TV's highest paid actor might surprise you

Jim Parsons has been named the highest-earning TV star of 2015.

The Big Bang Theory star topped the Forbes list with earnings of US$29 million (NZ$45m) for his role as Sheldon Cooper whilst his co-star Johnny Galecki - who plays Dr Leonard Hofstadter - earned US$27 million (NZ$42m).

NCIS star Mark Harmon placed equally third on the list, alongside Jim's co-stars Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayya, as well as Two and a Half Men actor Ashton Kutcher, with all of them earning US$20 million each.

Two And A Half Men star Jon Cryer placed seventh, equally with Everybody Loves Raymond's Ray Romano, despite the last series ending in 2005.

The Mentalist's

Simon Baker and

Grey's Anatomy's

Patrick Dempsey earned $12 million each, completing the top ten.

The news that The Big Bang Theory stars dominate the list won't surprise fans as it was recently revealed the three main characters - played by Jim, Johnny and Kaley Cuoco - are reportedly being paid US$1 million per episode for their part in the show.

A source said at the time: "[They will get] larger pieces of the show, signing bonuses, production deals and advances towards the back-end."

Bosses also reportedly spoke to Simon and Kunal to ensure their paycheques were brought more in line with that of the three main characters.

Forbes' Highest-Earning TV Actors of 2015

1. Jim Parsons, US$29 million
2. Johnny Galecki, US$27 million
3= Mark Harmon, US$20 million
3= Simon Helberg, US$20 million
3= Kunal Nayya, US$20 million
3= Ashton Kutcher, US$20 million
7= Jon Cryer, US$15 million
7= Ray Romano, US$15 million
9= Simon Baker, US$12 million
9= Patrick Dempsey, US$12 million

- Bang! Showbiz