Shirley Booth, the incredibly talented actress who brought the beloved character of Hazel Burke to life, reportedly earned approximately $7,500 per episode during the early seasons of the hit sitcom Hazel. This figure reflects her star power and the show’s initial success, but the story of her compensation, and the intricacies of television pay scales in the 1960s, is far more nuanced than a simple dollar amount.
The Golden Age of Television Salaries: A Look Back
Understanding Hazel’s earnings requires a grasp of the television landscape in the 1960s. This era, often dubbed the “Golden Age of Television,” witnessed the rise of sitcoms as a dominant form of entertainment. While today’s actors command staggering salaries, often negotiated through powerful agencies and backed by residuals streaming revenue, things were quite different back then. Contracts were often less complex, and the concept of significant backend participation, particularly in syndication profits, was not as prevalent.
Salaries varied greatly depending on factors like the actor’s established fame, the show’s popularity, and the negotiation skills of their agents. Even within a successful series like Hazel, compensation could fluctuate based on contract renewals and performance reviews. The bargaining power of a seasoned stage actress like Shirley Booth, already a Tony Award winner, certainly played a role in her initial deal.
Decoding Shirley Booth’s Hazel Salary
While $7,500 per episode sounds substantial, especially considering the time period, it’s crucial to consider its context. This figure placed Booth among the higher-paid television actors of her time, but it wasn’t necessarily stratospheric. Many leading men in drama series, or actors with established film careers making the jump to television, commanded even higher fees. Furthermore, the salary was likely negotiated before the show became a runaway success. As Hazel gained popularity, Booth’s agent likely sought increases, but the extent of these raises is difficult to ascertain definitively from available records.
The reported $7,500 per episode figure is derived from various industry sources and biographical accounts of Shirley Booth’s career. Precise details of her contract, including bonus clauses or potential percentage of profits (though unlikely), remain largely private. What is certain is that her portrayal of Hazel Burke made her a household name and cemented her place in television history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hazel’s Compensation
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of Shirley Booth’s salary and the broader context of television compensation in the 1960s:
H3: How did Shirley Booth’s Hazel salary compare to other sitcom stars of the era?
Booth’s salary placed her in a respectable earning bracket. Lucille Ball, for instance, was reportedly earning significantly more for The Lucy Show at the time, reflecting her established comedic genius and ownership stake in Desilu Productions. However, Booth likely earned more than many other sitcom stars who weren’t as well-known or who were appearing in shows with smaller budgets. The comparison hinges on experience, star power, and the financial success of the show itself.
H3: Did Shirley Booth receive royalties or residuals for Hazel reruns?
Yes, Shirley Booth would have received residuals, though the amount would have been significantly smaller than what actors earn today. Residuals are payments made to actors when a show is re-broadcast. Union contracts, particularly those of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), ensured actors received some form of compensation for reruns, but the scale of these payments was less generous than current streaming agreements.
H3: How did the switch to NBC affect the cast’s salaries, including Shirley Booth’s?
The move to NBC for the final season likely involved some renegotiation of contracts. It’s plausible that the actors, including Shirley Booth, received a pay bump to stay with the show during the transition. However, with the show’s ratings declining, there might have also been pressure to keep costs down. Definite salary details for the final season are not publicly available.
H3: What role did Shirley Booth’s prior stage experience play in negotiating her Hazel salary?
Shirley Booth was a highly respected stage actress with Tony Awards to her name before landing the role of Hazel. This established reputation gave her significant leverage in negotiating her initial salary. Her proven talent and experience translated into increased value in the eyes of the production company. Her stage pedigree was undoubtedly a crucial factor.
H3: Did other actors on Hazel, such as Don DeFore and Whitney Blake, receive comparable salaries to Shirley Booth?
No. While Don DeFore and Whitney Blake were important supporting actors, their salaries would have been significantly lower than Shirley Booth’s. The lead actor typically commands the highest salary on a television show, especially when that actor is a recognized star like Booth. Their roles were supporting, and therefore their compensation reflected that.
H3: How did taxes impact Shirley Booth’s net earnings from Hazel?
Taxes in the 1960s, while different from today, still significantly impacted net earnings. Income tax rates were high, especially for high earners like Shirley Booth. A substantial portion of her gross salary would have been withheld for federal and state income taxes, reducing her actual take-home pay.
H3: Was Shirley Booth paid extra for any specific Hazel episodes, such as those featuring special guest stars?
It’s unlikely that Shirley Booth received extra pay for episodes featuring guest stars. While guest stars might have received higher fees for their appearances, the regular cast members’ salaries were usually fixed based on their contracts, irrespective of guest star appearances.
H3: Did the Hazel production company, Screen Gems, influence the salary negotiations?
Absolutely. Screen Gems, the television production arm of Columbia Pictures, was a major player in Hollywood. They would have had a budget for each episode of Hazel and would have sought to keep costs within those limits. This meant they would have negotiated hard with actors and their agents to secure the best talent at a reasonable price.
H3: How did the rise of television unions like SAG affect actor salaries during the Hazel years?
SAG, the Screen Actors Guild, played a crucial role in protecting actors’ rights and negotiating minimum salary requirements. While SAG didn’t dictate specific salaries for every actor, their collective bargaining power ensured actors received fair compensation, residuals, and working conditions. Booth’s contract would have undoubtedly adhered to SAG guidelines.
H3: Did Shirley Booth ever publicly discuss her salary from Hazel?
Publicly available information suggests that Shirley Booth rarely, if ever, discussed her specific Hazel salary in interviews. Actors often preferred to keep their financial details private. Information regarding her compensation comes primarily from industry sources and biographical accounts, not direct quotes from the actress herself.
H3: Considering inflation, what would $7,500 per episode in the 1960s be worth today?
Adjusted for inflation, $7,500 in 1961 (the year Hazel premiered) would be equivalent to approximately $75,000 to $80,000 in 2024 dollars. This provides a better understanding of the purchasing power and relative value of Booth’s salary at the time. It highlights the significant difference in currency value over the decades.
H3: What ultimately led to Hazel‘s cancellation, and how might that have impacted future salary negotiations for the cast?
While Hazel was initially a ratings success, its move to NBC and a shift in focus towards a younger audience led to declining viewership. The cancellation undoubtedly weakened the bargaining position of the cast, including Shirley Booth, in future roles. Producers might have been less willing to offer comparable salaries to actors whose previous show had experienced a decline in popularity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Hazel and its Financial Backstory
Shirley Booth’s reported $7,500 per episode for Hazel provides a glimpse into the financial realities of television stardom in the 1960s. While not as astronomical as some contemporary salaries, it represented a substantial income and reflected her established talent and the show’s initial success. Understanding the historical context, the role of unions, and the industry practices of the time is crucial for appreciating the nuances of her compensation. Beyond the numbers, Shirley Booth’s portrayal of Hazel remains a beloved part of television history, a testament to her acting prowess and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted sitcom.