Dumped Sheen still tops TV rich list

Charlie Sheen has been named the Highest Paid Actor on television, despite being fired from Two and a Half Men.

The actor lost his role as Charlie Harper in the sitcom in March after a huge fall out with co-creator Chuck Lorre, but still topped the list compiled by Forbes who estimates he earned $40 million (NZ$50m) from syndication and pay owed between May 2010 and May 2011.

Charlie also filed a lawsuit with Chuck and the show's makers, Warner Brothers, over his dismissal, but this was settled out of court.

Although the sum of the settlement has not been made public, it has widely been reported to be a $100 million (NZ$124m) deal, starting with a $25 million ($31m) lump sum payment to Charlie.

The 46-year-old star is now working on a new show based around Adam Sandler's film Anger Management about an athlete-turned counsellor - originally played by Jack Nicholson in the movie - who enrages his patients more than calming them down.

Speaking of the series, Charlie said: "I chose Anger Management because, while it might be a big stretch for me to play a guy with serious anger management issues, I think it is a great concept."

Behind Charlie on the Forbes list is Ray Romano, who banked $20 million (NZ$25m) for his new show Men of a Certain Age, which has now been axed.

In third place is Steve Carell, for his performance as lead character Michael Scott in The Office, which netted him $15 million, but is a role he has left to concentrate on his film career.

NCIS star Mark Harmon came fourth with earnings of $13 million (NZ$16m) followed by Charlie's former co-star Jon Cryer and ex-CSI actor Laurence Fishburne who tied in fifth with $11 million (NZ$13.8m) each.

Forbes.com's Highest Paid Actors on TV 2010-2011:

1. Charlie Sheen, $40 million (NZ$50m)
2. Ray Romano, $20 million (NZ$25m)
3. Steve Carell, $15 million (NZ$18.6m)
4. Mark Harmon, $13 million (NZ$16m)
5. Jon Cryer, $11 million (NZ$13.8m)
6. Laurence Fishburne, $11 million (NZ$13.8m)
7. Patrick Dempsey, $9 million (NZ$11.2m)
8. Simon Baker, $9 million (NZ$11.2m)
9. Hugh Laurie, $9 million (NZ$11.2m)
10. Christopher Meloni, $9 million (NZ$11.2m)

- BANG! Showbiz