Hugh Grant Turned Down $750,000 Per Episode to Replace Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men,' Creator Claims

Hugh Grant allegedly turned down $750,000 per episode, along with a four-day work week, to replace Charlie Sheen on the sitcom "Two and a Half Men," according to series creator Chuck Lorre.

Lorre claimed in his new memoir, "Sitcom," released Tuesday, that the British actor, 66, suddenly withdrew from the lucrative offer. Lorre told People that he believed Grant's decision stemmed from his priorities as an actor and artist, suggesting the financial offer was secondary to his career needs. "I'm acting because I love to act, and the challenge of acting is something that... is more meaningful to me than a paycheck," Lorre speculated Grant might have thought.

According to Lorre's recollection, Grant was nearing a contract agreement after being presented with sample scenes tailored to his comedic style. However, as the deal progressed, Grant reportedly left the room unexpectedly and became unreachable. His representative later informed producers that he would not be participating in the show.

One of Grant's reported hesitations was a fear of performing in front of a live studio audience. Lorre indicated that he had offered to film without a live crowd and use recorded laughter as a solution.

Following Grant's refusal, Lorre expressed belief that the long-running CBS sitcom was nearing its end. The role was ultimately filled by Ashton Kutcher, who joined the cast as internet billionaire Walden Schmidt. Despite Lorre's initial reservations about Kutcher's age for the character, the actor reportedly won him over. Kutcher's involvement, alongside mainstays Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones, allowed the show to continue for four additional seasons until its conclusion in 2015.

Lorre's memoir also detailed that Kutcher earned $63 million during his tenure on the show, and Cryer won a second Emmy for his portrayal of Alan Harper.

Charlie Sheen was fired from "Two and a Half Men" in March 2011 due to issues including substance abuse, erratic behavior on set, and public criticisms directed at Lorre. Lorre wrote in his memoir that actress Melanie Lynskey had felt "terrified" of Sheen during their final scene together, describing an atmosphere where Sheen struggled to remember his lines and appeared to rely on furniture for support.

Lorre and Sheen have since reconciled. Sheen made a guest appearance on Lorre's Max comedy series "Bookie" in 2023, playing a fictionalized version of himself.