While the spotlight often shines on Hollywood’s most famous faces like Dwayne Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, and Leonardo DiCaprio, there are many actors who have earned substantial incomes without becoming household names. These actors may not have the same level of global recognition, but their impressive earnings demonstrate their success in the industry. Here are some of the highest-paid actors you probably haven’t heard of.
1. Mark Harmon
Earnings: Mark Harmon has a net worth estimated at around $100 million. He reportedly earns $525,000 per episode of the long-running TV series NCIS.
Career Highlights: Harmon is best known for his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS, which has been a major ratings success for over a decade. Despite his relatively low profile outside of this show, his consistent presence on one of television’s top programs has made him a high earner.
2. Sofia Vergara
Earnings: Sofia Vergara’s net worth is around $180 million. She was the highest-paid actress on television for several years, earning $500,000 per episode of Modern Family.
Career Highlights: Vergara gained fame as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family. While she has a significant following, her name might not be as instantly recognizable as other top earners. She also has lucrative endorsement deals and a successful business ventures.
3. Jerry Seinfeld
Earnings: Jerry Seinfeld has a staggering net worth of approximately $950 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in the world. He reportedly made $100 million from his Netflix special and continues to earn from Seinfeld syndication deals.
Career Highlights: Known for his eponymous TV show Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld’s earnings come largely from his stand-up comedy, syndication deals, and other business ventures. Despite being a major name in comedy, younger audiences might not be as familiar with him.
4. Ellen Pompeo
Earnings: Ellen Pompeo has a net worth of around $80 million. She earns $575,000 per episode of Grey’s Anatomy and has a producing credit on the show.
Career Highlights: Pompeo is best known for her role as Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy. The show’s immense popularity and her longevity on it have made her one of the highest-paid actresses on television.
5. Kaley Cuoco
Earnings: Kaley Cuoco has a net worth of approximately $100 million. She earned $1 million per episode of The Big Bang Theory at the peak of the show’s popularity.
Career Highlights: Cuoco starred as Penny on The Big Bang Theory, one of the highest-rated sitcoms in recent years. Her success on the show, combined with her production work, has led to substantial earnings.
6. Andrew Lincoln
Earnings: Andrew Lincoln has a net worth of about $16 million. He earned $650,000 per episode for his role on The Walking Dead.
Career Highlights: Lincoln is best known for playing Rick Grimes on The Walking Dead. The show’s massive success and his leading role contributed significantly to his earnings, even if he isn’t a household name in the broader entertainment industry.
7. Jim Parsons
Earnings: Jim Parsons has a net worth of around $160 million. He earned $1 million per episode of The Big Bang Theory.
Career Highlights: Parsons portrayed Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. While he received critical acclaim and multiple awards for his performance, he remains less recognized outside of his iconic role.
8. Simon Helberg
Earnings: Simon Helberg’s net worth is about $45 million. He earned $900,000 per episode for his role on The Big Bang Theory.
Career Highlights: Helberg is known for playing Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory. His work on the show, combined with voice acting and other roles, has earned him substantial wealth.
9. Julie Bowen
Earnings: Julie Bowen has a net worth of around $35 million. She earned $500,000 per episode of Modern Family.
Career Highlights: Bowen played Claire Dunphy on Modern Family. Despite her significant earnings and critical praise, she remains less well-known outside of her role on the show.
10. Ashton Kutcher
Earnings: Ashton Kutcher has a net worth of approximately $200 million. He earned $750,000 per episode of Two and a Half Men and has made savvy investments in technology startups.
Career Highlights: While Kutcher gained fame from That ’70s Show and Two and a Half Men, he is also a successful entrepreneur and investor, which has greatly contributed to his wealth. Despite his acting and business success, he often flies under the radar compared to more traditional celebrities.
