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

Well Kiefer Sutherland copped a plea deal in his DUI case, and is set to start serving 48 days in jail right before Christmas. That makes me happy. I’m not really a fan of his (I know a lot of you are die hard “24” addicts) – he’s just got way too long a rap sheet for me. Whenever I see him on TV, I keep thinking (DUI DUI DUI DUI) – it’s distracting enough that I really can’t enjoy the guy. Which is too bad, because I’m told he’s pretty talented. According to the terms of the agreement, Sutherland doesn’t have to do all his time at once. Boy is that a cushy deal. Why not just give him a Lay-z-boy and a selection of fancy chicken nuggets in his cell while you’re at it?

“‘Based on the agreement, Sutherland will first serve 18 straight days in county jail for violating probation’ says veteran DUI attorney Lawrence Taylor. ‘He’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s behind bars.’

“After that, Sutherland, 40, will have six months to complete an additional 30 days for the DUI – which he can even serve on weekends if he chooses to do so. He’ll be allowed to serve the second portion of his sentence in a city jail (which is seen as less harsh than a county facility).”

[From People]

It sounds like the National Guard for drinkers. “If you’re willing to commit two weeks a year and one weekend a month, you too can drink all you want and then drive home, probably running over a wide assortment of animals.” I think the California legal system should put that on some fliers. I’m glad he’s going to do some actual jail time, I just think it should interfere with his life a little more.

“The 24 star is ordered to appear in Metropolitan Court in Los Angeles on Dec. 21 for formal sentencing. He’s expected to plead no contest to a misdemeanor DUI count and admit that he violated probation from a 2004 DUI conviction. He will then be taken into custody by sheriff deputies on the spot and transported to the L.A. Men’s Central Jail. The plea deal stipulates that he cannot be released on home electronic monitoring. Sutherland released a statement late Tuesday saying, ‘I’m very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I’m deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox. I appreciate the support and concern that has been extended to me these last weeks both personally and professionally.’

“His studio, 20th Century Fox, indicated that the jail term would not affect the show’s production. Sutherland will have until July 1 next year to show proof to the court that he completed the 30 days of jail time. Anything less will be deemed as another probation violation, the agreement says. Sutherland will also be sentenced to five years’ probation, complete an 18-month alcohol education program and attend weekly alcohol therapy sessions for six months.”

[From People]

On the one hand, I’m glad that it seems like celebs are having to serve actual time and aren’t getting as much special treatment lately. On the other hand, the guy has a really long rap sheet, and I don’t think something as convenient as this jail sentence is going to do anything to temper his self-destructive, entitled attitude.

Mike Walker in the Enquirer manages to have hero stories about your favorite TV stars every week, and his latest news is no exception.

Keifer Sutherland was said to have been out hiking when he came across a frightened 9 year-old on a rocky cliff. The boy’s older brothers had jumped from the cliff to the water below, but he was too scared to join them and was stuck there cowering. Sutherland came to the rescue! He carried him down to his brothers and then told them what’s what:

Out hiking with a pal, the “24″ star suddenly heard loud cries - and moments later found a frightened youngster standing on the cliff, paralyzed with fear. Turns out the kid and his brothers had climbed the cliff to jump into the creek far below. The older brothers jumped first, then yelled, “Come on in, the water’s fine!” The kid lost his nerve, couldn’t jump - and was afraid to climb back down the hill alone. Kiefer piggy-backed the boy down to his brothers, then read them the riot act.

[From The National Enquirer print edition, January 29, 2007]

Like I said, this guy Mike Walker has hero news every week so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets stories fed to him by the TV networks. He had two separate stories about medical heroics by Dr. McDreamy Patrick Dempsey that sounded a little too good to be true.

Sutherland could have helped this boy, but it probably wasn’t as big a deal as he’s making it out to be.