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With the departure of David Hasselhoff from “America’s Got Talent,” comes the official word today that funnyman Howie Mandel will take his place, joining judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan on the NBC competition show. 

NBC Universal Television chairman Jeff Gaspin, who has been busy today with announcements, confirmed, ”David is leaving ‘America’s Got Talent’ and, yes, Howie Mandel is replacing him.”

Gaspin explained, “Howie was a big part of our schedule for the last several years with ‘Deal or No Deal.’ We thought he did a phenomenal job. If you think about an expertise, Howie has had a Vegas show for years and he constantly performs in Las Vegas. We thought, ‘Not only is he a great communicator, but he is an expert.’”

NBC will no longer produce new episodes of “Deal of No Deal,” leaving dozens of leggy models left to hold empty cases.

Sad.

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“American Idol” judge, Simon Cowell, who also created “America’s Got Talent” and produces records, earned more than any other guy on TV. According to Forbes, from June 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009, Cowell raked in $75 million.

Next was Donald Trump, who earned $50 million from “The Apprentice,” book sales, and all the products – ranging from neckties to vodka – that he endorses.

In the number three spot is Ryan Seacrest. With his hosting radio and TV shows, among other endeavors, Seacrest amassed $38 million.

“Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen made the combined salary of thousands of men with $21 million. And the fifth highest-earning guy on primetime was “The Office” star Steve Carell, who took in $20 million.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Howie Mandel ($15 million), Kiefer Sutherland ($13 million), Jeff Foxworthy ($11 million), Hugh Laurie ($10 million), and David Caruso ($9 million).