Jim Parsons, ‘Big Bang Theory’ cast top Forbes list of highest paid TV actors

Sept. 28 (UPI) — Jim Parsons has taken the number one spot atop Forbes annual highest paid TV actors list ahead of his Big Bang Theory co-stars Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar.

The list, released Thursday, states that Parsons earned $27.5 million in the year leading up to June 1.

Parsons, who makes $1 million per episode of The Big Bang Theory along with the other principal stars, came out on top due to his endorsement deal with Intel, role in Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures and time on Sirius radio.

Parsons previously came in at No. 1 in 2016 having earned $25.5 million.

The Big Bang Theory’s cast dominates the rest of the top four with Galecki in second place with $26.5 million, Helberg in third with $26 million and Nayyar in fourth with $25 million.

Following NCIS star and executive producer Mark Harmon’s placement at No. 5 with $19 million, the cast of Modern Family nearly round out the rest of the Top 10 with Ty Burrell in sixth place with $13.5 million, Eric Stonestreet in seventh place with $12.5 million, Ed O’Neill in eighth place with $12 million and Jesse Tyler Ferguson in tenth place with $11 million.

In eight place, breaking up the string of Modern Family actors, is Kevin Spacey who stars in and executive produces Netflix’s House of Cards with $12 million.

On Tuesday, Modern Family star Sofia Vergara was announced as the highest paid TV actress with $41.5 million making Vergara the highest earning television star amongst men and women.