Top 10 Highest-Earning TV Actresses: Who Is the Most Overpaid?

by SodaHead Slideshows Posted 2011/09/29 14:57:46

Related Topics: Celebrity Pictures, TV, Highest-paid Actresses, Tina Fey, Angelina Jolie, ABC, cougar town, Desperate Housewives, Disney, CSI, Television, New York, Oscar, Courteney Cox, Grey's Anatomy, Gross, Adventure

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Tina Fey

Fey tops Forbes' list, earning $13 million between May 2010 and May 2011, even though "30 Rock" is still struggling for ratings.

Tina Fey

Fey tops Forbes' list, earning $13 million between May 2010 and May 2011, even though "30 Rock" is still struggling for ratings.
Eva Longoria

Longoria ties Fey with $13 million in earnings between May 2010 and May 2011 (thanks in part to endorsements), but does anyone still watch "Desperate Housewives"?
Marcia Cross

Cross, another "Desperate Housewife," earned $10 million from 2010-2011, but she’d better save her pennies: This is the show’s last season on the air.
Mariska Hargitay

Hargitay made $10 million on "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit" from 2010-2011, but we sometimes fear that people think she fights crime in real life.
Marg Helgenberger

Helgenberger made $10 million on "CSI" from 2010-2011. Too bad fighting crime doesn’t pay so well in real life.
Teri Hatcher

Hatcher made $9 million on "Desperate Housewives" from 2010-2011, pocketing a whopping $375,000 per episode, according to Forbes.
Felicity Huffman

Like Hatcher, Huffman made $9 million on "Desperate Housewives" from 2010-2011, but at least she has an Oscar nomination.
Courteney Cox

We get the whole "Friends" thing, but did Cox seriously make $7 million on "Cougar Town"?
Ellen Pompeo

We admit that we're a sucker for "Grey's Anatomy," but we’re not sure Pompeo deserves $7 million for pretending to be "dark and twisty."
Julianna Margulies

Margulies just won an Emmy for "The Good Wife," but she’d better boost the ratings if she wants to keep earning $6 million a year.

Top 10 Highest-Earning TV Actresses: Who Is the Most Overpaid?

8,925 votes
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Lightning Report View Results and Demographics + View Demographics

Loading Demographics... Click an icon to see demographic results Display unknown and private
	Tina Fey	2,597 votes	29%
	Eva Longoria	1,703 votes	19%
	Marcia Cross	517 votes	6%
	Mariska Hargitay	429 votes	5%
	Marg Helgenberger	423 votes	5%
	Teri Hatcher	711 votes	8%
	Felicity Huffman	254 votes	3%
	Courteney Cox	970 votes	11%
	Ellen Pompeo	947 votes	11%
	Julianna Margulies	374 votes	4%

Want to feel poorer than you already do? The top 10 highest-paid TV actresses earned a total of $94 million between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes reports. With so much money going around, why couldn't we find anything decent to watch last night?

Forbes points out that women on TV make a lot less than movie stars (the top three women in film earned $88 million combined), but that's not really a consolation. And then there's the question of who makes the most. Tina Fey and Eva Longoria tie for first place on Forbes' list, with each actress making $13 million between May 2010 and May 2011. Who said you have to be blonde to make it in Hollywood?

Fey also serves as producer and head writer on "30 Rock" in addition to starring on the show, so you can't say she's not earning her pay. But the critically acclaimed show is still struggling for ratings. As for Longoria, she has some lucrative endorsements, but does anyone still watch "Desperate Housewives"?

From Fey to Longoria to Courteney Cox, click through our slideshow and let us know: Who is the most overpaid TV actress?

+11

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rusty 2011/09/29 15:08:50

Tina Fey

+10
Sarah Palin does the work, Fey gets the check.
>> See Replies

More polls by SodaHead Slideshows

Deb to ScottyG... 2011/09/30 21:58:22

+1
Yes trash! and OMG LMFAO Jenner looks like a freak of nature!!!

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Headhunter 13 2011/09/30 15:24:52

Tina Fey

+3
And of that list Marriska deserves what she earns

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**Bessie** 2011/09/30 15:22:14

Tina Fey

+2
Mariska Hargitay deserves every penny! Love her!

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Deb to **Bessie** 2011/09/30 21:19:47

+1
I have watched her show, and she is a likable character, but really EVERYONE in the acting business is overpaid. (guess she needed the cash for the bust job...then again, her Mom was huge up there too lol)

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ScottyG... to Deb 2011/09/30 21:52:13

+2
Those are "yes we cans"!

