Mariska Hargitay earns $850,000 per episode as the lead star and executive producer of “Law & Order: SVU.”
With recent seasons consisting of 21 to 22 episodes, Hargitay could rake in between $17.85 and $18.7 million per season.
Hargitay’s staggering salary was revealed by Variety ahead of the 600th episode of the NBC show, now in its 28th season, airing Thursday night.
The 62-year-old actress has played Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU” since the series premiered in 1999. She became an executive producer starting with season 15 in 2014.
Variety also revealed Thursday that Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon each earn $2 million per episode for “The Morning Show” on Apple TV.
Zendaya receives the same amount for her work on “Euphoria,” while Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short each receive $1 million per episode for the Hulu comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” according to the outlet.
Meanwhile, Ellen Pompeo previously revealed that she makes $20 million per season for “Grey’s Anatomy,” which is in its 23rd season.
In his interview with Variety, Hargitay talked about “Law & Order: SVU’s” 600th episode celebration dinner that the current cast and crew, including co-star Christopher Meloni and creator Dick Wolf, all attended.
“It was one of the most extraordinary and meaningful nights, and unexpectedly so for me,” Hargitay said.
“Dick stood up and said, ‘This has never happened and it will never happen again.’ And it all happened that night.
Hargitay also shared the toast she gave that evening.
“We’re on episode 600, and it really doesn’t feel totally real — which, in a way, is exactly what it should be, because it’s like we’re all living in this dream of what you thought would one day be possible,” she said in her speech.
“And you have shown that not only is it possible, but it is far better than anyone could have imagined,” she added.
In August, Hargitay revealed that around season 25 in 2024, she had a conversation with former “ER” co-star Julianna Margulies about leaving “Law & Order: SVU.”
“I said, ‘I have to leave the show too. I don’t want people to think I’m a one-trick pony,'” Hargitay recalled to Variety.
But Margulies, 60, replied: “Honey, that ship has sailed. »
Hargitay has been the undisputed star of “Law & Order: SVU” since 2011, following Meloni’s departure from the series.
She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Detective Benson.
“Law & Order: SVU” airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
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