Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is the top-earning TV actress of 2012. The Colombian native raked in $19 million this year thanks to a slew of lucrative projects, including movie roles, endorsement deals, and a clothing line with Kmart. However, Vergara, 40, is no sudden superstar.
“Though the Modern Family star may seem like an overnight success, she has actually been working towards super-stardom for more than 17 years,” Forbes reports.
Second place goes to reality star Kim Kardashian with earnings of $18 million. Kardashian, 31, made millions with a 4-hour wedding special, a scandalous divorce, numerous endorsement deals, and a Sears clothing line, among other projects. KK is now linked to singer Kanye West.
Eva Longoria and Bethenny Frankel also secured spots on Forbes’ list of top earners. Desperate Housewives’ Longoria pulled in $15 million, while reality star turned talk show host Bethenny Frankel took home $12 million.
Khloe Kardashian Odom tied with Tina Fey for fifth place. The reality star and 30 Rock actress each earned $11 million.
Other stars in Forbes’ top ten include Mariska Hargitay, Zooey Deschanel, Felicity Huffman, and Ellen Pompeo. The magazine analyzes stars’ upfront pay, residuals, endorsement deals, and advertising work to compile the rankings. Tina Fey and Eva Longoria were the biggest earners in 2011.
View the full list of Forbes’ 2012 Highest Paid TV Actresses.