents. Get ready for jaw-dropping numbers as I reveal the richest TV headliners.

Don’t miss this inside look at the select superstars laughing all the way to the bank! Their extraordinary earnings will blow you away.

1. Jennifer Aniston – $2 million 

Jennifer Aniston rose to fame as Rachel on the 90s sitcom Friends, earning Emmy and Golden Globe awards. She went on to become one of the world’s highest-paid actresses, commanding $1 million per Friends episode and later $2 million for The Morning Show.

The daughter of veteran actors, Aniston began acting young before her breakthrough with Friends. She has since starred in hit comedies like Bruce Almighty and indie dramas like Cake, amassing over $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office.

In 2019, Aniston returned to TV producing and starring in Apple TV’s The Morning Show. With an estimated $300 million net worth, Aniston remains a sought-after star who earned record-breaking paychecks for her TV work, cementing her as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actresses.

2. Reese Witherspoon – $2 million

 Reese Witherspoon is an acclaimed actress and producer who has earned awards including an Oscar, Emmy, and two Golden Globes. She rose to fame in the 90s in films like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde.

Her Oscar-winning turn as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line marked a career high point. After a downturn, she came back by producing and starring in Wild, earning another Oscar nod.

Witherspoon found major TV success with her company Hello Sunshine, producing and starring in Big Little Lies, for which she won an Emmy. She went on to produce and star in The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere.

With a net worth estimated at $440 million, Witherspoon earned $1 million per Big Little Lies episode and a whopping $2 million for The Morning Show, cementing her as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most powerful actresses.

3. Charlie Sheen – $1.8 million

Charlie Sheen is an acclaimed American actor who followed in his father Martin Sheen’s footsteps. He starred in hit films like Platoon and Wall Street before replacing Michael J. Fox on Spin City, winning a Golden Globe for his performance.

However, Sheen became best known for playing Charlie Harper on the sitcom Two and a Half Men from 2003-2011. At his peak, he was the highest-paid actor on TV, earning a staggering $1.8 million per episode of Two and a Half Men.

Though his contract was eventually terminated due to substance abuse issues and conflicts, Sheen had already cemented his legacy. By speaking openly about his HIV diagnosis, he prompted an increase in testing dubbed “The Charlie Sheen Effect.”

With decades of successful films and TV shows, Sheen earned record-setting paychecks, making him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after and highly compensated actors.

4. Ray Romano – $1.725 million 

Ray Romano is best known for playing the beloved character Raymond Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond from 1996-2005. For this role, he won multiple Emmy Awards as both actor and producer.

At the height of the show’s popularity, Romano earned a massive $1.725 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid TV stars at the time. Though known for Raymond, Romano has had an extensive career in comedy, acting, and voice work in films like Ice Age and The Big Sick.

He created and starred in the TNT drama Men of a Certain Age and has appeared on shows like Parenthood. With decades in the business performing standup and voicing beloved characters like Manny in Ice Age, Romano earned his place among TV’s comedy elite with his record-breaking Everybody Loves Raymond salary.

5. Kelsey Grammer – $1.6 million

Kelsey Grammer is one of the most acclaimed actors in television history for playing psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane for nearly 30 years on Cheers and the spinoff Frasier.

This record-breaking sitcom role earned him numerous Emmys and Golden Globes. Trained at Juilliard, Grammer began on Broadway before achieving TV fame as Frasier.

At the peak of the show’s popularity, he earned an astonishing $1.6 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid TV stars ever. Though best known as Frasier, Grammer has had a varied career on stage, film, and TV including roles in X-Men and The Simpsons.

Lauded by critics as one of the finest actors of his generation, Grammer cemented his place in sitcom history with his iconic Frasier Crane and the record paycheck that came with it.

6. Chris Pratt – $1.4 million 

Chris Pratt rose from supporting TV roles on shows like Everwood and Parks and Recreation to become one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars.

He achieved global fame starring as Star-Lord in the Guardians of the Galaxy films and Owen Grady in the hit Jurassic World trilogy. He has also voiced lead roles in animated blockbusters like The Lego Movie and Mario.

After establishing himself as a leading man in hits like Passengers and The Magnificent Seven, Pratt made his major TV return in 2022’s The Terminal List, for which he earned a massive $1.4 million per episode.

With major franchises, box office hits, and record-setting TV paydays under his belt, Pratt has become one of the most in-demand and highly compensated actors working today.

