Despite the old saying that talk is cheap, it actually can be quite lucrative.
We love watching celebrities in movies, on TV and we eagerly pay to see them at sporting events. Commercial endorsements are another high profile way stars pay the bills. But there’s another less visible avenue which pays out well. In terms of time and effort, it may be the easiest pay they’ll ever earn.
Most are familiar with our former politicians, especially ex US Presidents commanding fat speaking fees. Because of full financial disclosure in pursuit of the Democratic Presidential candidate nomination, Hilary Clinton released what her husband Bill Clinton has earned in speaking fees over the last six years. It comes to nearly 40 million dollars. However, politics are just the tip of the chat paycheck iceberg.
Sports fan gatherings or film and TV cons that cater to sci-fi fans have been around for decades. Star Trek and Star Wars are two more famous entertainment properties with conventions, but everything from country music fan parties to NASCAR weekends which bring together racing car enthusiasts are held all over the country at all times of the year. Corporate parties or motivational engagements are also popular. As these meetings grow, the demand for more sophisticated entertainment continues. What better way to meet this demand then to produce a live speaker like a popular musician, actor or sports figure? Appearance fees vary widely in amount. What follows are some of the more highly paid talent willing who speak at events and just what they command to do so.
In 1996 FOX News Channel CEO Roger Ailes tapped Alan to co-host the channel’s nightly primetime debate show “Hannity and Colmes,” which is now the second most-watched cable news show and the first-ever program to beat Larry King Live head-to-head. For a mere 20K, you can have one half of the famed debating duo argue it up in the venue of your choice.
Alan Thicke
Thicke’s role as psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver on ABC-TV’s 1985 hit series Growing Pains propelled him into the spotlight as one of television’s most beloved father figures. The series reigned for seven years earning Alan numerous awards including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Dr. Seaver charged by the hour, but not at this rate. Now, for only about 20K you can confide in him all your troubles!
Carrot Top
Clad in floral patterned vests and tie dye, looking more like a free-spirit hippie than a comedian, the red-headed Carrot Top has become one of the top entertainers in the country. Whether it’s on the screen, stage or the Internet, Carrot Top is on the brink of superstardom. Imagine this zany comic yukking it up for you and your friends and family for just 20K!
20 – 30K Range
Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden, everyone’s favorite Jeannie, is one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars. Her long-running series, I Dream of Jeannie has been on TV globally for 35 uninterrupted years since beginning its five-year network run in 1965. It continues to be one of television’s most popular family shows, airing on cable and in national syndication around the world. Imagine having one of televisions true icons at your gathering. With just a blink, she’ll probably cast quite a spell on your guests.
In an age of rough politics, the experiences of Dan Quayle’s were among the roughest. From his turbulent first appearance on the national scene to his controversial battles with Hollywood, the media, and the legal profession, Dan Quayle found himself the target of unprecedented hostility. The 44th Vice President of the United States can be your guest of honor for about 30K.
Ed McMahon
As co-host and announcer for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, McMahon’s famous Heeeere’s Johnny! was heard in millions of living rooms every night. Working with Johnny Carson for 34 years, he perfected a character which would be imitated by many, but which would remain uniquely his own. Ed McMahon could announce the guest of your choice in that inimitable way of his for only about 30K.
50K & UP Range
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was born March 25, 1942. She is an iconic American gospel, soul and R&B; singer born in Memphis, Tennessee, but raised in Detroit, Michigan. Imagine the level of RESPECT you’d attain by inviting Ms. Franklin to your gathering – starting at 50K.
David Spade
Audiences fondly remember David for some of Saturday Night Live’s most memorable moments, especially on his own segment, Spade in America. There we saw everything from David getting “tattooed” by Sean Pean, to trading quips with Teri Hatcher. Spade can currently be seen in the CBS sitcom, Rules of Engagement. Bring some chuckles to your part by hiring David Spade at 50K and up.
Here’s no surprise: The Donald’s fee overshadows all others on the list. He won’t attend your engagement for less than 200K. Will he be armed with lots of Rosie O’Donnel jokes? Who knows, but you’d better start saving your pennies now to meet that fat paycheck he commands.