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Deb to ScottyG... 2011/10/01 08:43:33

+1
LOLOL

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Fallout 2011/09/30 15:12:49

Tina Fey

+3
Tina Fey ripped off one of the best comedians in the comedy business.

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Deb to Fallout 2011/10/01 08:46:59

oh she's a thief eh?

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Fallout to Deb 2011/10/01 10:38:44

+2
Tina Fey is a thief. I think Sara Palin should be getting paid for comedy.

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Deb to Fallout 2011/10/01 11:23:00

+1
Then to be fair, Biden should be paid for his comedy as well

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Fallout to Deb 2011/10/01 14:30:04

+1
I agree 100%. They are all comedians. I don't think I've ever
seen a political event that could not be parroted by a second
rate comedian and not get a laugh.
They're all cheating themselves. Comedy is where it's at for
politicians.

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Deb to Fallout 2011/10/01 15:26:37

+1
LOL yep!

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s m to Fallout 2011/10/02 01:07:10

+1
I think palin should shut up and go back to Alaska.

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Fallout to s m 2011/10/02 02:42:19

I think she should keep entertaining us.

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Deb to Fallout 2011/10/08 01:05:10

+1
s m is a troll with no friends, no comments regarding ANYTHING, just comments on replies left by other people. Be he a left or right supporter..he has no opinions on anything.

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SoD to s m 2011/10/02 21:13:06
Ixoticx to Fallout 2011/10/03 02:17:14

+1
she uses Bump-Its.

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Fallout to Ixoticx 2011/10/03 03:27:16

So does Rick Perry. Maybe their using the same scissor Jedi.

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SCOOP--RIP, MY DEAR MAX 2011/09/30 14:58:03

Eva Longoria

+4
To behonest with you, I think they are all overpaid.

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mikehowington 2011/09/30 14:04:44

Julianna Margulies

+1
Don't know who half the people are on the list

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coach k 2011/09/30 13:43:05

Ellen Pompeo

+1
who is ellen pompeo

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Deb to coach k 2011/10/01 08:47:18

LOL no clue!!

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sundance 2011/09/30 13:40:43 (edited)
TelFiRE to sundance 2011/09/30 14:56:01 (edited)

+1
Their salaries aren't so outrageous. It's how small the rest of ours are. If 90% of America's money wasn't held up by bankers, foreign companies, and rich losers who don't realize the only point of money is to spend it, not hoard it, we could all (Americans) live on almost $50 mil a year. Every one of us. This is not an exagerration, it is a figure based on our GDP divided by how many of us there are.

End this corporatist totalitarianism masquerading as capitalism. Elect Ron Paul!

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sundance to TelFiRE 2011/09/30 17:59:56 (edited)
Son_Of_... to sundance 2011/09/30 21:15:20 (edited)
sundance to Son_Of_... 2011/09/30 21:22:26 (edited)

+1
So true. I have often wondered if we would be so fascinated with them if they weren't so rich? Seems people are fascinated and attracted to wealth and fame because it's all such a fantasy. Is no wonder that reality means so little to so many...Just a thought...

PS. The real sadness is that we are the market....

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Son_Of_... to sundance 2011/09/30 21:46:30
Deb to Son_Of_... 2011/09/30 21:24:08

Thank God they don't earn a cent from me.....I don't go to the movies and I only watch certain tv programs.....mostly older stuff. Like OLD stuff....TCM and the like

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sundance to Deb 2011/10/01 23:22:31

Oh yea, Turner classics... That is where to find the good stuff...Just a thought...

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Deb to sundance 2011/10/01 08:48:37

Again...outstanding rebuttal to the above person!

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TelFiRE to sundance 2011/10/07 22:39:50 (edited)

Then clearly you are misinformed to the history of Ron Paul. He has NOT been a puppet for anyone. That's WHY he should be elected. ANYONE can run for President, so it is pure fallacy to say that EVERYONE running is always a puppet.

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sundance to TelFiRE 2011/10/07 23:46:53

Do you actually have a clue on the process, or do you really think the rules change because of the players? Presidents are elected because of their useability to the larger agenda, period. There have been presidential candidates that would have been outstanding, capable and able. These are passed up, for the ones that fit the political agenda of the reining government, big money interests and political climate. The president is only one cog in the big machine, simply so he, like any other player, can be controlled by the established hierarchy. So, should Ron Paul become president? Well first, he will be exposed to the same favor granting, ass kissing, special interest that all would be presidential candidates are subject to. Should he be deemed a "player" he will most likely win. Should he be deemed a liability, he wont. The whole system comes down to power, plain and simple. Ever heard of Murphy's golden rule? I thought so. Unfortunately, presidents, like everything else, are bought and sold (out)..Just a thought...