He cemented his place on the A-list with his powerful screen presence and multi-million dollar per episode salary.

7. Tim Allen – $1.25 million

Tim Allen is best known for playing beloved TV dad Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the hit ABC sitcom Home Improvement from 1991-1999, for which he won a Golden Globe.

At the show’s peak, Allen earned a massive $1.25 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid stars on television. He went on to voice Buzz Lightyear in the blockbuster Toy Story animated franchise and starred as Santa Clause in The Santa Clause movies.

Allen also played Mike Baxter on the sitcom Last Man Standing. With his family-friendly roles and everyman humor, Allen became a bankable star who commanded huge paydays like his record-breaking Home Improvement salary.

From sitcoms to blockbusters, Allen leveraged his skills as both a comedic and dramatic actor to become a multi-million dollar-per-episode performer.

8. Jerry Seinfeld – $1 million 

Jerry Seinfeld is one of the most legendary comedians of all time for playing a fictionalized version of himself on the acclaimed sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote with Larry David.

The innovative show about four self-absorbed friends in New York ran on NBC from 1989-1998 and became one of the most popular and influential TV comedies ever. At the height of the show’s success, Seinfeld earned an astronomical $1 million per episode, making him the highest-paid sitcom star in history at the time.

Though best known for Seinfeld, he has also found success with stand-up comedy specials, Bee Movie, and the web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

With his observational comedy making him a household name and record-shattering earnings per episode, Jerry Seinfeld cemented his status as a comedy icon.

9. Helen Hunt – $1 million 

Helen Hunt rose to fame playing Jamie Buchman on the hit 90s sitcom Mad About You, winning numerous Emmys and Golden Globes. At the show’s height, she earned a massive $1 million per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on TV.

Hunt reached even greater heights by winning the Best Actress Oscar for As Good As It Gets. She went on to star in a string of hit films like Twister, Cast Away, and What Women Want, establishing herself as a top box office draw.

Hunt made her directorial debut with Then She Found Me and earned acclaim for roles in The Sessions and other dramas.

With her sitcom fame leading to a $1 million per episode payday and Oscar-winning film career, Hunt became one of the most popular and acclaimed leading ladies of the 90s and 2000s.

10. Paul Reiser – $1 million 

Paul Reiser is a beloved comedian and actor known for roles in Diner, Beverly Hills Cop, Aliens, and his hit NBC sitcom Mad About You, in which he played Paul Buchman.

For this, Reiser was paid a whopping $1 million per episode at the show’s peak, making him one of TV’s highest earners. Though initially typecast in comedies, Reiser displayed his dramatic chops as the villainous Carter Burke in Aliens.

He recently had acclaimed roles in Whiplash and Netflix’s Stranger Things. Ranked one of comedy’s great stand-ups, the versatile Reiser has showcased an impressive range across film and TV.

But it was his turn as Paul on Mad About You and the massive paycheck that came with it that cemented his place as a sitcom icon and multi-million dollar per episode performer.

11. Courteney Cox – $1 million 

Courteney Cox gained worldwide fame playing Monica Geller on the smash hit sitcom Friends from 1994-2004, earning $1 million per episode at the show’s peak.

She reprised her role as reporter Gale Weathers in the blockbuster Scream horror franchise. Cox first found success on Family Ties before Friends made her a household name. She went on to star as Jules Cobb in Cougar Town, earning award nominations.

She also directed episodes of that show and films like Talhotblond. With her production company Coquette Productions and roles in movies like Ace Ventura, Cox became an A-list star thanks to Friends and the massive paycheck that came with playing Monica.

Her $1 million per episode salary cemented her place as one of TV’s highest-paid and most popular actresses.

12. Lisa Kudrow – $1 million

Lisa Kudrow skyrocketed to fame playing the beloved oddball Phoebe Buffay on the smash hit sitcom Friends from 1994-2004. As Phoebe, Kudrow won Emmys and other major awards, and the role became her career-defining performance.

At the peak of the show’s success, Kudrow earned an incredible $1 million per episode, making her one of the highest-paid TV stars ever. Though best known for Friends, Kudrow has starred in hit films like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and The Opposite of Sex while also creating and producing shows like The Comeback and Web Therapy.

With her quirky charm and talent for comedy, Kudrow leveraged her role on Friends to command a $1 million per episode salary, cementing her place as a sitcom legend and A-list star.

13. Matt LeBlanc – $1 million

Matthew LeBlanc reached worldwide fame playing lovable struggling actor Joey Tribbiani on the hugely popular sitcom Friends from 1994-2004.

