Lost Salary Increase

The original stars of the hit television show "Lost" are being offered a large pa increase in exchange for signing an extended, year long contract. Touchstone Television has promised leading actors like Mathew Fox, Evangeline Lily, and Dominic Monaghan increased paychecks of $20, 000 - $40, 000 more per episode if they agree to sign for the third season. This pay increase will push some of the actors into the six-figure range. Fox, who plays lead character Dr. Jack Sheppard, has been reported to have received a $250, 000 bonus on top of the cast's salary enhancement. The pay increases and bonuses will put the "Lost" cast's salaries in with the likes of those on "Desperate Housewives." Including one of the most extensive cast list and large production cost, "Lost" follows plane crash survivors stranded on a tropical island.