Simon Cowell "highest paid" man on US TV

Simon Cowell is the highest-paid man on prime time US TV.

The British music mogul raked in $75 million between June 1 2008 and June 1 2009 according to Forbes. Simon's role as a judge in singing contest American Idol, as well as his career as a producer and music publisher earned him the staggering sum.

Businessman Donald Trump took the second spot, after banking around $50 million. A large portion of his money came from his successful reality show The Apprentice, which has attracted a host of sponsors including Loews Hotels and Chicken of the Sea.

Forbes.com reports: "Trump also lends his name to everything from alcohol to neck ties, and reaps millions from speeches worldwide and books."

Ryan Seacrest was next on the list, making an estimated $38 million. Ryan hosts American Idol, presents E! News and has his own radio show. He can also be found at most red-carpet Hollywood events, and at US network ABC's New Year's Eve special. He is a successful producer, working on shows including Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Denise Richards: It's
Complicated.

Two and a Half Men actor Charlie Sheen came in fourth, taking home $21 million. "Thanks to the show's performance in prime time and syndication, Sheen is believed to have earned more than $800,000 per episode once his back-end haul is factored in," the website reports.

Steve Carell, star of The Office, netted $20 million.

The figures are calculated before tax, management fees and other costs have been deducted from earnings.