American Idol judge Simon Cowell earns a whopping $45 million a year, but is it enough to knock the queen of television off her throne? Apparently not. Earning over five times that amount, Oprah Winfrey who rakes in an amazing $260 million a year from her own show as well as guest appearances on “Rachel Ray,” “Dr. Phil” and other programs puts Simon Cowell to shame.
Here’s the complete list from TV Guide:
1. Oprah Winfrey – $260 million a year
2. Simon Cowell – $45 million a year
3. Judge Judy – $30 million a year
4. Katie Couric – $15 million a year
5. Zach Braff – $6.3 million a year
6. William Petersen – $500,000 (per episode)
7. Charlie Sheen – $350,000 (per episode)
8. Mariska Hargitay – $350,000 (per episode)
9. Christopher Meloni – $350,000 (per episode)
10. Hugh Laurie – $300,000 (per episode)
$260 million a year. o.O
can somebody earn more than she?
Hugh Laurie 300k – i can’t believe it. it is so much, and he is not as good actor as Meloni or Sheen.
Judge Judy makes $30 million a year…. Wow, thats unbelievable. And my opinion is Simon is overpaid for being a jerk of a judge. Nice choice of photo for simon for this article by the way, he looks like a total good ball!
-AllaN
Funny how the world works… Judge Judy has a salary more than a Supreme Court Justice (ex. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg ) who only have a low, six figure salary.
that’s surprising that judge judy earns so much.
i’m also surprised zach braff is up there. didn’t know scrubs was that huge. i mean it’s one of my favorite shows, but i can imagine that not many people would like its humor.
if seinfeld were still around, all 4 of those actors would be in that top ten. didn’t they each earn a million per episode by seasons’ end?
damn how can they make so much for just being on tv and all ?? Why cant us normal ppl just make as much as them without the fam of Hollywood and all ????
Well, I guess Oprah being at the top is pretty understandable. Simon is, even though many dislike him, still pretty darn popular. I was definitely surprised seeing Judge Judy on the list. And woot for Hugh Laurie.
Simon deserves that much for pulling off the lovable asshole angle the way he does.
With Oprah’s salary, I could manage to purchase 3-4 Bluff Italian Villas or buy a few villas somewhere else exotic. Pop in a few sports cars while I’m at it. I’m pretty sure that she makes as much or more as Benny Hinn does. Now thats a man with money.
I can’t believe that a superstar on T.V. can acquire a million dollars for just one episode. Unbelievable.
What the hell? #2 is Simon? I’m doing something wrong…
damn oprah.. damn…
david caruso should get 1 mil per csi: miami ep haha
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Wow,there are Wealthy man.
It’s reassuring to me that a Brit can get to number 2! However, noone’s going to topple Oprah – that’s insane money…
Hugh Laurie’s old comedic partner has something to say about how much his fellow Cambridge grad is earning in an interview being shown on British TV next week. Get an exclusive look at the transcript of the interview on my blog by clicking on the beautiful link…
I think he’s making the money out by being an ass as he always is, I hate the way he criticizes people because he just hurts them for no reason
why is simon’s face so dumb butt looking… sheesh.. can believe he’s earning close to my income. Stupid oaf… hahaha
man.. how i wish i can be half of what he is.. But he still has a reason to be jealous of me though.
I HAVE BIG DREAMS
someone as successful as he is surely wouldn’t know what to dream of anymore.. pathethic.. :p