
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 F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, 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.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger