Game of Thrones Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in Westeros, Ranked
The cast of ‘Game of Thrones’ did far more than bring Westeros to life. Many of its stars turned breakout parts into steady franchises, smart contracts, and long running careers that keep paying long after the final episode. This countdown looks at the biggest earners among actors who appeared in the series, considering major roles, franchise salaries, producing credits, endorsements, and other reliable income streams.
Each entry explains where the money comes from in clear terms. You will see how a leading role on ‘Game of Thrones’ often paired with blockbuster films, prestige television, and brand work to build fortunes over time. It also notes side careers that matter for wealth such as directing, voice acting, live appearances, and real estate moves that often sit behind the scenes.
20. Rory McCann
Rory McCann played Sandor Clegane on ‘Game of Thrones’ and earned strong episodic fees during the later seasons. The role boosted his profile and led to steady work in film and television along with convention appearances that provide dependable income.
Outside the show he adds voice work, advertising campaigns, and European projects that keep the paychecks coming between larger jobs. Careful selection of roles and ongoing residuals support a stable overall portfolio.
19. Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams grew from a young lead on ‘Game of Thrones’ into a working producer and entrepreneur. Her later season pay was substantial and she continues to earn through residuals and international sales tied to the series.
She diversified with television dramas, indie films, and brand partnerships focused on tech and fashion. Investments in creative startups and production credits strengthen long term earnings beyond acting alone.
18. Iain Glen
Iain Glen brought Ser Jorah Mormont to ‘Game of Thrones’ while maintaining a long stage and screen career. He stacks income from television leads, international film shoots, and audiobook narration that pays well for veteran voices.
He continues to land recurring roles in British television and prestige miniseries. Touring theater work and festival appearances add reliable revenue with minimal downtime between screen projects.
17. Aidan Gillen
Aidan Gillen parlayed Littlefinger into a steady stream of high paying television roles. His earlier work in shows like ‘The Wire’ and ‘Peaky Blinders’ created a foundation that made later contracts stronger.
He balances television with independent films and Irish productions where he often negotiates favorable terms. Festival circuits, limited series, and voice roles in animation and games help maintain consistent annual income.
16. Gwendoline Christie
Gwendoline Christie leveraged Brienne of Tarth into major fantasy and sci fi work. She earned premium episodic rates in later seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’ and followed with leading roles in shows like ‘The Sandman’ and event series that command top tier television pay.
Her film appearances and fashion work bring additional money. She benefits from global convention circuits, luxury brand partnerships, and photographs and signings that sell out quickly at fan events.
15. Carice van Houten
Carice van Houten earned well as Melisandre and already had a strong career in European cinema. She continues to book lead roles in Dutch and international projects that pay solid fees and keep residuals flowing.
Music collaborations, voice work, and advertising in European markets add to her annual totals. She also benefits from a library of films that remains in rotation on streaming services across multiple countries.
14. Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel combined her role as Missandei with a place in the ‘Fast and Furious’ series. Studio films deliver large checks along with backend bonuses that can push totals higher in release years.
She also anchors streaming thrillers and romantic dramas that pay competitively. Fitness and beauty partnerships plus international hosting gigs create a wide base of income beyond acting.
13. Charles Dance
Charles Dance carried Tywin Lannister authority into a steady slate of prestige roles. His long career delivers strong residuals from film and television libraries in constant rerun and streaming rotation.
Narration work, audiobooks, and stage appearances add dependable revenue. He continues to secure well paid character roles in franchises and historical dramas that value veteran presence.
12. Richard Madden
Richard Madden moved from Robb Stark to leading man status. The success of ‘Bodyguard’ opened doors to big budget films such as ‘Eternals’ and to high paying fashion campaigns.
He maintains strong earnings through a mix of streaming series, action features, and global endorsements. International press tours and live events also bring appearance fees that add up over a year.
11. Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner earned top rates by the later seasons of ‘Game of Thrones’. She expanded with studio films and high profile streaming projects that keep her in a premium pay bracket.
Brand partnerships in fashion and beauty are a consistent source of income. She also develops projects as a producer which can add fees up front and profit participation on the back end.
10. Sean Bean
Sean Bean entered ‘Game of Thrones’ with decades of film and television behind him. That history means a large residuals pipeline from titles that continue to sell across broadcast and streaming platforms.
He remains busy with British dramas and international films that pay well for established leads. Voice acting and game performances supplement regular on camera work and strengthen long run earnings.
9. Jonathan Pryce
Jonathan Pryce brought prestige weight as the High Sparrow and continues to book acclaimed roles. He benefits from a deep catalog across stage, film, and television that pays steady residuals worldwide.
Recent streaming hits keep his quote high for limited series and award season contenders. West End and Broadway work plus narration and commercial voiceovers combine into a diversified income profile.
8. Lena Headey
Lena Headey earned one of the largest episodic salaries on ‘Game of Thrones’ during its final run. Animation voice roles and action films added to that base and keep checks coming between lead projects.
She works as a director and producer on independent features and series which brings additional fees and potential backend. Conventions, commercial campaigns, and audiobook work round out her revenue.
7. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau leveraged Jaime Lannister into leading roles across Europe and North America. He continues to headline thrillers and dramas that pay premium rates for bankable talent.
He adds earnings through brand endorsements and documentary narration. Film festival juries and public speaking provide appearance fees and keep his profile strong in key markets.
6. Emilia Clarke
Emilia Clarke earned top tier pay by the end of ‘Game of Thrones’. She followed with major studio projects and streaming features that sustain high quotes for leading roles.
She also publishes books and supports charity campaigns that include paid partnerships. Convention appearances and licensing for collectibles using her likeness deliver recurring income.
5. Kit Harington
Kit Harington reached the upper range of television salaries with Jon Snow. He continues to land film parts and limited series deals that keep his rate high and his schedule full.
Stage work in London adds strong weekly pay and critical visibility. Endorsements and voice campaigns for travel and luxury brands contribute meaningfully to annual totals.
4. Peter Dinklage
Peter Dinklage negotiated premium episodic rates for Tyrion Lannister and has maintained a packed slate since. He leads films across genres and regularly voices animated features with strong box office potential.
He produces select projects which adds fees and potential profit shares. Commercial voiceovers, audiobook narration, and global syndication of past work provide reliable passive income.
3. Pedro Pascal
Pedro Pascal used Oberyn Martell as a launchpad into mega franchises such as ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. Those series pay at the highest levels in television and bring significant residuals and bonuses.
He headlines studio films and signs wide reaching endorsement deals in fashion and consumer tech. Appearances at global fan events and licensing tied to premium collectibles add steady revenue.
2. Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa turned Khal Drogo into a film career led by ‘Aquaman’. Superhero leads deliver large upfront pay with the possibility of performance bonuses tied to ticket sales and streaming metrics.
He supplements this with action series, documentary hosting, and beverage and outdoor lifestyle partnerships. Production company work and brand collaborations keep income diversified across multiple lanes.
1. Ian McShane
Ian McShane appeared briefly in ‘Game of Thrones’ yet brings a fortune built over decades. He commands strong paydays from ‘Deadwood’, ‘John Wick’, and a continuous stream of film and television that stays in rotation.
High value voice acting, international advertising, and residuals from a deep catalog form a powerful base. He continues to book new projects at senior rates while also earning from past work that remains popular worldwide.
Share your own rich list in the comments and tell us who you think belongs on this countdown.