August 6

Up close with Rothko (just because):

Frat boy times:

Openly gay actor Jim Parsons scores a huge raise

Veteran entertainment chronicler Greg Hernandez reported yesterday that Jim Parsons, one of the highest-profile openly gay actors on television, has just signed a deal in which he will earn $1 million per episode over the next three seasons of The Big Bang Theory. Parsons is a three-time Emmy winner for his performance as Sheldon Cooper on the CBS network’s highest rated comedy. His co-stars Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco also received contracts with the same terms. Each actor was previously earning $350,000 per show. Their new terms permit them to receive additional ownership of the show, plus signing bonuses and other perks. The Big Bang Theory is about to enter its eighth season.

Parsons has once again been nominated for an Emmy as best lead actor in a comedy series, and he was also nominated in the best supporting actor in a TV movie or miniseries category for his dramatic performance in the HBO drama The Normal Heart. The Emmy awards are to be broadcast on Sunday, August 24.