I read recently that Linda Lavin was the 'highest paid actress on TV' in the last few seasons of the series' run. I don't know how much she was earning, but apparently she was the highest paid. I'm surprised at this since the show was on it's last leg and dwindling in the ratings by then.

Perhaps the reason her salary was so high was because she was doing more than just acting on the show. From 1980 - 1984 she directed 10 episodes.

Perhaps the reason her salary was so high was because she was doing more than just acting on the show. From 1980 - 1984 she directed 10 episodes.
She also was playing a dual role as Vera's (or somebody's) landlady. Wasn't she a producer on the show, too??