There used to be a time when television was deemed less prestigious than film. Some film actors have even said that they would never make the switch from the big screen to small screen due to that unsubstantiated belief. However, the emergence of streaming services like Netflix turned the entertainment industry completely upside-down, and now, those same actors are signing up to be a part of major television projects. In fact, some of the highest-paid talents are television stars. Here's a list of some of the highest-paid TV actresses:
Ellen Pompeo
Estimated net worth: $80 million
Ellen Pompeo gained worldwide fame playing Dr. Meredith Grey on the popular TV series "Grey's Anatomy," where she earned a high salary per episode. Thanks to her commitment to the show, she has become one of the most prosperous actresses on television. She once also revealed in an interview that "Grey's Anatomy" provided her with a stable income for the bulk of her career.
Kaley Cuoco
Estimated net worth: $110 million
Kaley Cuoco rose to fame as Penny on the wildly popular comedy "The Big Bang Theory." Her charming demeanor and excellent sense of humor won over audiences worldwide. Cuoco is one of the highest-paid television actresses thanks to her substantial earnings from the show and other business endeavors.
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Sophia Vergara
Estimated net worth: $180 milllion
Sophia Vergara, a Colombian-American actress, is most famous for portraying Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the popular TV series "Modern Family." On top of being consistently ranked among the top-paid actresses on TV, her successful business ventures and lucrative endorsement deals also boost her net worth tremendously.
Jennifer Aniston
Estimated net worth: $300 million
Jennifer Aniston became a household name playing Rachel Green on the beloved show "Friends." Even today, she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world. Aniston's high-paying roles in both television and film, along with her countless business deals and sponsorships, establish her as one of the most well-compensated TV actresses.
Reese Witherspoon
Estimated net worth:$440 million
Reese Witherspoon made the move from successful film roles to thriving television projects. Through her company, Hello Sunshine, she has produced popular shows such as "Big Little Lies" and "The Morning Show," establishing herself as one of television's top earning actresses.