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Huge Paydays for Top Celebs: Who's Worth It?

080411ryanseacrest.jpg
Ryan Seacrest by Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage.com
How does the song go? "If I Were a Rich Dog... "? The late Leona Helmsley's dog, Trouble, earns $12 million per year and makes Parade magazine's annual "What People Earn" survey. But trouble loves company: The pooch is joined by Ryan Seacrest at the $12 mil mark.

But that's kibbles & bits when compared to other celebs, like Miley Cyrus ($18.2 million), 50 Cent ($33 million), Dr. Phil ($90 million) and Oprah ($260 million).

The magazine also surveyed regular folks (that is, folks who don't turn up on tabloid covers) and found they make roughly 1/100th of the top-paid celebs.

So who's worth it: Is Miley worth $18.2 million? Is Dr. Phil a bargain at $90 mil? — J.R. Whalen

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Posted by TV Guide Staff
Apr 11, 2008 1:19 PM
Miley Cyrus has a TV show, concerts, albums and a gazillion appearances. She's busy and all over the place. Dr. Phil has a talk show (does he still have that?), wrote some books (anything recent?) and appears on Letterman once in a while. His money has got to come from investments, not from currently working so hard. Or have I just lost track of him (thankfully) and he's doing more than I think?

How the heck does a dog earn that kind of money? It's got to be from a trust fund/investments. Certainly the dog doesn't actually do anything to earn that unless he/she does commercials, appearances, doggy acting gigs on TV or movies.

There should be 2 separate lists. One for those who actually do something to earn their money and one for those whose money earns them money. (Say what you like about Miley and Ryan, they work.)
Posted by Cindy
Apr 11, 2008 1:35 PM
Cindy, reread the first paragraph. Trouble is Leona Helmsley's dog.
Posted by RachelScribbles
Apr 11, 2008 2:15 PM
Rachel, I realize that. My reading comprehension is usually very good, thank you. What bugs me is that Trouble is lumped in with others who actually do something for the money. As I said, there should be 2 lists. One for those who earn their money (whether we like them or not) and one for those whose money earns them money. I guess it's the word "earns" in the story that bugs me. Not that any of this really matters in the grand scheme of life. I just felt like being grumpy about something today and this story got elected. :^O
Posted by Cindy
Apr 11, 2008 3:03 PM
I dunno, I think if I was Leona Helmsley's dog, I'd sincerely think that I earned every single penny of that trust fund. ;\ LOL!
Posted by RachelScribbles
Apr 11, 2008 3:08 PM
So Seacrest is making $12 an hour? Hmmmm.
Posted by Buffy Freak
Apr 11, 2008 3:58 PM
I'm sorry But there are a ton Of celebs who are not worth the big bucks. Julie Roberts? Cameron Diaz? Come on people your can only play a female dog in films so many times? 25 Milllion a picture? Thats BS.
Posted by Lancelot79
Apr 12, 2008 5:44 AM
They're worth whatever someone's willing to pay them. Sort of says something about teachers, nurses and social workers.
Posted by Sheldon
Apr 12, 2008 9:20 AM
I think it's crazy that Ryan Seacrest makes that kind of money. He's not the reason that people tune into American Idol. He's a bland host, and there are probably a lot of people who could do a better job. And he was an embarrassment as the host of the Emmys. He's got to be the luckiest guy in the world, or has blackmail photos of network executives. ;)
Posted by kryptogal
Apr 16, 2008 3:27 AM
Say what you will about Ryan Seacrest's talent (or lack thereof) but he does a heck of a lot more than simply host American Idol. He's everywhere. Talent or no talent, at least he actually works for his money. Check out his IMDB page. He has lots of producer credits along with his long list of television gigs.
Posted by RachelScribbles
Apr 16, 2008 10:35 AM
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