Here's How Much Money the 'Game of Thrones' Cast Make Per Episode
Spoiler: It's more than most people make in a year.
Game of Thrones is the biggest show on television by a lot of measures, and certainly the biggest hit in HBO's history, so it's no surprise that its actors—the ones who have managed to survive into the seventh season—are making bank. If you've ever wondered exactly how much a starring role in Westeros pays, Variety now has the answers for you.
In its 2017 salary survey, a "sampling of estimates" for the paychecks of TV's most notable stars, the outlet revealed that Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and Lena Headey all make the same amount per episode: $500,000. Yes, that is per episode, meaning a full 13-episode season would bring in well over $6 million. Per their list, that's the same as Kevin Spacey brings in for an episode of House of Cards, and slightly more than Claire Danes makes for an episode of Homeland.
RELATED STORIES
In some cases, that per-episode estimate includes "additional compensation for their work as producers or for their profit participation stakes," meaning that dollar amount isn't their pure per-episode salary as actors—but none of the Thrones cast are listed as producers. (By comparison, Spacey and Danes are both producers on their respective shows.)
If you're now feeling suitably depressed about your own financial prospects, click on over to Variety to read the full list, which includes some more modest paychecks. The Crown's Claire Foy, for instance, made just $40,000 per episode for the first season of the Netflix drama, though she's undoubtedly reneged in the wake of her multiple award nominations.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Emma Dibdin is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles who writes about culture, mental health, and true crime. She loves owls, hates cilantro, and can find the queer subtext in literally anything.
-
Taylor Swift Sweetly Dishes on Travis Kelce With a Young Swiftie at Children's Hospital
"I like Travis now," the fan shared.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
I Found the Most Luxe Beauty Stocking Stuffers Your Friends Actually Want
Beauty editor-tested and approved.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
32 Great TV Shows That Capture What We Love About Our Closest Friendships
Watch these with your bestie (or when you miss them).
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Sasheer Zamata Manifested Her Witchy Role in 'Agatha All Along'
The 'SNL' alum opens up about playing the resident potions witch Jennifer Kale on the Disney+ hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Stars of the '2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show' Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
Nothing gets you ready for the spotlight like Shania Twain.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The 15 Best Cooking Shows of All Time and Where to Stream Them
Whether you consider yourself a whizz in the kitchen or not, these series are worth watching.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Here's How to Watch the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
The runway spectacular is returning to New York, angel wings and all.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'House of the Dragon' Season 3: Everything We Know
Here's everything that anticlimactic finale is building towards.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
What to Know About the 'House of the Dragon' Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer, Addam of Hull, and Ulf the White
We're breaking down the bastards with Valyrian blood—and how they could influence the future of the show.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Did Aegon Die in 'House of the Dragon?' A Breakdown of Season 2 Episode 4
We're breaking down *that* death, including what happens in George R. R. Martin's 'Fire and Blood.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
What Happened in the 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Premiere?
The 'Game of Thrones' prequel returned with one of the franchise's most brutal scenes ever.
By Quinci LeGardye Published