Do Soap Stars Make Big Bucks?

Soap Opera Update, 8/6/96

   Although A Martinez (Cruz) starred on the perennially low-rated Santa Barbara, his fan popularity led to superstar status....and big bucks.  He's now appearing in HBO's Grand Avenue.

    Minnie Wager (that's what we'll call her to protect her identity) landed a role on an east coast soap nearly a year ago.  So now, you'd assume that she is living the high life, hanging with the likes of Susan Lucci (Erica, All My Children) who reportedly earns seven figures annually.  She is partying at all the hot spots in the city that never sleeps (New York) and shopping in the ritziest boutiques along Fifth Avenue.

    Right?  Wrong.  In reality this young actress can barely make ends meet.  "Some weeks, I don't even have enough money to buy groceries," she says.  How come, you ask?  We'll tell you.

    "Actors are offered two options when signed to a contract role," says Top Dog (whose identity we're also protecting), personal manager for many soap actors ranging from the first-timers to seasoned veterans.  "They can take the guarantee which means they are paid for at least one-and-a-half shows per week, regardless of whether or not they work.  If they work more than one-and-a-half shows per week, they are paid the remainder of their salary at the end of the year.  The other option is to be paid per show."  Minnie opted to be paid per show at a rate of $1,000.  "I couldn't afford to live off of the guarantee," she quips.  "But even if I have a good week, I don't make that much because nearly 40 percent of my salary is taken out in taxes," complains Minnie.  If Wager works three days, her net pay is $3,000 less 40 percent.

    While $1,800 per week may not sound like a pittance to most, you must take into account that Wager, like all actors, has certain expenses directly related to her profession.  "Between may agent and manager, I am forking over 30 percent of my salary," says Wager.

    Staying in "soap opera shape" isn't easy, so many actors hired personal trainers to keep them motivated.  That can cost upwards of $100 per session.  And then there are the publicists who make sure the fans know that their clients are in "soap opera shape."  Their take is generally $800 to $1,500 per month.  At this point in her career, Wager says she can't afford either of the aforementioned services.

    Most of the east coast studios are in Manhattan, except for Another World, which tapes at the NBC studio in Brooklyn.  Wager, who regularly has call times as early as 7 a.m., chose to live nearby the studio - and that isn't cheap.  A studio apartment in Manhattan costs her nearly $1,400 per month.  She parks her jalopy in a garage for another $280 per month.  "West coast actors have it easier when it comes to rent," says the actress.  "When I was living in California I was paying $685 for a two-bedroom apartment, parking included."

    Obviously, not all daytime actors are struggling.  "In the fourth year on a show is when an actor can make a lot of money," says Top Dog, "If the show really wants them, they can go from their starting salary of $1,000 per episode to almost double that."

    Even with a substantial pay increase, most daytimers don't earn nearly as much as primetime actors.

    Newcomer:  $60,000 - $100,000    This is their first contract role in the industry.  On average, they work two days out of the work week.  They may still be too "new" to get approached about public appearances.

    Hunk:  $100,000 - $500,000    This is usually their first job, but they have caught on like wild-fire with the viewers.  They're featured on talk shows, in non-soap magazines, and can make up to $5,000 per public appearance.

    Superstar:  $500,000 PLUS    They've been on soaps for more than five years, and are recognizable even to non-soap viewers.  They're cast in movies-of-the-week as well as commercials, and are even booked on Letterman!

  Return to Interviews/Articles