As Joey, LeBlanc received multiple Emmy nominations and became renowned for his comedic talent and onscreen chemistry with the other Friends stars. At the height of the show’s success, LeBlanc was paid a massive $1 million per episode, making him one of the highest-earning TV actors of that era.

Though best known as Joey, LeBlanc also found success with the Friends spinoff Joey and the show Episodes, for which he won a Golden Globe.

From Friends to Top Gear hosting, LeBlanc’s talent and popularity as Joey Tribbiani earned him a place among sitcom’s greats, along with the $1 million per episode paycheck to prove it.

14. David Schwimmer – $1 million

David Schwimmer reached worldwide fame playing the beloved nerdy Ross Geller on the hit sitcom Friends from 1994-2004. For this role, Schwimmer received Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.

At the height of Friends’ popularity, Schwimmer was paid an incredible $1 million per episode, making him one of TV’s highest earners. Though best known as Ross, Schwimmer began acting in high school and co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company after graduating college.

He had early TV roles in shows like LA Law and NYPD Blue before his breakout on Friends. After Friends ended, Schwimmer branched into film acting, voice roles like Madagascar’s Melman, and stage work on Broadway.

But it was his Emmy-nominated performance as Ross and the massive paycheck that came with it that made Schwimmer a household name and cemented his place as a sitcom legend.

15. Matthew Perry – $1 million  

Matthew Perry reached worldwide fame playing the sarcastic, commitment-phobic Chandler Bing on the smash hit sitcom Friends from 1994-2004. As Chandler, Perry received Emmy nominations and became renowned for his comedic talent and chemistry with the other Friends stars.

At the height of the show’s massive popularity, Perry was paid an astonishing $1 million per episode, making him one of TV’s highest-earning actors ever. Though best known as Chandler, Perry also found success in films like Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards.

After battling addictions, he became an advocate for rehabilitation. From Friends to The Odd Couple, Perry’s talent and popularity as Chandler earned him elite TV paydays, cementing his place as a sitcom legend.

16. James Gandolfini – $1 million 

James Gandolfini rocketed to fame playing complex mob boss Tony Soprano on HBO’s hit series The Sopranos from 1999-2007.

His layered performance as the anxiety-prone crime lord earned him multiple Emmys and Screen Actors Guild Awards and is considered one of TV’s greatest roles ever. At the peak of The Sopranos’ acclaim, Gandolfini earned an incredible $1 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid TV stars in history.

Though best known as Tony, Gandolfini appeared in acclaimed films like True Romance and Zero Dark Thirty, earning praise for his range. He also starred on Broadway and produced distinguished war documentaries.

But it was Gandolfini’s iconic, tortured turn as Tony Soprano and the massive payday that came with it that cemented his place in the TV pantheon.

17. Kaley Cuoco – $1 million

Kaley Cuoco reached worldwide fame playing the fan-favorite character Penny on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2007-2019. As Penny, Cuoco received acclaim for her comedic skills and onscreen chemistry.

At the height of the show’s massive popularity, Cuoco was paid an incredible $1 million per episode, making her one of the highest-earning TV actresses ever. Though best known for The Big Bang Theory, Cuoco has also starred in shows like Charmed and Harley Quinn.

Her acclaimed performance in The Flight Attendant earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. With her Hollywood Walk of Fame star and production company, Cuoco leveraged her role on the smash hit Big Bang Theory to command record-breaking salaries, cementing her place as a sitcom star.

18. Jim Parsons – $1 million

Jim Parsons achieved worldwide fame playing eccentric genius Sheldon Cooper on the smash hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2007-2019. For this role, Parsons won four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

At the peak of the show’s popularity, he earned an astonishing $1 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid TV stars ever. Though best known for The Big Bang Theory, Parsons has also found success on Broadway, starring in The Normal Heart and The Boys in the Band, the latter of which won a Tony.

He also appeared in films like Hidden Figures. Named by Forbes as TV’s highest-paid actor with $26.5 million in 2018 earnings, Parsons’ portrayal of Sheldon Cooper allowed him to command record-breaking salaries, cementing his place among sitcom greats.

19. Johnny Galecki – $1 million 

John Galecki reached worldwide fame playing quirky physicist Leonard Hofstadter on the smash hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2007-2019.

For this role, Galecki received Emmy nominations and acclaim for his comedic skills and chemistry with his co-stars. At the peak of the show’s massive popularity, Galecki earned an incredible $1 million per episode, making him one of the highest-paid TV actors ever.

