Profit From Reruns: $100,000 a Year
Cop and investigation shows have been long-runners for decades, and the CSI series outperformed the genre. Since the CSI extended universe has generated something like six billion dollars in total, any lead actor is going to be set for life.
After ten seasons of “CSI Miami” David Caruso decided he had been in the industry long enough. When the show called it quits, so did he, after working as an actor or director since 1975. Though a bit less than some of the other actors on this list, he still brings in about a hundred thousand dollars per year.
Tracey Ullman: The Tracey Ullman Show
Profit From Reruns: $5,000 a Year
As an actress, singer, and dancer on various shows, it was no surprise when Tracey Ullman got her own show on Fox. Opening with the George Clinton song “You're Thinking Right,” the show ran for four years, ending in 1990.
Thanks to reruns on Fox, Ullman earns a maximum of $5,000 per year. And this was even only after fighting a long legal battle with the producers of "The Simpsons" after voicing a number of characters ("The Simpsons" first appeared on "The Tracey Ullman Show" as animated shorts), all for a mere five grand a year.
Charlie Sheen: Two and a Half Men
Profit From Reruns: $20 Million So Far
"Two and a Half Men" was a sitcom with a twist – two single guys try to raise a child. Charlie Sheen's erratic and dangerous behavior led to him being replaced by Ashton Kutcher – a cruel fate to be sure – but it was one of the most popular shows on television during the 2000s and 2010s.
Sheen has still earned a total of twenty million in residuals. Sheen has expressed interest in a revival, but unfortunately, his character has perished in the show.
Ted Danson: Cheers
Profit From Reruns: $5 Million a Year
A well-remembered cast member from Cheers, Ted Danson might not have "Frasier" money, but his resume and earnings are still impressive. As the owner of the eponymous bar, Sam was a sometimes voice of reason, and sometimes a complete idiot.
Danson has also had roles on "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Bored to Death", and "The Good Place". But even if he didn't have that work to lean on, he could still take it easy and live the high life with the five million dollars a year he gets from the bar-centered show every year. Cheers, Ted!
Marg Helgenberger: CSI
Profit From Reruns: $10,000 a Year
The crime scene investigators that busted the crime drama mold wide open ran from 2000 to 2015. Despite a huge running time and a huge fanbase, Helgenberger earns a mere ten grand a year. Nothing to sneeze at, but a little surprising given the popularity of the show. Most likely this is due to contract issues or other complicated details of such nature.
Helgenberger refers to her time on CSI as a “comfortable niche,” and she also appears on the CBS legal drama "All Rise". Despite her small residuals, Helgenberger is estimated to have a net worth of eighteen million dollars.