Holland Taylor says pay influenced decision not to renew sitcom contract
The actress continued appearing on Two and a Half Men after opting out of a new contract following her first six years.
Holland Taylor says dissatisfaction with her pay helped shape her decision against renewing her Two and a Half Men contract after six years. Speaking on the Alchemy with Anthony Mason podcast, she said the choice was hers, although she remained willing to make occasional appearances.
Taylor, 83, played Evelyn Harper, the mother of Charlie and Alan, during the sitcom’s twelve-season run. She remained a main cast member through season nine before taking a recurring role for its final three seasons.
According to Taylor, her compensation matched what she had earned on another series roughly eight years earlier. She said she received no raise despite earning four Emmy nominations for the role. When discussions turned to renewing her contract, she recalled being told that more money was unavailable, but said she no longer wanted a contractual commitment.
Without that obligation, Taylor said, she could accept or decline invitations to return. Her supporting comedy actress Emmy nominations for the CBS series came in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010. She had previously won a supporting drama actress Emmy in 1999 for The Practice.
