Making it big in the movie industry is not an easy feat. However, only a few actresses have achieved this feat. They have a net worth of $100 million and above, making them the world’s highest-paid tv actresses. 

So, we thought about making a list of the highest-paid TV actresses of all time, alongside how much they earn.

But before you read this article, can you quickly guess who should be on this list? Your guess is correct, but you can only be sure if you read on.

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Anyway, let’s look at them!

What Does an Actress do?

Actresses often play roles before audiences and while being captured by cameras. They spend so much time rehearsing their lines and scenes and performing on screen.

You can find professional actresses in big theatres, repertory companies, and dinner theatres. Some of these actresses also help to train other actors. 

These professionals are required to rehearse their lines, master scripts, and study characters. Sometimes, they might consult with their colleagues or directors to communicate and articulate their roles and emotions.

Why are Actresses Paid so Much?

You may wonder why actresses are paid so much or why some are paid more than others. Well, it all depends on the value they bring in.

Actresses are also paid based on their roles, how many people can play such roles, and whether or not the job will generate more money or prominence for the company.

Movie stars are also admired for their looks, style, and talents. Hence, other organizations and corporate brands capitalize on this via endorsement and ambassadorial deals. This also adds to the wealth of these actresses.

As much as these celebrities earn, they also face their downsides. They work late hours. For instance, a soap opera actress normally works 20 hours a day and gets 4 hours of sleep. And in these 20 hours, they spend roughly 12 hours shooting, about 4 hours shuttling between locations, then the rest at the gym.

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What is the Average Salary of an Actress?

In the US, the average salary of an actress is $47,196. However, this differs depending on position, level of experience, and location. 

Highest Paid Actresses in the World | 2023 

Here, we look at the world’s highest-paid TV actresses, how much they are paid, and a few things you might want to know about them. In no particular order, they are:

• Sofía Vergara
• Ellen Pompeo
• Angelina Jolie
• Elisabeth Moss
• Gal Gadot
• Meryl Streep
• Melissa McCarthy
• Emily Blunt
• Viola Davis
• Nicole Kidman 
• Jennifer Aniston
• Scarlett Johansson

1. Sofía Vergara 

Sofa Vergara is the first on our list of the world’s highest-paid actresses. Sofía started acting at age 17. She later got a role in a Mexican telenovela. 

Although she later moved to the United States (where she was given minor roles in movies and tv shows) after her brother’s assassination.

Sofía played significant roles in telenovelas such as The Knights of Prosperity, Hot Properties, and many other telenovelas. But her role as Gloria in “Modern Family” made her one of the highest-paid sitcom tv actresses. She also won four SAG Awards. 

But after ”Modern Family” had ended, Sofía became a judge on America’s Got Talent. Sofía receives $43 million. 

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2. Ellen Pompeo 

Next on our list of the world’s highest-paid TV actresses of all time is Ellen Pompeo. The famous American actress appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, and it was a big hit.

Ellen charged more than $550,000 for a single episode of Grey’s Anatomy. And she had been featured in Forbes for many years. Ellen earns $19 million.

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3. Angelina Jolie 

We all know Angelina Jolie has always been an actress, but why should she be on this list? The first two were for George Wallace and Gia (TV movie) out of her three Golden Globes. And yes, she won both of them in the same year. 

The Oscar winner also received her first two SAG awards from Gia. For many years, Angelina has been among the highest paid tv actresses of all time, earning a cool $35.5 million.

4. Elisabeth Moss 

Elisabeth Singleton Moss is an American producer and actress. This famous actress has been featured in so many movies and tv shows.

She receives a whopping $16 million, making her one of the world’s highest-paid TV actresses. Elisabeth was paid $1 million for each “In the Handmaid’s Tale ” episode.

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5. Gal Gadot 

Gal Gadot, formerly crowned Miss Israel (at age 18), is among the highest-paid TV actresses. The versatile actress’s movie Wonder Woman was a big hit in 2017. She earns a crazy $31.5 million.

6. Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep has done it all in her nearly five-decade career, from musicals to tragedies to action films and comedies. She has had 21 Oscar nominations and has taken home the golden monument three times.