Though best known for The Big Bang Theory, Galecki also appeared in Roseanne and films like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation early in his career.

Named by Forbes as the world’s second highest-paid TV actor in 2018 with $25 million earnings, Galecki’s talent and longevity on The Big Bang Theory allowed him to command elite salaries, cementing his place among sitcom’s greats.

20. Nicole Kidman – $1 million

Nicole Kidman is an acclaimed Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in films like Moulin Rouge!, Cold Mountain, and The Hours, for which she won the Oscar.

She has consistently been one of the world’s highest-paid actresses across genres like drama, comedy, and action. Kidman started her career in Australia before gaining international fame in films like Days of Thunder and Far and Away.

In addition to movies, she has starred in TV shows like Big Little Lies, for which she won Emmys as both lead actress and producer. With a prolific career spanning over 4 decades, Kidman has cemented her status as a Hollywood icon.

Though primarily known for acclaimed film work, she also earned $1 million per episode for her role on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, showcasing her exceptional range and elite earning power as a versatile, bankable star.

21. Jeff Bridges – $1 million

Jeffrey Bridges is a legendary American actor known for acclaimed leading roles in films like The Last Picture Show, Starman, The Big Lebowski, and Crazy Heart, for which he won the Best Actor Oscar.

With a career spanning over 50 years, he has earned Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild awards, and multiple Oscar and BAFTA nominations. Born into an acting family, Bridges found early fame on TV’s Sea Hunt before establishing himself in dramas, thrillers, and blockbusters like Iron Man and Tron.

In addition to critically praised film work, he recently earned Emmy nods for the HBO movie A Dog Year and the Hulu series The Old Man, for which he was paid $1 million per episode, showcasing his elite earning power.

Bridges has cemented his status as a revered Hollywood icon with an exceptional range across genres from Westerns to Marvel films.

22. Simon Helberg – $900,000

Simon Helberg is an American actor best known for playing Howard Wolowitz on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2007 to 2019. For this role, he won a Critics’ Choice Television Award.

He earned $900,000 per episode during the show’s run, making him one of the highest-paid actors on television. Helberg has also starred in films like Florence Foster Jenkins, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.

His other notable roles include appearances in MADtv, Old School, Good Night and Good Luck, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, A Serious Man, and Annette. Overall, Helberg has had a successful career in both television and film.

23. Kunal Nayyar – $900,000 

Kunal Nayyar is best known for his role as Raj Koothrappali on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory from 2007 to 2019.

During the show’s run, he earned $900,000 per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors on television at the time. Forbes ranked him as the third highest-paid TV actor in the world in 2015 and 2018, with total earnings of $20 million and $23.5 million respectively.

His current net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. In addition to The Big Bang Theory, Nayyar has voiced characters in animated shows like Sanjay and Craig and Ice Age: Continental Drift.

He has also appeared in films such as The Scribbler, Dr. Cabbie, Consumed, Trolls, and Sweetness in the Belly.

24. Roseanne Barr – $875,000 

Roseanne Barr is an American actress and comedian best known for starring in the sitcom Roseanne from 1988-1997. For her role as Roseanne Conner, she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

The show was a major hit and Barr earned $875,000 per episode during its original run. She became controversial in 1990 when she gave a deliberately disrespectful performance of the national anthem at a baseball game, grabbing her groin and spitting afterward.

Her anthem performance was met with widespread condemnation. Barr continued her stand-up comedy career and briefly revived Roseanne in 2018 before it was canceled after one season due to her controversial tweets.

Throughout her career, Barr has worked as an actress, comedian, writer, and producer.

25. Ashton Kutcher – $755,000 

Ashton Kutcher is an American actor who first rose to fame playing Michael Kelso on the sitcom That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006. He transitioned to film with movies like Dude, Where’s My Car? and Just Married.

In 2003, he created and produced the hit prank show Punk’d. Kutcher starred in the sci-fi thriller The Butterfly Effect in 2004. From 2011 to 2015, he played Walden Schmidt on the sitcom Two and a Half Men, earning $755,000 per episode.

This made him one of the highest-paid actors on television. Other notable roles include Jobs, where he portrayed Steve Jobs, and leading the Netflix series The Ranch.

More recently, Kutcher starred in the 2022 comedy thriller Vengeance. He has also invested in several tech startups and established himself as an entrepreneur.

