Charlie Sheen, once one of the highest-paid actors on television, saw his lucrative income from the hit show “Two and a Half Men” dry up after reportedly some questionable decisions. While the show’s reruns were once a goldmine for Sheen, that is no longer the case, leaving fans wondering just how much the actor is still making from the sitcom.
The Rise of Charlie Sheen’s Fortune
At its peak, “Two and a Half Men” was one of the most-watched sitcoms on TV, with nearly 15 million viewers per season, according to Hollywood Reporter. Sheen, who played the character Charlie Harper, was reportedly making $1.8 million per episode during his final season, which aired in 2011, according to Fox 13 Seattle. As Hollywood legend goes, Sheen negotiated his $100 million contact on “Two and a Half Men” in 2010 while at a Lakers game, Vanity Fair reports.The series started in 2003 and wrapped 2015.
Through syndication, actors like Sheen typically receive royalty checks when their shows are aired on various platforms. According to FilmTrack, actors can earn between 1% and 20% of the show’s revenue, depending on their contracts.
Sheen’s TV Downfall: Fired from ‘Two and a Half Men’
Sheen’s time on the show ended abruptly in 2011 reportedly due to his erratic behavior and public feud with the show’s co-creator, Chuck Lorre. Sheen’s well-documented struggles with addiction, including cocaine use and multiple stints in rehab, led to his termination, according to Fox 13. Warner Bros. Television cited his “dangerously self-destructive conduct” as the reason for his dismissal, releasing a statement saying they had terminated his services “effective immediately.”
Despite this, Sheen continued to rake in money in rerun royalties after his exit.
The Odd Decision: Selling His Rights
In a move that shocked many, Sheen sold his “Two and a Half Men” participation rights in 2016 for a reported $27 million. Participation rights, also known as backend payments or contingent compensation, are a percentage of a project’s profits that are paid out, according to MovieMaker magazine.
Sheen’s decision, which came amid personal and financial struggles, drastically reduced his income. The sale was made public during Sheen’s court battle to lower his $55,000-per-month child support payments to ex-wife Brooke Mueller, FOx 13 reports. By selling the rights, Sheen’s monthly income dropped from $600,000 to just $167,000, as revealed in court filings.
At the time, it was speculated that Sheen sold his rights to show financial hardship in hopes of reducing his child support payments even though at the time he was estimated to be worth over $12 million.
The Cost of Selling Out
While Sheen initially pocketed $27 million from the sale, the decision also cost him much more in long-term revenue. “Two and a Half Men” has continued to live on in syndication, earning millions through reruns, DVD sales, and streaming deals. CBS has reportedly made more than $155 million in ad revenue in just 2010, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Money Out, Money In
Sheen wound up pocketing $25 million as part of a 2011 settlement with Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre, TheWrap reports.
The settlement, announced by Warner Bros., resolves Sheen’s $100 million lawsuit over his firing from “Two and a Half Men.” The $25 million payout reportedly covers back-end payments for Sheen’s previous appearances on the hit show.