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Highest Paid Actors and Actresses on Television

In the world of entertainment, it’s no secret that some of the biggest names in Hollywood also command some of the highest salaries. In the realm of television, this is no exception. With streaming services and cable networks competing for viewership, the competition for top talent has become even fiercer. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the Highest Paid TV Actors and Actresses on television, who have made their mark in popular and long-running television series.

Table of Contents

Highest Paid TV Actors

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $87.5 million

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known for his work as a professional wrestler and Hollywood actor, topped the list of the highest-paid TV actors in 2020, earning $87.5 million. He starred in the hit TV series Ballers, which ran for five seasons on HBO. The show followed a former NFL player turned financial manager and his clients. Johnson was the executive producer of the show, which helped him secure a hefty paycheck.

Ryan Reynolds – $71.5 million

Ryan Reynolds is best known for his work in film, but he also made a big splash on television. In 2020, he earned $71.5 million, thanks in part to his work on the streaming series Deadpool, which he produced and starred in. Reynolds’ success in the film industry has translated into the TV world, and his popularity helped him secure one of the highest paychecks in the business.

Mark Harmon – $19 million

Mark Harmon has been a staple on CBS’s hit show NCIS since 2003. In 2020, he earned $19 million for his role as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Harmon is one of the few actors who has been with the show since its inception, and his steady presence has helped make NCIS one of the most-watched shows on TV.

Jim Parsons – $15 million

Jim Parsons was a beloved character on the hit CBS series The Big Bang Theory, which aired from 2007 to 2019. In 2020, he earned $15 million for his role as Sheldon Cooper. Parsons’ portrayal of the socially awkward physicist earned him four Emmy Awards, and he was one of the highest-paid actors on TV during the show’s run.

Johnny Galecki – $12 million

Johnny Galecki was another standout performer on The Big Bang Theory, earning $12 million in 2020. Galecki played Leonard Hofstadter on the show, a role that helped make him one of the most recognizable faces on television.

Highest Paid TV Actresses

Sofia Vergara – $43 million

Sofia Vergara was the highest-paid actress on TV in 2020, earning $43 million. She starred in the long-running ABC series Modern Family, which aired for 11 seasons. Vergara played Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, a role that earned her four Emmy nominations. In addition to her acting career, Vergara has a successful business venture with her fragrance line and endorsement deals.

Ellen Pompeo – $19 million

Ellen Pompeo is best known for her role as Dr. Meredith Grey on the hit ABC series Grey’s Anatomy, which has been on the air since 2005. In 2020, Pompeo earned $19 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on TV. Pompeo’s longevity on the show has helped make it a cultural phenomenon, and her performance has earned her multiple award nominations.

Mindy Kaling – $18 million

Mindy Kaling is a writer, producer, and actress who has made a name for herself in Hollywood. She is best known for her work on The Office, a long-running and highly popular NBC series. In 2020, Kaling earned $18 million, thanks in part to her work on the Netflix series Never Have I Ever, which she co-created and executive produced. Kaling’s unique voice and creative vision have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.

4. Mariska Hargitay – $13 million

Mariska Hargitay has been a fixture on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU since 1999, playing the role of Detective Olivia Benson. In 2020, she earned $13 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on TV. Hargitay’s longevity on the show, as well as her activism on behalf of survivors of sexual assault, have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

5. Kerry Washington – $12 million

Kerry Washington is best known for her role as Olivia Pope on the ABC series Scandal, which aired from 2012 to 2018. In 2020, she earned $12 million, thanks in part to her work as a producer on the limited series Little Fires Everywhere, which premiered on Hulu. Washington’s talent both in front of and behind the camera have made her a rising star in Hollywood.

Many of the actors and actresses on this list owe their success to their work on long-running television series. These shows have not only given these performers a steady paycheck but have also allowed them to develop their characters and build a loyal fan base.

Conclusion

The entertainment industry is always evolving, but one thing remains constant: the competition for the biggest names in Hollywood. The actors and actresses on this list have proven their worth, not only in terms of their talent but also in their ability to draw in viewers and secure top paychecks. Their work on long-running television series has allowed them to develop their characters and build a loyal fan base, making them some of the most recognizable faces on TV. As streaming services and cable networks continue to compete for viewership, it’s likely that the competition for top talent will only get fiercer.