26. Drew Carey – $750,000 

Drew Carey is an American comedian and actor who gained fame through his long-running sitcom The Drew Carey Show, for which he earned $750,000 per episode.

He also hosted the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? on ABC. Carey went on to appear in films, TV shows, music videos, and voice-acting roles. Since 2007, he has hosted the popular game show The Price Is Right on CBS.

In addition to his acting career, Carey is an avid sports fan who has worked as a photographer at soccer games. He is a minority Seattle Sounders soccer team owner and briefly dabbled in professional wrestling.

Carey served in the Marine Corps before starting in stand-up comedy and rising to stardom with The Drew Carey Show. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

27. David Hyde Pierce – $750,000 

David Hyde Pierce is an American actor best known for playing psychiatrist Dr. Niles Crane on the sitcom Frasier from 1993-2004, for which he earned $750,000 per episode.

His performance garnered him four Emmy Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. He also received multiple Golden Globe nominations. Pierce has acted in films like Sleepless in Seattle, Nixon, and Wet Hot American Summer, and voiced characters in animated movies like A Bug’s Life.

On Broadway, he has starred in shows like Curtains, for which he won a Tony Award, Spamalot, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Hello, Dolly. He made his Broadway directorial debut with It Shoulda Been You in 2015.

Besides Frasier, Pierce has appeared in TV shows like The Powers That Be, The Good Wife, When We Rise, and Julia. He is a highly acclaimed comedic actor on both stage and screen.

28. Lauren Graham – $750,000 

Lauren Graham is an American actress best known for playing Lorelai Gilmore on the TV series Gilmore Girls from 2000-2007, a role that earned her award nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globes, and more.

She reprised the role in 2016 for the Netflix miniseries Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, for which she made $750,000 per episode. Graham also starred as Sarah Braverman in the drama Parenthood from 2010-2015.

Her film credits include roles in Sweet November, Bad Santa, The Pacifier, and Evan Almighty. She published her debut novel in 2013, Someday, Someday, Maybe, and a memoir in 2016 titled Talking as Fast as I Can.

Overall, Graham has found success on television through her witty, fast-talking characters on shows like Gilmore Girls and Parenthood.

29. Alexis Bledel – $750,000

Alexis Bledel is an American actress best known for playing Rory Gilmore on the TV series Gilmore Girls from 2000-2007. She reprised this role in 2016 for the Netflix miniseries Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, for which she earned $750,000 per episode.

Bledel also had a recurring role on Mad Men and starred as Emily Malek on the Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale, garnering Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Her film credits include Tuck Everlasting, Sin City, Post Grad, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants films.

For her work on Gilmore Girls, Bledel received nominations from the Teen Choice and Young Artist Awards. She has found success on both television and film, most notably for portraying beloved characters like Rory Gilmore and Emily Malek.

30. Bryan Cranston – $750,000 

Bryan Cranston is an acclaimed American actor best known for his roles as Walter White on the crime drama Breaking Bad and Hal on the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.

For Breaking Bad, he earned four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor and a Golden Globe. He also became a producer on the show in 2011, winning two Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series. Previously he had been nominated for Supporting Actor three times for Malcolm in the Middle.

Cranston has also starred in the crime drama Sneaky Pete which he co-developed and produced. Most recently, he played the lead role in the drama series Your Honor, for which he made $750,000 per episode.

With his stellar performances on shows like Breaking Bad and numerous awards including Emmys and Golden Globes, Cranston has cemented himself as one of the most celebrated actors on television.

31. Chris Evans – $750,000

Christopher Evans is an American actor best known for portraying Marvel superhero Captain America in various films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger to 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.

His role as Captain America established Evans as one of the world’s highest-paid actors. Evans also starred as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four films.

His other notable roles include lead parts in the films Gifted, Knives Out, Snowpiercer, and The Gray Man, as well as the miniseries Defending Jacob, for which he earned $750,000 per episode.

Evans started in television shows like Opposite Sex before breaking through in teen movies like Not Another Teen Movie. He has voiced characters in animated projects like Lightyear and the Scott Pilgrim series, reprising his live-action role.

32. Dwayne Johnson – $700,000

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is an American actor and former pro wrestler who rose to fame in the WWE during the Attitude Era.

He then transitioned successfully into acting, starring in blockbuster franchises like The Mummy, Fast and Furious, Jumanji, and GI Joe. Johnson is one of the world’s highest-grossing and paid actors, with his films earning over $3.5 billion in North America.

For the HBO series Ballers, where he played a retired NFL player, Johnson earned $700,000 per episode as both the star and a producer. He is also known for voicing Maui in Moana and playing the title role in DC’s Black Adam.

With his wrestling fame combined with being a major box office draw, Johnson has become one of the most popular and influential figures in entertainment.

33. Hugh Laurie – $700,000

Hugh Laurie is an acclaimed English actor and comedian best known for playing the lead role of Dr. Gregory House in the medical drama House from 2004-2012.

For his portrayal of the brilliant but antisocial doctor, Laurie won two Golden Globe awards and became one of the highest-paid TV actors at the time, earning up to $700,000 per episode by the end of the show’s run.

He first gained fame in the comedy series A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Jeeves, and Wooster with Stephen Fry. Laurie has also appeared in films like Sense and Sensibility and Stuart Little, and TV shows like Friends, The Night Manager, and Veep.

In addition to acting, Laurie is a talented musician and writer. With his range in both comedic and dramatic roles, Laurie has solidified himself as one of the most versatile British actors.

34. Andrew Lincoln – $650,000

Andrew Lincoln is an English actor best known for playing Rick Grimes on the hit AMC post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead from 2010 to 2018.

As the lead character trying to survive and protect his family in a world overrun by zombies, Lincoln earned $650,000 per episode during his run on the show. His performance garnered him two Saturn Awards for Best Actor on Television.

Though Lincoln departed The Walking Dead in 2018, he later reprised his iconic role as Rick in the 2022 series finale and the 2024 spinoff The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.

Before his breakout on The Walking Dead, Lincoln had major roles in British TV shows like This Life, Teachers, and Afterlife, as well as the holiday film Love.

Due to his nuanced portrayal of Rick Grimes over 8 seasons, Lincoln became one of the most prominent faces on The Walking Dead.

35. Kate Winslet – $650,000

Kate Winslet is an acclaimed English actress known for her work in period dramas and portrayals of complex, headstrong women. Her breakout role came as the lead in 1997’s Titanic, then the highest-grossing film worldwide.

Winslet went on to win an Academy Award and Golden Globe for The Reader, and BAFTAs for films like Sense and Sensibility, Steve Jobs, and Mildred Pierce. In 2021, she starred in the HBO miniseries Mare of Easttown, earning $650,000 per episode as well as Emmy and Golden Globe wins for her performance.

Other notable films include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Finding Neverland, Little Children, and Revolutionary Road. In 2022, Winslet starred in the drama I Am Ruth and appeared in the blockbuster Avatar: The Way of Water.

With numerous top honors including an Oscar, Winslet has cemented herself as one of the most acclaimed and bankable actresses.

36. Jon Cryer – $620,000

Jonathan Cryer is an American actor best known for playing Alan Harper on the hit CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men from 2003-2015. The hugely popular show earned Cryer two Emmy Awards.

He made $620,000 per episode during the height of the show’s success, making him one of the highest-paid actors on TV. Cryer first rose to fame as a teen actor in 1980s films like Pretty in Pink.

Though he struggled to find a successful TV vehicle after that, Two and a Half Men cemented his status as a sitcom star. Other notable roles include Superman IV, Hot Shots!, and playing Lex Luthor on Supergirl and other CW shows.

With his talent for comedy and over a decade on one of the most-watched sitcoms, Cryer has become a recognizable face in Hollywood.

37. Julia Louis-Dreyfus – $600,000 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an acclaimed American actress and comedian widely regarded as one of the greatest TV performers ever.

She rose to prominence on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s before achieving sitcom stardom as Elaine on Seinfeld from 1989-1998, earning $600,000 per episode during the show’s peak.

Louis-Dreyfus went on to star as Christine Campbell in The New Adventures of Old Christine, for which she won an Emmy. She then played politician Selina Meyer on the hit HBO series Veep, winning multiple Emmys and SAG awards for the role.

With her hilarious performances on shows like Seinfeld and Veep, as well as numerous accolades including more Emmys and SAG Awards than any other performer, Louis-Dreyfus has cemented herself as true TV royalty.

38. Jason Alexander – $600,000 

Jason Alexander is an American actor and comedian best known for playing the iconic role of George Costanza on the sitcom Seinfeld from 1989-1998.

