Who is the Most Paid Actor on Game of Thrones and How Much Were Their Salaries?

The answer to this question is relatively straightforward: the highest-paid actors on Game of Thrones were all major characters, and they were paid equally for their roles. Each of the top-tier actors received around ￡382,750 per episode, which is equivalent to approximately $500,000.

The Most Paid Actors

Kit Harington, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), Cersei Lannister(Lena Headey), Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) all earned exactly the same amount per episode, despite their different roles in the show. This suggests that the production values, character importance, and overall narrative impact of their characters were considered equal.

Leading Pay Ranks

Breaking it down even further, the leading pay rank goes to:

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen Kit Harington portraying Jon Snow Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

These actors were not only among the highest paid but also most crucial to the storyline, as they formed the core of the Lannister and Stark/Targaryen families, respectively.

Why So Much?

The high salaries for these actors were due to an array of factors. First, these were some of the most popular characters globally, capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences. Secondly, the showrunners focused on maintaining the quality and authenticity of the characters, even off-screen. This is particularly evident in the case of the Lannister family, where both Cersei and Jaime had significant story arcs that required extensive development and supporting actors.

The New Era

As production moved into its final seasons, the pay structure remained largely the same, with all leading actors receiving around ￡500,000 per episode. This consistent payment ensured continuity and quality throughout the show's run.

Conclusion

From the first season to the last, the highest-paid actors on Game of Thrones stood out due to their significant roles and popularity. Their earnings reflect both the immense demand for their performances and the high standards that the show maintained from start to finish.

For more information on the Game of Thrones cast and their remarkable contributions to the series, continue reading this in-depth analysis.