Understanding the Salaries of Game of Thrones Actors
Have you ever wondered how much money the actors of Game of Thrones, one of the most popular TV series of all time, make? The show, which ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, featured a vast ensemble cast, each with their own unique roles and contributions to the series. In this article, we’ll delve into the salaries of the key actors, the factors that influenced their earnings, and how their pay compared to other actors in the industry.
Base Salaries
The base salaries of the actors on Game of Thrones varied significantly, depending on their roles and the length of their contracts. According to reports, the show’s lead actors, including Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), and Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), were initially offered $50,000 per episode. However, as the show gained popularity, their salaries increased significantly.
Season-by-Season Salary Increases
By the fourth season, the salaries of the main cast members had doubled to $100,000 per episode. This increase was due to the show’s growing popularity and the actors’ negotiating power. By the sixth season, their salaries had reached $250,000 per episode, and by the final season, they were earning $500,000 per episode. This means that the actors’ total earnings for the eight-season run of the show ranged from $2 million to $4 million each.
Additional Earnings
In addition to their base salaries, the actors on Game of Thrones also received bonuses and profit participation. Bonuses were typically given for meeting certain milestones, such as the completion of a season or the show’s renewal. Profit participation allowed the actors to share in the show’s profits, which could be substantial, especially considering the show’s massive success.
Comparing to Other Actors
When compared to other actors in the industry, the salaries of the Game of Thrones cast were quite impressive. At the time, $500,000 per episode was considered a high salary for a TV actor. However, it’s important to note that the show’s budget was also one of the highest in TV history, which helped to support the large ensemble cast and the elaborate production values.
Table: Game of Thrones Cast Salaries
| Actor | Season 1 | Season 2 | Season 3 | Season 4 | Season 5 | Season 6 | Season 7 | Season 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kit Harington | $50,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Emilia Clarke | $50,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Peter Dinklage | $50,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
Impact on Actors’ Careers
The success of Game of Thrones had a significant impact on the careers of its cast members. The show’s popularity helped to launch the careers of many actors, including Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark). Their salaries from the show allowed them to secure high-profile roles in other film and television projects, further