Entertainment - Film/TV

Simon Cowell -- the acerbic "American Idol" judge, creator of "America's Got Talent" and record producer -- is the top-earning man on primetime U.S. television with an estimated haul of $75 million, Forbes.com said Tuesday.

Cowell beat out "The Apprentice" host Donald Trump ($50 million) and "American Idol" presenter Ryan Seacrest ($38 million), based on estimated pre-tax earnings from June 1, 2008-June 1, 2009.
Most of the top earners have several entertainment-related ventures, Forbes said. Cowell has his own record label, which has signed singers including Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle, in addition to his duties as a judge on "Idol" -- the most watched TV show in the United States for seven years.

Apart from "Apprentice," Trump lends his name to products ranging from neckties to vodka and reaps fees from speeches and books.

Seacrest, 34, has a Los Angeles morning radio show, is a celebrity TV host and developed the TV reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," as well as hosting "Idol."

Rounding up the top five are "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen ($21 million) and "The Office" actor Steve Carell ($20 million).

The remainder of the top 10:

6. Howie Mandel ($15 million)

7. Kiefer Sutherland ($13 million)

8. Jeff Foxworthy ($11 million)

9. Hugh Laurie ($10 million)

10. David Caruso ($9 million)

HWR

Tweet me!

User Rating: / 0
PoorBest