For his performance as the neurotic, scheming friend of Jerry Seinfeld, Alexander earned $600,000 per episode during the show’s peak as well as multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Before Seinfeld, Alexander was an accomplished Broadway actor, winning a Tony Award for Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. His other notable roles include the films Pretty Woman and Shallow Hal, voicing Hugo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and guest appearances on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

With his comedic talent and long-running performance as one of the most memorable characters on Seinfeld, Alexander established himself as a major television star.

39. Michael Richards – $600,000

Michael Richards is an American actor and comedian best known for playing the eccentric Cosmo Kramer on the hit sitcom Seinfeld from 1989-1998.

For his performance as Jerry Seinfeld’s quirky neighbor, Richards won three Emmys for Supporting Actor and earned $600,000 per episode during the show’s peak.

Before Seinfeld, he was a successful stand-up comic who appeared on shows like Fridays and Cheers. After Seinfeld ended, Richards starred in his short-lived sitcom as well as films like Trial and Error.

He briefly returned to stand-up but retired after a controversial onstage rant in 2006. Richards reunited with his Seinfeld castmates for a 2009 episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Though he has worked consistently since Seinfeld, his role as the iconic Kramer remains Richards’ defining television achievement.

40. Steve Martin – $600,000

Steve Martin is an acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, and musician known for his absurdist stand-up routines in the 1970s.

He went on to star in hit comedic films like The Jerk, Three Amigos, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Father of the Bride, and Cheaper by the Dozen. Martin has won an Emmy, 5 Grammys and an Honorary Oscar.

In recent years he has toured extensively with Martin Short and in 2021 co-created and starred in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building alongside Short and Selena Gomez.

For the acclaimed mystery-comedy show, Martin earned $600,000 per episode and Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations. With his wildly successful comedy albums and films, along with his recent resurgence on Only Murders, the versatile Martin has cemented his legacy as a comedy icon.

41. Martin Short – $600,000

Canadian-American actor, comedian, and writer Martin Short recognized for his dynamic comedy, gained fame through sketch comedy and garnered accolades including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.

Awarded Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, Short made a mark on TV with SCTV and Saturday Night Live, creating characters like Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimley. His diverse career spans sitcoms like Mulaney, variety shows like Maya & Marty, and The Morning Show.

An accomplished stage performer, he earned a Tony Award for Little Me. Short’s filmography includes Three Amigos, Father of the Bride, and Madagascar 3.

Teaming up with Steve Martin, he toured and released a Netflix special in 2018, followed by the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building in 2021, earning him significant recognition, including nominations for major awards. His compensation for Only Murders in the Building was $600,000 per episode.

42. Gillian Anderson – $600,000

Gillian Leigh Anderson, an acclaimed American actress, is renowned for her diverse roles, notably as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in The X-Files, Lily Bart in The House of Mirth, DSU Stella Gibson in The Fall, and Margaret Thatcher in The Crown’s fourth season.

Honored with two Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, Anderson gained international recognition for her iconic role in The X-Files.

Her extensive filmography includes The Mighty Celt, The Last King of Scotland, and Viceroy’s House, alongside starring in The X-Files films. Notable TV credits feature Lady Dedlock in Bleak House and Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier in Hannibal.

In 2022, her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in The First Lady earned her a significant income of $600,000 per episode, solidifying her status as one of the highest-paid TV actors.

43. Viola Davis – $600,000 

Viola Davis, an accomplished American actress and producer, stands among the elite few to claim an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, achieving the coveted EGOT status.

As the sole black actress with the Triple Crown of Acting and the third individual to hold both distinctions, Davis has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Recognized as one of Time’s 100 most influential people in 2012 and 2017, and ranked ninth on The New York Times’ list of the greatest actors of the 21st century in 2020, her impact is undeniable.

Breaking Through in Doubt (2008), Davis received her first Academy Award nomination. Recently, she not only executive produced but also portrayed former First Lady Michelle Obama in the Showtime drama series, The First Lady, earning an impressive $600,000 per episode.

44. Michelle Pfeiffer – $600,000

Michelle Marie Pfeiffer, a luminary in American cinema for over four decades, emerged as a leading Hollywood star in the 1980s and 1990s, renowned not only for her acting prowess but also as a defining sex symbol of that era.

Her career is characterized by a remarkable diversity of roles across various genres. With accolades including a Golden Globe and a British Academy Film Award, Pfeiffer has earned acclaim, with three Academy Award nominations and a Primetime Emmy nomination.

In 2007, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recently, her portrayal of former First Lady Betty Ford in The First Lady showcased her versatility, and with a substantial income of $600,000 per episode, Pfeiffer reaffirms her standing as one of the highest-paid TV actors.