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TelFiRE to sundance 2011/10/07 23:51:07

I understand how the process works and I take a slightly less cynical view. Although I agree largely that the system is manipulated, the American People still have the power to overcome it if they so choose. In fact, they have a responsibility to do so.

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sundance to TelFiRE 2011/10/08 05:23:54

Well, I am usually accused more of a realistic view, with cynicism as a result. The political process is so corrupt that it can no longer keep track of the good vs bad, in either camp. Now, its just what's most profitable, and the most unnoticeable way of doing it. Capitol hill has also become the slight of hand ( and mouth) capitol of the country...Just a thought...

PS. If we had the power to control this run away ship, would Bush Jr. have won? I think not...

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TelFiRE to sundance 2011/10/08 05:33:14

*sigh* Just doesn't make sense to give up. I am voting Ron Paul because he WILL change it if he gets elected. If people just give up like this, then they've already won. America had a glint of freedom. We got it because the people stood up for it. But if you slide into apathy, then you're completely right about everything you're saying.

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sundance to TelFiRE 2011/10/08 11:06:13

What is must be, to still be young enough to be impressed by the grandeur of the system? The real truth my friend, is that the system has been this way from the beginning. The true difference now, is that the entire arena has agendas based purely on what they can get and what will make them look good. Sure, there are some with noble idealism's, and desires for greatness. Unfortunately, the vast majority are in it to build a financial legacy, and a narcissism supporting life style, capable of satisfying their massive ego's. This is what happens when most men are given such power and prestige. The very nature of the beast overwhelms them, and they are consumed by that, larger than life image, that they have become.
I remember a time, when at the mere thought of our presidents mention, or seeing the flags of a political motorcade, would invoke a swelling in the chest, and blur the vision with moistened eyes. I come from an era of greats, and even they had their times in the shadows, cast by ego and thoughts of grandeur. I remember the day Kennedy was assassinated, and I remember ( as has been said by many) exactly what I was doing, when it was heard of his death. I watched an entire city, and country mourn the passing of a great man, statesmen and President. Now please keep in mi...

What is must be, to still be young enough to be impressed by the grandeur of the system? The real truth my friend, is that the system has been this way from the beginning. The true difference now, is that the entire arena has agendas based purely on what they can get and what will make them look good. Sure, there are some with noble idealism's, and desires for greatness. Unfortunately, the vast majority are in it to build a financial legacy, and a narcissism supporting life style, capable of satisfying their massive ego's. This is what happens when most men are given such power and prestige. The very nature of the beast overwhelms them, and they are consumed by that, larger than life image, that they have become.
I remember a time, when at the mere thought of our presidents mention, or seeing the flags of a political motorcade, would invoke a swelling in the chest, and blur the vision with moistened eyes. I come from an era of greats, and even they had their times in the shadows, cast by ego and thoughts of grandeur. I remember the day Kennedy was assassinated, and I remember ( as has been said by many) exactly what I was doing, when it was heard of his death. I watched an entire city, and country mourn the passing of a great man, statesmen and President. Now please keep in mind that I was a very small child, so I had no understanding of the event. However, I clearly remember, the day the earth stood still.
I would say to you, that I have seen greatness. I have watched as it fell, and all to sate the never ending appetite of the monster that is politics...Just a thought...
(more)

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TelFiRE to sundance 2011/10/09 01:40:11

I understand your point and I am not impressed by the grandeur of the system. I am against the system.

I don't see anything in your cynical rhetoric that signals any reasons I shouldn't vote for the beacon of light in the darkness.

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sundance to TelFiRE 2011/10/09 05:50:37 (edited)

Oh by all means, vote to your hearts content. If that fulfills you, who would I be to deny you that right and pleasure? I will admit that I am jaded and no longer disillusioned by the big show. So I have come to the conclusion that this whole facade is a waste of time, and I refuse to be involved in supporting the madness. The system needs to be challenged and not supported. Anyhow, I wish you luck, and may (one day) the best man win...Just a thought...
PS. I do not operate on rhetoric. This is why I no longer see the illusion...

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TelFiRE to sundance 2011/10/09 19:59:15 (edited)

Paul IS challenging the system. So long as someone is willing to stand up for freedom and personal liberty, I am willing to give him a chance. If that day ends, and there is no voice, well, let's just say wars have been fought over things the U.S. government has gone far beyond.

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