Keifer Sutherland says that actors are paid disproportionately to the amount they contribute to society. He thinks that the people who deserve to make the most cash are in hard working and heroic professions like healthcare and teaching. Sutherland is the highest paid actor on television and makes a whopping $555,555.00 per episode of Fox’s 24. He signed a $40 million contract in 2006 that lasts through 2009 and makes him a co-executive producer on the series. In Sutherland’s estimation that’s too much.

Hollywood actor KIEFER SUTHERLAND has confessed he doesn’t deserve the millions he earns for his profession.

The 24 star believes actors are paid too much for their job and admits those working in the emergency services are more deserving of the money.

He says, “The kind of money generated around the industry is way out of proportion. The admiration bestowed on actors is also out of perspective.

“Doctors are the stars of our society – people like my grandfather who was responsible for the health care in Canada – as well as teachers, firefighters and police officers.”

[From Contact Music via Fark]

CEOs of corporations also get paid sick salaries and bonuses that often are tied to their company’s performance. The people beneath them who are responsible for the success of the organization often get screwed. This is especially evident in cases like Enron when thousands of workers got robbed of their pensions but higher ups pocketed millions – even though they’re the ones who caused the company’s collapse through illegal business practices.

Firefighters, police officers, and teachers do deserve more considering the difference they make in the world and all the time and effort they put in. Many doctors are already pretty well compensated, though. Insurance costs can be prohibitive for doctors, especially obstetricians, and in some specialties they’re struggling.

Sports stars also make huge amounts of money when weighed against their contributions to society. Scientists, mathematicians and geniuses should be marketed in a way that allows them to profit on their superhuman knowledge and ability in a way that’s comparable to athletes. There are only so many game shows that people will watch, though.

Sutherland may be complaining about the inequity of his salary, but he’s definitely spending at least part of his maybe not-so-hard earned cash. According to documents filed in his 2004 divorce, he spends $34,000 a month on expenses. It’s surely a lot more at this point now that he’s the richest guy on TV. Dr. House needs a raise.

Keifer Sutherland is shown at Comicon with the writers and producers of 24 on 7/25/08. That guy to the far left is calling me with those creepy eyes for some reason. Credit: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos