In the hit sitcom “Mad About You,” Paul Reiser starred as the primary love interest opposite actress Helen Hunt. In the role, Reiser and Hunt displayed such chemistry that they easily attracted millions of viewers who had to see how their story ended.
For his hard work as a dreamy love interest, Reiser was paid $1 million per episode. After the sitcom ended, Reiser went off to star in many other illustrious projects, including the Academy-Award-nominated “Whiplash.” It wasn’t the lead role by any means, but Reiser still stole every scene he was in. He also showed up in “Stranger Things.”
Mariska Hargitay – $500,000
Most actors pursue some kind of variety in their careers. It is rare that an artist chooses to play the same character for the entirety of their time in Hollywood. However, that is exactly what Mariska Hargitay has done. Not only that, but she has also found massive success reprising her role as Olivia Benson on the hit procedural "Law & Order: SVU."
Perhaps it is the money that keeps Hargitay returning to the small screen year after year. Nineteen seasons after the show first premiered in 1999, Hargitay now makes $500,000 per episode. That’s roughly $12 million per season!
Tim Allen – $1.25 million
Tim Allen has been in everything. Most people will probably recognize his voice more than his appearance, especially when he was saying stuff like "too infinity and beyond" in the classic "Toy Story" series. But before he was Santa Claus or even the recognizable voice of Buzz Lightyear, Allen was the lead of "Home Improvement."
As handyman Tim Taylor, Allen earned $1.25 million per episode. The decision to shoot the show was a defining moment in Allen’s career that set up him for massive success down the line. And if that kind of money doesn't improve your home, then nothing will!
Adult Cast Members of Modern Family – $500,000
While "Modern Family" came to an end not too long ago, it seared itself in people’s minds as a lovable, family-friendly TV show. The series features a collection of popular actors, each of whom brings something special to the show.
As the show became more and more successful, the cast was rewarded for their hard work. The adults of the show, including Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Sofia Vergara, and Eric Stonestreet all earned $500,000 per episode. We'd go as far as to say that all of these stars have enough money now to build their very own modern families.
Ellen Pompeo – $575,000
Ellen Pompeo has been the focal point of Grey’s Anatomy since the very first season. She plays Meredith Grey, a surgeon in training at a large hospital. Over the years, Pompeo has been very vocal about her attempts to negotiate a higher paycheck. Her persistence paid off, and she now makes $575,000 per episode.
Grey’s Anatomy is already in its 16th season, and it’s unclear if the show will slow down anytime soon. It has declined in success over the years, but it still has a dedicated fan base who continues to watch week after week.