It will interest you to know that she has received a total of 177 acting awards. She has such a stellar movie career and has three Emmys to her name (for the Holocaust, for narrating the documentary “Five Came Back,” and for Angels in America) all to her name.

In addition, Meryl Streep has received other awards (for her small-screen work), including Screen Actors Guild Awards for Angels America and Golden Globes. 

And with an income of $24 million, Meryl deserves to be on our list of the world’s highest-paid actresses. 

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7. Melissa McCarthy 

This American actress is also a comedian, producer-writer, and fashion designer. The Golden Globes award is among the numerous awards she has been nominated for.

Melissa released two recent films (on Netflix and HBO) in which she and her husband were directors. 

The Gilmore Girls actress has since 2018 surged five spots on the list, making twice as much as her earnings in 2020. 

With an earning of $25 million, she undoubtedly is one of the world’s highest-paid tv actresses. 

8. Emily Blunt 

The British actress earned more than $22.5 million in 2020. Emily appeared in the movie Jungle Cruise (2021). The Barcelonian Jaume Collet-Serra directed her movie Jungle Cruise. 

And she starred in the sequel to A Quiet Place, which her husband (John Krasinski) directed. Earning a cool $22.5 million made her among the highest-paid tv actresses. 

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9. Viola Davis 

Viola Davis is an actress and producer. With a bunch of awards, including an Academy Award, and an income of $15.5 million, Viola Davis is, without a doubt, one of the world’s highest-paid tv actresses. 

She won the triple crown of acting—Emmy, Oscar, and Tony. Viola Davis is the first African-American actress to win the triple crown and acting award.

10. Nicole Kidman 

The movie star Nicole Kidman has made a name for herself in the movie industry. Nicole featured in Vietnam, a TV series, and has won three Golden Globe Awards. She’s the first Australian to win the Best Actress Oscar.

In previous years, Nicole had starred on the small screen with roles in The Undoing, Nine Perfect Strangers, Big Little Lies, Being The Ricardos, and Top of the Lake: China Girl. 

These earned her two additional Golden Globes, two Emmys, and one SAG award. As one of the highest-paid actresses over the years, she receives $22 million. 

Aside from acting, Nicole also has endorsement deals that contribute to her wealth.

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11. Jennifer Aniston 

The American actress, businesswoman, and film producer is popularly known for her role as Rachel Green on the tv sitcom Friends. 

She had an Emmy, a SAG, and a Golden Globe (for “Friends”). With an income of $28 million, she’s one of the world’s highest-paid actresses of all time.

In 2019, Jennifer was back on the small screen with The Morning Show, which earned her a SAG award. 

12. Scarlett Johansson 

Without mentioning Scarlett Johansson, our list of the world’s highest-paid actresses would be incomplete. Her passion for acting is second to none, and that’s part of her success. 

Scarlett received $15 million for her role in Black Widow. However, she earns $56 million annually. 

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Conclusion

Succeeding in an acting career requires a blend of practice, hard work, and talent. The world’s highest-paid actresses work crazy hours to bring more value to the table. 

Actresses may be seen and heard in many locations. People admire these celebrities for their looks, fashion sense, and talent. Some are cast as extras, while the rest become celebrities and household names.

Frequently Asked Questions on highest paid tv actresses

What are some professions similar to actresses? 

Music Teacher, Film Crew Member, and Instructor.

What are the skills required to be an actress? 

Some of them include editing, excellent communication, exercises, elicitation, etc., which are some standard capabilities you need as an actress to perform and grow in your career correctly.

How do I know that I am a good actress? 

You know that you are a good actress if you’re fascinating, engaging, and entertaining. Additionally, if people tell you that you inspire them, change their perspectives about certain things, and change their lives, then you’re a good actress. 

Why are actresses so rich?

They make money from their acting career. And organizations also capitalize on their fame via endorsement and ambassadorial contracts. Hence, these celebrities are not just individuals but also brands.

Is being an actress hard?

Being an actress is adventurous, entertaining, fun, and very rewarding. Many people want to go into this career path, but the sad thing is that acting isn’t for everyone.

References 

• globehour.com
• slice.ca
• worldscholarshipforum.com
• wealthygorilla.com