Hollywood powerhouse Zendaya has officially joined the elite ranks of television’s highest-paid actors, securing a record-breaking $1 million per episode for the upcoming third season of HBO’s hit series Euphoria.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the historic deal places the 26-year-old actress alongside industry heavyweights who have commanded similar paychecks, including the cast of Friends and the lead actors from Game of Thrones.
The two-time Emmy Award-winning actress, who plays Rue Bennett in the critically acclaimed drama, has become a defining force in Hollywood. In 2020, she made history as the youngest actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Two years later, she became the first Black woman to win the award twice. Beyond her on-screen presence, Zendaya has also stepped into a producer role, further solidifying her influence in the industry.
“My hope for Euphoria most was that it would heal people. I just want to say thank you to every person who ever told me their story. If you’ve loved Rue or if you relate to being Rue, I want you to know I carry you with me,” Zendaya said during her emotional 2022 Emmys acceptance speech.
With Season 3 expected to follow the same eight-episode structure as its predecessors, Zendaya is poised to earn an estimated $8 million for the season.
The gap between her earnings and those of her co-stars remains stark—Sydney Sweeney, for instance, reportedly earned $35,000 per episode for previous seasons.
Zendaya’s massive payday underscores HBO’s commitment to Euphoria, which has gained a dedicated following for its raw and unfiltered depiction of modern teen life. It also highlights the growing trend of premium networks and streaming platforms offering record-setting salaries to retain A-list talent. Actors such as Michael Keaton (Dopesick) and Elisabeth Moss (Shining Girls) have secured similar million-dollar-per-episode deals in recent years.
Notably, Zendaya’s salary surpasses Angela Bassett’s record as the highest-paid Black TV actress, which stood at $450,000 per episode for 9-1-1. This landmark deal comes amid ongoing conversations about pay equity in Hollywood, reinforcing the actress’s status as a trailblazer.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly await updates on Euphoria‘s third season, though potential scheduling conflicts could impact production.
Zendaya is also balancing a packed slate of high-profile projects, including Dune: Part Two and potential future appearances in the Spider-Man franchise. Despite these challenges, HBO’s willingness to invest heavily in the star suggests their confidence in her continued impact on the series.
