Busfield’s ‘thirtysomething’ Salary Dispute Resolved

MGM/UA Television said Friday that its salary dispute with “thirtysomething” co-star Timothy Busfield had been “satisfactorily resolved” and that the actor would be rejoining the ABC series on schedule. The cautiously worded press release gave no further details.

Busfield, who plays the redheaded adman Elliot and on Thursday was nominated for an Emmy Award as best supporting actor for the third consecutive year, completed his starring role in the Broadway production of “A Few Good Men” Thursday night. He was returning to Los Angeles to begin work on the fall season of “thirtysomething.”

The settlement came after a flurry of recriminations and angry debate over Busfield’s demand for a salary hike. MGM/UA filed suit against the actor July 25, accusing him of breaching his contract.

In the lawsuit, the company said that Busfield was seeking $36,375 per episode instead of $28,750. He was said to be unhappy that he was being paid $10,000 per episode less than co-star Ken Olin, who plays Michael in the series.

MGM/UA did not disclose whether Busfield received his raise. His attorney, Edward J. Burg, was out of town and unavailable to comment, his office said.