Sofia Vergara tops TV actress rich list

Actress Sofia Vergara from the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" arrives at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on Aug 25, 2014. For the third consecutive year Colombian-born actress Vergara, one of the stars of the hit ABC comedy "Mod
Actress Sofia Vergara from the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" arrives at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on Aug 25, 2014. For the third consecutive year Colombian-born actress Vergara, one of the stars of the hit ABC comedy "Modern Family," is the highest paid actress on U.S. television with estimated earnings of $37 million, Forbes magazine said Sept 3, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara is the highest-paid US TV actress for the third year in a row, earning some US$37 million (Sing$46 million), according to a 2014 list published on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old earned significantly more than the top paid actor, Ashton Kutcher, who made some US$26 million, according to Forbes magazine, known for celebrity and other rich lists.

The Colombian-born actress - who literally stood on a pedestal at this year's Emmy awards - reportedly makes US$325,000 an episode for "Modern Family," but earns much more from endorsements including being the face of Diet Pepsi.

She is also the co-founder of multi-million dollar talent management and marketing firm Latin World Entertainment, while earlier this year she launched her own perfume.

In second place is "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" star Mariska Hargitay, whose estimated earnings total US$13 million, while Kaley Cuoco of "The Big Bang Theory" took home an estimated US$11 million for third place.

Tied in fourth spot were "The Good Wife" star Julianna Margulies who earned US$10 million, as did Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" and Cobie Smulders of "How I Met Your Mother."

Smulders' co-star on "How I Met Your Mother" Alyson Hannigan came in fifth with US$9.5 million, followed by comediennes Amy Poehler at US$7 million and Mindy Kaling at US$6.5 million.

Eighth was also tied, with "Scandal" star Kerry Washington, "The New Girl"'s Zooey Deschanel and Courteney Cox of "Friends" all taking home an estimated US$6 million.

Claire Danes of "Homeland" earned US$5 million, while "Girls" star Lena Dunham rounded out the top 10 with earnings of US$3.5 million.

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