Pay Rates for Celebrity Speakers

Despite the old saying that talk is cheap, it actually can be quite lucrative.

We love watching celebrities in movies, on TV and we eagerly pay to see them at sporting events. Commercial endorsements are another high profile way stars pay the bills. But there's another less visible avenue which pays out well. In terms of time and effort, it may be the easiest pay they'll ever earn.

Most are familiar with our former politicians, especially ex US Presidents commanding fat speaking fees. Because of full financial disclosure in pursuit of the Democratic Presidential candidate nomination, Hilary Clinton released what her husband Bill Clinton has earned in speaking fees over the last six years. It comes to nearly 40 million dollars. However, politics are just the tip of the chat paycheck iceberg.

Sports fan gatherings or film and TV cons that cater to sci-fi fans have been around for decades. Star Trek and Star Wars are two more famous entertainment properties with conventions, but everything from country music fan parties to NASCAR weekends which bring together racing car enthusiasts are held all over the country at all times of the year. Corporate parties or motivational engagements are also popular. As these meetings grow, the demand for more sophisticated entertainment continues. What better way to meet this demand then to produce a live speaker like a popular musician, actor or sports figure? Appearance fees vary widely in amount. What follows are some of the more highly paid talent willing who speak at events and just what they command to do so.

10-20K Range

Alan Colmes

In 1996 FOX News Channel CEO Roger Ailes tapped Alan to co-host the channel's nightly primetime debate show "Hannity and Colmes," which is now the second most-watched cable news show and the first-ever program to beat Larry King Live head-to-head. For a mere 20K, you can have one half of the famed debating duo argue it up in the venue of your choice.

Alan Thicke