The salaries of "The White Lotus" cast don't quite mirror the eclectic mix of guests checking into the show's fictional resort. Fans of the HBO series—which racked up an impressive 23 nominations at the 2025 Emmy Awards—are well-acquainted with the vibrant array of characters that have graced its three seasons. From the clingy heiress portrayed by Jennifer Coolidge to the sexually assertive grandfather played by F. Murray Abraham, and the pill-popping housewife brought to life by Parker Posey, the show has never shied away from diversity in its onscreen personalities.
However, unlike the wide spectrum of characters featured, the paychecks of the show's ensemble cast—which included Carrie Coon, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, Natasha Rothwell, and even Blackpink singer Lisa in season three—are uniform across the board. "Everyone is treated equally on 'The White Lotus'," producer David Bernard revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in April. "They receive the same pay, and we use alphabetical billing. So, you're attracting actors who are genuinely interested in the project for the right reasons."
As a result, the main cast members earn approximately $40,000 per episode, a figure confirmed by season three star Jason Isaacs in an interview with New York magazine in July. While David emphasized to THR that the compensation model is "non-negotiable," casting director Meredith Tucker noted that this policy simplifies her job immensely. "You just lay it out there for people," she explained to the outlet. "And some won't take it—and honestly, you can't blame those who need to make a living. Our series regulars are essentially doing this for scale."
Indeed, while Isaacs admitted that the salary is "a very modest sum" compared to other TV shows, it holds far less significance for the cast than the opportunity to be part of the HBO sensation. "But the truth is, we would have paid to be in it," he stressed. "We probably would have sacrificed a limb."
After all, the actors who do sign on are richly rewarded. Seven stars from season three are nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor or Actress at this year's Emmys—set to air live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14—while Jennifer Coolidge has already claimed victory twice for her role as Tanya McQuoid in seasons one and two. "I had a little dream in my little town, and everyone told me it was impractical and far-fetched," she said as she accepted her trophy at the 2023 Emmys in January 2024. "But it came true after all, so never give up on your dreams."