45. Pedro Pascal – $600,000 

Pedro Pascal, a distinguished Chilean-American actor, initially built his career with minor roles in film and television. His breakthrough came with the portrayal of Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones and Javier Peña in Narcos.

Pascal’s filmography expanded with notable roles in The Great Wall, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and Wonder Woman 1984. However, his starring role in The Mandalorian since 2019 propelled him to new heights, and he reprised the character in The Book of Boba Fett.

In 2023, Pascal earned acclaim for playing Joel Miller in The Last of Us, securing Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Significantly, he commanded a substantial $600,000 per episode from The Last of Us, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid TV actors.

46. Ellen Pompeo – $575,000 

Ellen Pompeo, an acclaimed American actress, has held a position among the world’s highest-paid actors since 2017, frequently making appearances on Forbes’ prestigious year-end lists.

Her journey includes accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination. Pompeo’s breakthrough came with ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, where her portrayal of Dr. Meredith Grey garnered international acclaim, earning her a Screen Actors Guild Award.

As the character gained widespread popularity, Pompeo emerged as one of television’s most distinguished actresses. In 2016, Forbes ranked her fourth among the highest-paid TV actresses, with earnings reaching $14.9 million.

Notably, she secured the third-highest position among females and the fifth overall in 2018, amassing $23.6 million. Her commanding presence extended to Grey’s Anatomy, where she earned a substantial $575,000 per episode, solidifying her status as one of the highest-paid TV actresses.

47. Alec Baldwin – $575,000 

Alexander Baldwin, a versatile American actor, comedian, and producer from the Baldwin family, has left an indelible mark with leading and supporting roles spanning comedy to drama.

Garnering recognition through three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for prestigious honors like the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Tony Award, Baldwin stands as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

In 2021, he showcased his talent in the Peacock miniseries Dr. Death, co-starring with Jamie Dornan and Christian Slater.

Notably, Baldwin’s financial success paralleled his artistic achievements, earning a substantial $575,000 per episode from Dr. Death, a testament to his standing as one of the most lucrative and bankable TV actors in the industry’s history.

48. Norman Reedus – $550,000 

Norman Reedus, an American actor and former fashion model, marked his acting debut in the 1990s, captivating audiences with roles like Murphy MacManus in The Boondock Saints and supporting characters in successful films such as 8MM, Blade 2, and American Gangster.

However, it was his compelling portrayal of Daryl Dixon in AMC’s The Walking Dead (2010–2022) that catapulted him to stardom.

Recognized as one of the series’ most beloved characters, Reedus extended his influence with his spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, starting in 2023.

Adding to his multifaceted career, Reedus hosts AMC’s Ride with Norman Reedus (2016–present). Notably, his impact also echoes in his earnings, with a substantial $550,000 per episode from The Walking Dead, affirming his status as a highly valued and charismatic TV actor.

49. Sofía Vergara – $500,000 

Sofía Vergara, a Colombian-American actress and television personality, gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the ABC sitcom Modern Family (2009–2020).

Nominated for four Golden Globe Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards for this role, Vergara became a pivotal figure in the American entertainment landscape.

Her exceptional performance catapulted her into the ranks of the highest-paid actresses in the United States. Notably, her financial success paralleled her artistic acclaim, earning an impressive $500,000 per episode from Modern Family.

This substantial compensation solidifies her standing as one of the premier television stars, emphasizing Vergara’s influence and prominence in the entertainment industry.

50. Benicio del Toro – $400,000

Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Sánchez, a distinguished Puerto Rican actor, has earned acclaim and prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, and Silver Bear.

Renowned for his portrayal of the morally principled police officer Javier Rodriguez in Traffic (2000), del Toro’s talent is unquestionable. In 2018, he took on the role of Richard Matt in the Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

Notably, del Toro’s financial success aligns with his artistic achievements, commanding an impressive $400,000 per episode from Escape at Dannemora. This substantial compensation underscores his status as one of the highest-paid actors, solidifying his influence and standing in the entertainment industry.

This illuminates the vast earning potential of elite television stars at the pinnacle of the profession. The ability to enthrall millions of viewers translates into massive salaries for standout performers.

Though only a select few reach these compensation levels, their eight and even nine-figure paydays reflect TV’s profitability as a medium and the public’s endless fascination with compelling entertainment.

For those with the talent to captivate massive audiences, the financial rewards can be appropriately astronomical.