- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
30 Rock star Tina Fey and Desperate Housewives‘ Eva Longoria are the highest-paid actresses working in TV, according to rankings released Wednesday by Forbes.
Each of the actresses earned $13 million in the one-year span (May 2010 to May 2011) upon which Forbes based its list.
STORY: Tyler Perry Tops List of Highest Paid Men in Entertainment
Fey also serves as head writer and executive producer on her NBC comedy, which is airing in syndication and does well in DVD sales. Fey’s first book, Bossypants, sold 150,000 in the first month after its April release.
Longoria, meanwhile, leads the Housewives cast in money earned thanks to rich endorsement deals with L’Oreal and LG. However, her co-stars also are in the top 10: Marcia Cross comes in at third with $10 million, while Felicity Huffman and Teri Hatcher tied for fifth with $9 million. (Their ABC dramedy is in its final season on ABC.)
STORY: Michael Bloomberg Is America’s Wealthiest Media Mogul
Tying for third with Cross are two procedural stars: Mariska Hargitay (NBC’s Law & Order: SVU) and Marg Helgenberger (CBS’ CSI).
In determining its rankings, Forbes staff spoke to lawyers, producer and agents to estimate the actresses’ total gross earnings, which don’t take into account agent/manager fees and similar items.
STORY: Jay-Z Tops Forbes’ Hip-Hop Cash Kings List Again
The complete top 10 list follows:
1-2. Tina Fey and Eva Longoria (tie), $13 million
3-5. Marcia Cross, Mariska Kargitay and Marg Helgenberger (tie), $10 million
6-7. Teri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman (tie), $9 million
8-9. Courteney Cox and Ellen Pompeo (tie) $7 million
10. Julianna Margulies, $6 million
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day