How much do sitcom actors get paid ???

Question

Do they have contracts with a specific amonts, earn wages, get paid by episode. And also do they continue to earn money after the show is over once smaller networks pick it up and show the re-runs.

Also what about guest stars who only come once or occassionally.

Thanks.

Answer 1

It's not uncommon for sitcom actors to get paid 20K per episode (on a normal network show, there are approx 22-24 episdoes per season). That's a low estimate and it's what an opening contract might look like. Generally first contracts are for 5 years.

After the first contract is up, if the show is doing well, stars of the show try to negotiate better terms, usually meaning much more $$$ per episode and money on the backend (syndication - aka reruns).

Children are often paid much less than adults. But they can also work fewer hours per day and must go through a few (3) hours of school per day on set.

The actors of Friends were famous for renegotiating their contract. When they were hired for the roles, Courtney Cox was paid the most (not sure of the dollar amount) per episode. They famously stuck together and renegotiated a contract for 1 million per episdoe per actor. Probably got some on the back end too but I'm not sure. Generally studios don't go to those extremes to keep actors but Friends was a cash cow and the execs knew it would be tough to replace those actors and still keep the fan base.

Answer 2

Sitcom Actors

Answer 3

It depends a lot on how popular the sitcom is. For instance, the cast of Friends (near the end) was making about 1 million per episode. The syndication company makes money on re-runs. Guest stars are contracted labor and have a set price they are going to get. The price is negotiated.

Answer 4

TOOOOOO MUCH! Yes they have contracts, they agents usually advise them and so do attorneys. They can get residuals if they contract calls for them, which is where some actors have made out good. Believe me, everyone makes money on T.V., whether guest stars or not, they all have contracts.

Answer 5

You know all those commercials that they show... THAT'S how. And that's why ratings are important. The higher the ratings, the more an advertiser will pay for a spot during that show. And that is also why brand name items cost more than generic... you pay for the advertising when you buy their products. And it comes full circle.

Answer 6

Their pay depends on the terms of their contract and who negotiated it