Ray Romano, star of Everybody Loves Raymond, set a Guinness World Record when he was paid nearly $2 million per episode for the show's ninth and final season in 2005. Two decades on, the actor is part of an elite list of performers still earning millions in residuals long after their shows ended.
Fans were stunned to learn that Romano, now 68, earns up to $18 million annually in syndication residuals, according to Forbes, thanks to the show's continued streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and Peacock. Some quip that he 'never has to work again.' However, this lucrative payday is not universal. Streaming channels often pay a flat fee with little consideration for viewership or star power that made the show a hit.
Ray Romano: $18 Million a Year for Everybody Loves Raymond
Romano, who played sarcastic sports writer Raymond Barone from 1996 to 2005, is worth an estimated $200 million today. Much of his wealth stems from residuals and backend profits. The eighth season gained notoriety after a cast contract dispute led by Brad Garrett, who played Robert Barone. Romano's $40 million deal for that season made him the highest-paid TV star at the time, with $1.8 million per week. His contract also included royalties from syndicated reruns, infuriating Garrett, who earned around $160,000 per episode. Garrett refused to work until CBS renegotiated, supported by castmates Patricia Heaton, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle calling in sick.
Lisa Kudrow and Co-Stars: $20 Million a Year for Friends
Though she hasn't filmed a scene in 22 years, Friends remains a money-spinner for Lisa Kudrow, 62, and her surviving co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. They each earn $20 million annually from reruns. Initially paid $20,000 per episode in 1994, by the final series they secured $1 million per episode plus 2% of syndication revenue. Broadcast in 200 countries, Friends has rarely been off screens.
Pamela Anderson: $4,000 a Year for Baywatch
Pamela Anderson, 58, who played lifeguard CJ Parker, earns just $4,000 annually from Baywatch repeats. Her son Brandon Lee called it a 'crime.' Anderson's pay rose from £1,000 per episode to $300,000 by her final series, but she lacked representation for syndication rights. Co-star David Hasselhoff, a producer with ownership, made up to $107 million from repeats.
Jerry Seinfeld: Up to $402 Million per Syndication Cycle for Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld, 72, earned $1 million per episode by the final season in 1998 and turned down $4 million per episode for a tenth series. He and co-creator Larry David each owned 15% of backend profits, earning up to $400 million per syndication cycle. Seinfeld is now worth over a billion dollars. Co-stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards were denied backend profits, receiving only standard residuals.
Lauren Graham: Nothing for Gilmore Girls
Lauren Graham, 58, who starred in all 153 episodes as Lorelai Gilmore, said she earns nothing from Netflix deals. 'There really are no residuals on Netflix,' she stated. She earned $90,000 per episode by the show's end and $2.5 million for a 2016 reboot.
Aaron Paul: Nothing for Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul, 45, who played Jesse Pinkman, receives no residuals from Netflix streaming. He joined the 2023 actors' strike over low payments, saying streamers have 'been getting away with not paying people a fair wage.' Paul earned $25,000 per episode initially, rising to over $120,000 by the finale.
Katie Holmes: Nothing for Dawson's Creek
Katie Holmes, 47, and co-stars earned around $30,000 per episode initially, rising to $140,000 by the final season. But James Van Der Beek said there was no residual money due to a bad contract. The show remains available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Mandy Moore: 81 Cents for This Is Us
Mandy Moore, 42, who played Rebecca Pearson, receives only 'very tiny, like, 81-cent checks' for repeats. She noted that residuals once helped actors during lean years, but the business has changed.
Kimiko Glenn: $27 for Orange Is the New Black
Kimiko Glenn, 36, earned $27.30 in repeat fees from the Netflix show. She said stars were 'internationally famous' but couldn't afford cabs to work, earning about $1,850 per month after tax.
Kelsey Grammer: $10 Million a Year from Frasier
Kelsey Grammer, 71, earned $1.5 million per episode by 2004 and became an executive producer. He is rumored to make $8.5 million annually in repeat fees. The series airs on Channel 4 and Paramount+.
Bob Saget: Up to $2,000 for Full House
Bob Saget, who died in 2022, earned up to £50,000 per episode but said residual checks ranged from $2 to $2,000. He did not own the show and had to take other jobs.
Charlie Higson: $2 per Episode for Vic Reeves Big Night Out
Charlie Higson, 67, revealed screenshots of $2 payments for repeats of the nine episodes he appeared in. He joked on social media: 'My other life as an actor is still paying off big time!'
