Do Actors Get Paid Every Time Their Movie Is on TV?
One of the most common questions about actors’ earnings is whether they get paid every time a movie they starred in airs on television. The answer depends on various factors, including contracts, union rules, and distribution rights. While some actors receive ongoing payments known as residuals, others only earn a one-time fee for their work.
Understanding Residuals
Residuals are payments made to actors when a film or TV show is rerun, sold for syndication, streamed, or released in other formats. These payments are negotiated by unions such as the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
According to SAG-AFTRA, actors typically receive residuals when:
- A movie or show is rebroadcast on network or cable TV
- It is released on DVD, Blu-ray, or digital platforms
- It is streamed on services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+
- It is syndicated or aired internationally
Who Gets Residuals?
Not every actor receives residuals. It depends on the type of contract they signed:
- Union Actors (SAG-AFTRA Members): If an actor is part of SAG-AFTRA and the production follows union rules, they are entitled to residuals based on where and how the movie is distributed.
- Non-Union Actors: If an actor worked on a non-union film, they likely received a one-time payment for their role with no additional earnings from reruns or syndication.
- Big Stars vs. Supporting Actors: A-list actors often negotiate contracts that include large upfront payments and bonuses rather than relying on residuals. Meanwhile, supporting and character actors rely more heavily on residual income.
How Much Do Actors Make in Residuals?
The amount actors earn from residuals varies. Payments start high but decrease over time.
For example:
- When a movie first airs on network TV, residuals are higher.
- Each time it re-airs, the payment is lower.
- Older movies that are played frequently on cable (such as TNT, TBS, or AMC) might generate small checks but still provide consistent income over time.
Actor Jeffrey Owens, best known from The Cosby Show, once revealed he still received small checks from the show decades after it aired, though the amounts were often under $100. On the other hand, stars from Friends reportedly earn millions in residuals each year due to syndication deals.
Streaming Services and Residuals
With the rise of streaming platforms, residual payments have changed. In the past, reruns on TV meant regular checks for actors. Now, streaming services pay flat fees instead of per-play payments, which has led to disputes between actors and studios over fair compensation.
Conclusion
Actors don’t always get paid every time their movie is on TV, but many do receive residuals based on their contracts and union rules. While some actors make significant money from reruns, others receive small checks—or none at all—depending on their agreements.
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