Money Man Simon Cowell

12 November 2009

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Simon Cowell earned a staggering $75 million last year.

The music mogul - who judges 'Britain's Got Talent' and 'The X Factor' in the UK and 'American Idol' and 'America's Got Talent' in the US - has topped a list of Prime Time TV's Top Earning Men compiled by respected financial publication Forbes magazine.

Real estate mogul and 'The Apprentice' star Donald Trump came in second place after banking $50 million in the period June 1 2008 to June 1 2009, with 'American Idol' presenter Ryan Seacrest in third place with earnings of $38 million.

Ryan's earnings were generated from his hosting duties, radio show and production on programmes including 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' but does not include the three-year $45 million deal Ryan signed this summer with 19 Entertainment as it will count towards his earnings next year.

Making up the rest of the top five were 'Two And A Half Men' actor Charlie Sheen, who made $21 million and earns a reported $800,000 per episode of the sit-com, and 'The Office' actor Steve Carrell, who has also starred in a number of movies this year, including 'Get Smart' with Anne Hathaway.

Prime Time TV's Top Earning Men according to Forbes magazine:

1. Simon Cowell - $75 million

2. Donald Trump - $50 million

3. Ryan Seacrest - $38 million

4. Charlie Sheen - $21 million

5. Steve Carell - $20 million

6. Howie Mandel - $15 million

7. Kiefer Sutherland - $13 million

8. Jeff Foxworthy - $11 million

9. Hugh Laurie - $10 million

10 = David Caruso - $9 million

10 = Patrick Dempsey - $9 million