The Situation: $5 Million Man

Wonderwall, Monday, August 23, 2010, 6:46pm (PDT)

By Rebecca Silverstein

One year ago, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was making $35,000 a year as the assistant manager of a Staten Island gym. Now, his financial situation is looking much brighter. Thanks to his six-pack and funny quips, this "Jersey Shore" star has turned himself into a bona fide moneymaking machine.

How much, you ask? You'd better sit down for this: The Situation will reportedly earn more than $5 million this year alone, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That's enough for a whole lot of Ed Hardy! Let's add it up: Start with the $60,000 he makes per episode. Add in his appearance fees, which range from $15,000 to $50,000 and will bring in approximately $1 million this year. Then there's his upcoming fitness video, "The Situation Workout;" NoX Edge, a chewable supplement line with GNC; his autobiography book deal, for which he got a six-figure advance; his Dilligaf clothing line; a "GTL" app and a rap song on iTunes. Sprinkle in his endorsement deals with a vodka line, Vitaminwater and Reebok. Oh yeah, and don't forget the cut he gets from all "Jersey Shore"-related projects.

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And that's just from "Jersey Shore." While it hasn't been officially announced, he's apparently a "done deal" for the new season of "Dancing with the Stars," according to E! Online. Should that happen (and I'm kind of hoping it does), he'd get at least $200,000 for participating, with anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 for coming in the top 3, TheWrap.com reports. And I'm guessing that dancing shirtless will lure in the votes of many middle-aged housewives, so he's got a good chance of getting up there.

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Compare that to how much more, how should I put it, talented stars make: According to The Hollywood Reporter, "True Blood" star Anna Paquin will make $900,000, while Edie Falco will take in $2.1 million for "Nurse Jackie" this year. Heck, even Michael Cera's $4 million pales in comparison.

So laugh at this guido all you want, but he'll be laughing his way straight to the bank. Sure, $5 million may sound ridiculous now, but seriously, what do you think he'll be doing once "Jersey Shore" washes away? Even the tightest six-packs atrophy -- just ask Eric Nies.

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