Christine Taylor reveals she made just $3,500 per episode on 'Hey Dude'
“Christine Taylor has revealed that she earned far less than her former Hey Dude castmates remembered making on the Nickelodeon sitcom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Taylor, who played Melody Hanson…”
Taylor, who played Melody Hanson on the series, discussed her early career during an appearance on actress Natanya Ross’ We’re Still Here, Babe podcast. She recalled a conversation among the cast about their salaries during the show's final season, saying everyone seemed to remember earning $5,000 per episode., however, that figure was incorrect.
“We were making $3,500 an episode,” she said, explaining that the cast received a $500 increase each season. Taylor added that the cast members were all paid the same amount. “I did not make $5,000 on something for many, many years,” Taylor said, recalling how surprised she was that the higher figure had become the number everyone remembered.
Hey Dude ran for five seasons and 65 episodes from 1989 to 1991, following the staff and guests at a dude ranch. Taylor starred alongside Joe Torres, Debi Kalman, Kelly Brown, Josh Tygiel, David Brisbin and David Lascher.
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Despite the relatively modest pay, Taylor said she was careful with the money she earned from the show and saved it. Her savings, combined with financial help from her family, helped her move to Los Angeles and pursue more acting opportunities.
Taylor explained that relocating to LA did not immediately lead to a glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. She recalled having to watch what she ate, use the laundromat and work her way towards establishing herself as an actress.
Her career eventually grew to include roles in The Brady Bunch Movie, The Wedding Singer, Zoolander, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Tropic Thunder, along with television appearances in Arrested Development and Search Party.
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