Charlie Sheen Tops Television Payroll

According to TV Guide magazine, Sheen, who stars in Two and a Half Men, earns $825 000 for each episode of the series.

The 42-year-old actor, who plays Charlie Harper on TV, was listed above William Petersen of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.  Petersen earns $600 000 per episode to play Gil Grissom.

Law & Order star Mariska Hargitay is the highest paid actress, earning $400 000 per episode.  Other well paid actors in television aren’t even seen, such as those who provide the voices for The Simpsons, who earn $400 000 per episode.

The magazine also revealed that American Idol creator and judge, Simon Cowell, earns $50 million per season.

Oprah Winfrey was again on the list.  The talk-show hostess and producer earns $385 million per year.