Sofia Vergara named highest-paid TV actress

In a face-off with Kim Kardashian for the title of best-paid TV actress this year, it’s Sofia Vergara for the win.

Forbes magazine has named the “Modern Family” star and comedic fan favorite this year’s highest-paid actress on the tube, thanks to her estimated earnings of $19 million between May 2011 and May 2012.


That total bumped Kardashian into second place with her estimated wealth of $18 million earned in that same time period.

But Kardashian’s only trailing Vergara by a cool $1 million, and Forbes notes that she actually has a few things in common with the Emmy-nominated actress. They both have budget-friendly clothing lines with national retailers (Vergara’s is available at Kmart, while Kardashian’s is sold at Sears); both boast significant endorsement deals; and they’re also both celebrity magazine cover darlings.

Not far behind Kardashian is Eva Longoria, who’s made an estimated $15 million between May 2011 and May 2012. Forbes points to a high per-episode salary for the former “Desperate Housewives” actress, who has also benefited from cookbook sales, small movie roles, two fragrances, and a selection of endorsement deals of her own.

Rounding out the top five are Bethenny Frankel with $12 million, and Kim’s younger sister Khloe Kardashian Odom with $11 million, who’s tied with the No. 6 entry on Forbes’ list, Tina Fey.

To estimate the earnings for these actresses between May 2011 and 2012, Forbes calculated their upfront pay, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.