Here’s What “Ted Lasso” Star Jason Sudeikis Did With His First Paycheck from SNL
- Jason Sudeikis got his big break with SNL sketch writing in 2003.
- He became a cast member in 2005 and remained at SNL for nine seasons despite minimal pay.
- Hosts and cast of the SNL is paid as per their experience and star power in the industry.
While Jason Sudeikis has always been known for his comic timing and being the ultimate grumpy guy at the same time, the AppleTV show Ted Lasso showed a completely different side of the actor. The optimism and determination he showcases in the story are unparalleled. Sudeikis has been an integral part of the industry with numerous projects like Horrible Bosses, The Angry Birds Movies, and We’re the Millers.
Moreover, like many other Hollywood actors, Sudeikis also found his big break in the industry, thanks to the Saturday staple in every household – Saturday Night Live or SNL. though the comedy show propelled Sudeikis to newer heights, he seemingly did not make enough dough on the show.
Jason Sudeikis was hired as a writer on SNL in 2003
Hailing from German and Irish ancestry, Jason Sudeikis always had the bug to act and perform on stage. From improv to theatre, he did it all for the exposure and polished his skills in the 1990s. In fact, he founded his own improv company called The Second City Las Vegas which led to him being onboarded as a writer for SNL.
In 2003, he wrote sketches for Saturday Night Live that were then edited a bit and used on the show. He mostly worked backstage or as an extra if needed on stage. It was in 2005 when Sudeikis was hired as a cast member and he continued to work until 2013. Talking to other SNL alum at a roundtable conversation, Sudeikis shared,
I mean, you don’t make enough money to make big purchases, so I think New York rent was probably the biggest purchase I made after writing my first year on ‘SNL.
In 2021, Sudeikis hosted Saturday Night Live which is a big honor in itself. The show leverages the popularity of many rising stars in the industry to pull viewers from every corner of America.
Jason Sudeikis’s Net Worth in 2024
As Sudeikis mentioned, stars cannot rely on their SNL salaries to live a decent life. However, it seems like Sudeikis has come a long way, living a luxurious life rather than just a decent one. He is worth $20 million currently, amassing wealth from his movies, shows, and of course, his SNL paychecks.
The number seems lesser in comparison especially since the actor is earning about $1 million per Ted Lasso episode. Sudeikis was making $8.8 million for the first two seasons while the third season has made him richer with a $12 million payout. Add his previous movie salaries, producer credits and, residuals along with brand endorsements, fans wonder why Sudeikis is not any richer.
Sudeikis’s divorce and child support battle with ex-wife Olivia Wilde puts things into perspective. This is the reason why Sudeikis might not be saving as much money as people thought. The actor pays a monthly child support amount to Wilde who has the custody of their two kids. The couple also purchased properties in Los Angeles and New York, which further adds to Sudeikis’s portfolio.
How much do SNL hosts make?
Though the writers and other backend people make less in the beginning and get raises thereafter, hosts tend to make big money in just one episode. Megastars like Colin Jost and Kate McKinnon have even earned about $25,000 for an episode of Saturday Night Live. on the other hand, Justin Timberlake once shared that he received the bare minimum of $5,000 to host the show. He said,
This was my third time to host and obviously I’ve done some appearances here and there when I’m in town…I really do adore the cast and the writers and everyone there. And it’s… you know…it’s a great opportunity for an entertainer like myself to…it’s the best minimum…It’s the best five grand you can make on television. It’s awesome.
It seems like the salary depends on the star power and the celebrity’s SNL experience. The dynamic range keeps changing to meet the talent and what they bring to the table. Even guests who make a short appearance on the show get paid a meager amount for their efforts. For instance, when Alec Baldwin appeared in a sketch to play Donald Trump, he took home a paycheck of $1,400.
