“The Big Bang Theory” stars Jim Parsons topped the annual Forbes list of the highest-paid TV actors, coming in as the best-compensated star for the fourth year in a row.
With an estimated $26.5 million pre-tax income in the 12 months between June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018, Parsons bested his co-star Johnny Galecki, who came in second with $25 million. “Big Bang” supporting players Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar tied for third with $23.5 million apiece.
The top-five was rounded out by longtime “NCIS” star Mark Harmon, who earned $19 million from the CBS procedural. According to Forbes, the actor’s deal includes a cut of the show’s profits.
The cast of another hugely successful, long-running broadcast network sitcom also put up a yet another strong showing this year. The four male stars of “Modern Family” — Ed O’Neill (No. 6, $14 million), Eric Stonestreet (No. 7, $13.5 million), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (No. 8, $13 million) and Ty Burrell (No. 9, $12 million) — pulled in a combined $52.5 million between them.
“The Walking Dead’s” Andrew Lincoln replaced disgraced “House of Cards” star Kevin Spacey at No. 10 this year, with an impressive $11 million for his final season on the AMC zombie drama.
Per Forbes, “Expect co-star Norman Reedus to replace him among TV’s top-earners next year since Lincoln bowed out–and Reedus reportedly negotiated a raise.”