Forbes has released its annual list of the highest-paid television actresses, and for a sixth year in a row, there has been no change to the number one spot.
Sofia Vergara has held on to the top position once again, banking $41.5 million before taxes and fees this year, ending June 1, 2017. Around a quarter of Vergara's income is said to come from her work on Modern Family, but lucrative endorsement deals with Head & Shoulders, Pepsi, and CoverGirl, as well as her perfume range with Avon, also contribute to her earnings.
Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco ranked second, with annual earnings of $26 million. Although Cuoco reportedly makes $1 million per episode—which is said to be more than double Vergara's Modern Family paycheck—Cuoco has fewer endorsements and licensing deals. Interestingly, the actress volunteered to take a pay cut this year, alongside a number of other cast members, so that two other members of The Big Bang Theory cast could be paid more.
Ellen Pompeo of Grey's Anatomy and Mindy Kaling of The Mindy Project were tied in third place with $13 million, while Kerry Washington, known for playing Olivia Pope on Scandal, came in seventh at $11 million.
Together, these high-profile names earned $156.5 million total this year. Here's the full Forbes list of women who are making a serious splash on the small screen:
1. Sofia Vergara - $41,500,000
2. Kaley Cuoco - $26,000,000
3. Mindy Kaling - $13,000,000
4. Ellen Pompeo - $13,000,000
5. Mariska Hargitay - $12,500,000
6. Julie Bowen - $12,000,000
7. Kerry Washington - $11,000,000
8. Priyanka Chopra - $10,000,000
9. Robin Wright - $9,000,000
10. Pauley Perrette - $8,500,000
From: Harper's BAZAAR UK
