The hit TV series "Game of Thrones" captivated viewers worldwide with its epic storytelling, jaw-dropping plot twists, and unforgettable characters. But behind the scenes, the actors who brought Westeros to life were earning monumental paychecks that reflected the show's unprecedented success. The pay for Game of Thrones actors became a hot topic as the series gained traction, with some stars earning millions per season.
Have you ever wondered how much your favorite Game of Thrones stars were paid to embody their iconic roles? From Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of the fiery Daenerys Targaryen to Kit Harington’s brooding Jon Snow, each actor brought their A-game to the screen, and their paychecks were a testament to the show's global impact. But the salary distribution also highlighted the industry’s complexities, with a clear divide between the earnings of the main cast and supporting actors.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the financial side of the Game of Thrones universe, uncovering salary details, how the show’s success impacted the actors’ net worth, and what their earnings reveal about the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or curious about Hollywood economics, this guide will offer fascinating insights into the pay for Game of Thrones actors.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Main Cast
- How Much Did the Main Cast Earn Per Episode?
- Were the Salaries Equal for All Actors?
- What Were the Top Salaries for the Final Season?
- Supporting Cast and Their Pay
- How Did Game of Thrones Impact Actors' Net Worth?
- Pay Negotiations and Gender Pay Gap
- How Do Royalties and Residuals Work?
- How Do Actors' Taxes Impact Their Earnings?
- Where Do the Actors Invest Their Paychecks?
- Post-Game of Thrones Careers
- How Does Game of Thrones Compare to Other Shows?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Biography of Main Cast
To better understand the pay for Game of Thrones actors, let’s start with a quick overview of the main cast members who brought Westeros to life. Below is a table summarizing their personal details:
| Actor | Role | Date of Birth | Nationality | Net Worth (as of 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emilia Clarke | Daenerys Targaryen | October 23, 1986 | British | $20 million |
| Kit Harington | Jon Snow | December 26, 1986 | British | $14 million |
| Lena Headey | Cersei Lannister | October 3, 1973 | British | $12 million |
| Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Jaime Lannister | July 27, 1970 | Danish | $16 million |
| Peter Dinklage | Tyrion Lannister | June 11, 1969 | American | $25 million |
How did they land their roles?
Each actor faced a unique journey to secure their role in Game of Thrones. For instance, Emilia Clarke was a relatively unknown actress before landing the role of Daenerys Targaryen. Kit Harington, on the other hand, was fresh out of drama school when he was cast as Jon Snow. Their performances not only earned them critical acclaim but also skyrocketed their earnings and career trajectories.
How Much Did the Main Cast Earn Per Episode?
The salaries of the top-tier actors in Game of Thrones became a major talking point as the series gained popularity. By the later seasons, the main cast members were earning staggering amounts per episode. Here’s a breakdown of their pay:
- Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Peter Dinklage: $1.2 million per episode for the final season.
- Supporting actors like Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) earned around $175,000 to $250,000 per episode in earlier seasons, with increases as the show progressed.
The massive paychecks were justified by the show’s incredible viewership and the actors’ growing star power. Game of Thrones consistently broke records, with the final season averaging over 40 million viewers per episode across platforms.
Why did salaries increase over time?
As the series grew in popularity, the main cast renegotiated their contracts to reflect the show’s success. HBO was willing to pay top dollar to retain its core actors, ensuring continuity and maintaining the quality of the storytelling. The actors' pay per episode saw a steady increase after Season 3, mirroring the show’s surge in global popularity.
Were the Salaries Equal for All Actors?
No, the salaries for Game of Thrones actors were not equal, and this disparity was primarily influenced by factors such as screen time, character importance, and negotiating power. The lead actors, often referred to as the “A-tier” cast, earned significantly more than their co-stars.
For example:
- Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, had one of the highest salaries due to his character’s central role and his outstanding performance, which earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
- Actors with recurring or minor roles, such as Conleth Hill (Varys) or Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), earned considerably less, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per episode in earlier seasons.
While some disparities are expected in ensemble casts, the pay gap in Game of Thrones also sparked debates about fair compensation in Hollywood.
Was there a gender pay gap?
Interestingly, Game of Thrones managed to avoid significant gender pay disparities among its lead actors. Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey earned salaries comparable to their male counterparts, a rarity in the entertainment industry. Clarke herself spoke out about being paid equally, calling it a step in the right direction for gender equality in Hollywood.
What Were the Top Salaries for the Final Season?
The final season of Game of Thrones marked a historic moment in television, not just for its storyline but also for the astronomical salaries of its main cast members. Each of the five primary actors earned $1.2 million per episode, making them some of the highest-paid television actors in history.
With six episodes in the final season, this meant:
- Emilia Clarke: $7.2 million
- Kit Harington: $7.2 million
- Lena Headey: $7.2 million
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: $7.2 million
- Peter Dinklage: $7.2 million
These salaries reflected not just their talent but also the immense cultural and financial value of Game of Thrones to HBO.
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