Generally speaking, are guests paid for their appearances on talk shows?

Question

If so, approximately how much would this amount be, and would the actual dollar amount vary depending on the guest's profile?

I'm referring to big-name talk shows such as The Tonight Show, Larry King Live, and Dave Letterman.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, they are. They don't tend to make a lot of money, especially compared to what they make on their own projects, but they do make an appearance fee. The standard fee amount is determined by a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) scale. Guests on sketch comedy shows like SNL or Mad TV would also get an appearance fee in much the same way.

But in any of these cases, the appearance fee is just a formality. The celebrity wants exposure for him/herself or the project that they've recently completed. That's the real payoff.

Answer 2

Actors have a union so there is probably a minimum fee (scale)to appear anywhere.

Answer 3

oh i thought you meant like the trailer trash people on Maury and Jerry Springer. I was gonna say, I could act like a moron if they paid me to.