'08
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
Written by Celebitchy
Posted in Keifer Sutherland
31 Responses to “Keifer Sutherland: I get paid too much - doctors & teachers deserve it more”
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I agree with him, it seems the selfish jobs (the ones that society can live with out if necessary) get paid much more while the other important ones that actually make a difference, always come second. As for doctors, they do not make that much in other countries, so they definitely deserve more.
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Yeah, if he REALLY believes he gets paid too much, he should donate the money to charity, and only keep the money he deserves to get paid.
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I agree, if he thinks he earns to much for his profession than he should donate part of his money to charity. At least that way he won’t feel so guilty and will be doing a good deed.
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I love “24″, it is my favorite show… when it is aired.
At least he recognizes that celebs are over paid compared to the everyday Joe.
Why would he donate his ‘net salary’ to charity ? It’s his money, he can do what he pleases with it. -
So give it to doctors, teachers, firefighters and police officers. Possibly even a stay at home mom or two.
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Oh hell, just give it to me.
Always blows my mind that people actually require amounts like $34,000 a month just to survive. I live on less than 10% of that, and live pretty well, with a cleaning person, laundress, going out to eat several times a week (and not fast food) and a very spoiled cat who eats five cans of Fancy Feast a day.
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Wow, I’ve been saying the same thing for years.
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Syko, my cats have the same life. I would do anything for them no matter my income
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I’ve always been like that too, Meredith. It sounds horribly extravagant and my daughter gripes at me about spending $15 a week on food for the cat, but he is worth every penny of that to me when he runs to greet me at the door when I come home at night.
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I have to agree as well. It is the first time I have heard of when someone like this said such a true thing. I have said all along. I agree with xiaoecho though if it is so over the top in your opinion to be paid this amount maybe make a statement and donate a large amount of money each year to a good cause and then maybe it will stick and several others will do the same. It isnt like your going to miss a million a year and I am sure it is tax deductable. Who knows we cold maybe end world hunger and several other equally huge problems.
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Couldn’t agree more and it’s nice that he would say that.
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I guess though the reason actors and sports people get paid such a huge amount of money is because they make huge amounts of money for their bosses. Like Brad Pitt must get millions and millions of dollars for each movie he stars in, but that’s because the movie will do well at the box office and make millions for the film makers. It’s all about money and how much you’re worth to the people you work for.
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Celebrities always say this crap. Not many back up their words with actions. And no, I’m not bitter because I’m a teacher.
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Kinda obvious comment, even for a peanut head.
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If he feels that way then why did he sign the contract or modify the contract?
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Come on, guys, let’s give him some credit for admitting it.
I hear ya Syko re: the kitty food. In my next life, I want to come back as one of my cats except I won’t be here to pamper me rotten.
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how do we know that he doesn’t donate? not every celeb has to do it the oprah/brangelina/tyra way, with lots of fanfare. there are many wealthy people who donate annonymously….maybe he does too.
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I love this guy, so frankly!
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There is no such thing as a spoiled pet, but rather well-trained pet owners.
I confess I am well-trained pet owner and whatever the four-legged children want, they get.
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Most doctors make plenty. What about nurses? We always get left out in the cold
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i’m a kindergarten teacher and I only make 34,000 a year!!! I will glady take his charity.
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Cindy: This is probably a really stupid place to ask this question, but since you’re well qualified to answer, here goes: I was thinking of switching careers, and teaching children is something I think I’d really enjoy. I have a college degree, but would I need a teaching credential, too? I wasn’t sure if kindergarten required the extra credential or not.
Sorry everyone. Carry on!
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He is sooo right!!
Of course, if someone offered me 40 million dollars i wouldn’t turn it down, either, so no need to attack the man. i’m sure he gives to charity. Also, his grandfather–Tommy Douglas–gets my vote as the greatest Canadian EVER. He is a hero.
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Actors. What don’t they know!
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This guy is the nicest person you will ever meet. I saw him in sand diego and he was so kind! he waited for me to dig my camera out of my huge suitcase and he signed an autograph! SUPER NICE!!
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I hardly think its a big deal that he’s “nice” to his fans who want to take a picture of him. The fans are the ones who make it possible for him to earn all that $$$$$$$$$.
And 34,000/month in expenses…..I mean, I like “stuff” too, but what could one possibly need day in and day out to rack up 34,000 per month….. -
In his defense, he lives in a different world than most of us, the expectations are different, so he spends more. That’s true of people who live in poorer areas of a city compared to more upper middle class areas.
And as Megan pointed out, this is Capitalism right here: you earn based on the money you make. If a movie earns 100 million dollars, then it is reasonable for its star to make 20 million as a salary.
I agree that other professions deserve a much higher salary. However demanding that Keifer Sutherland supply it is unrealistic.
It is up to us as a society to reward the professions we feel give to us the most. -
I have to disagree. You’re only paid what someone thinks your efforts are worth. If you disagree with their assessment, you’re free to take another job, or go to work for yourself, or find ways to make your KSA’s more valuable.
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How do you know he doesn’t give a lot to charity?
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I agree, actors paid are way way way too much but to admit it like Keith Sutherland did is honest. You don’t see Brad Pitt, Conney, Cruise,, Nicolas Cage, Jennifer Lopez, Jolie, Tom Hanks, and hundreds more admitting it, they accept it and run with the money but don’t forget royalities, they all get royalities on all the movies too. An actor only comes in the film and acts but after the film is a rap, actors leave and go to the next film, everybody behind the set is making $10.00 an hour with no royalities at all. Imagine getting paid a royality an actor playing a film 15 years ago and still getting checks. Imagine getting checks on all sorts of films but the people behind the set, get nothing. Such a sad sad story.
America over pays people, that’s why we are in a recession and why where have more jobs going to China because the cost are too much to employ in this country.
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We agree Keifer………so put your money where your mouth is and donate the difference to literacy and numeracy programs around the world
A person can live on very little when they put their mind to it - as the poor are forced to
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