We always talk about the highest-paid actors in the entertainment industry. Yes, there is a huge difference in payouts in the television and film industry. The film industry is often considered the bigger platform, with film actors enjoying more fame, prestige, and higher paychecks. TV actors often struggle to match their cinematic counterparts in terms of earnings and recognition. However, this gap has narrowed over the years, and today, television is just as powerful as cinema. What if we tell you, some TV actors are now making more money than even the biggest Hollywood film stars. Mariska Hargitay is the World’s highest-paid TV actor.
Mariska Hargitay: World’s Highest-Paid TV Actor

If you are wondering who holds the title of the highest-paid TV celebrity in the world, then you will be surprised by the answer. According to Forbes, Mariska Hargitay is the highest-paid TV actor in the world. The 51-year-old actress has been the face of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for an incredible 26 years. This crime drama is one of the longest-running primetime shows in American television history, and Detective Olivia Benson has made her a household name.
How Much Does Mariska Hargitay Earn?

In 2024, as per Forbes, Mariska was paid a whopping amount of $25 million for her role in Law & Order: SVU. She reportedly charges $750,000 per episode and has appeared in more than 550 episodes over the years. The impressive salary puts her ahead of several Hollywood stars, proving that television can be just as lucrative as movies.
Mariska Is Earning More Than Hollywood’s Biggest Stars
View this post on Instagram
Let’s compare Mariska’s earnings to the top Hollywood stars:
- Jason Statham – $24 million
- Mark Wahlberg & Matt Damon – $23 million each
- Jake Gyllenhaal – $22 million
- Scarlett Johansson – $21 million
- John Cena – $23 million
- Tom Cruise – $15 million
Despite the massive budgets of Hollywood movies, Mariska Hargitay has proved that television can also be as rewarding as movies. Her dedication to work paid off, making her one of the highest-paid TV stars.
In previous years, people perceived TV performers as less accomplished than people working in films. Movie stars maintained dominance over the entertainment business because TV actors received restricted financial returns. Through streaming platforms combined with large-scale TV shows and expanding global audiences, television has acquired an equal level of power with cinema.

Thanks to her years of dedication to television drama, Mariska Hargitay now makes more money than numerous big-name Hollywood actors. Television stands independently from films, as it has evolved into a dedicated entertainment industry that provides substantial professional opportunities for actors, directors, and writers.
Actor Mariska Hargitay built her status as the top-earning television star through sustained devotion and the expanding influence of television entertainment. Hargitay’s annual income of $25 million has established a new record for TV actors, which demonstrates that television brings rewards equal to or beyond those of Hollywood productions.
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | X |
Youtube | Pinterest | Google News |
Cinetales is on YouTube; click here to subscribe for the latest videos and updates.