How did Julianna Margulies turn her acting career into a multi-million dollar fortune? With iconic roles in hit TV shows and smart financial moves, her wealth journey offers plenty of lessons.
From her early career breakthrough to the impressive salary she earned on The Good Wife, Ando takes a closer look at Julianna Margulies net worth, her major financial milestones, and the strategies behind her wealth.
Whether you’re a fan or just curious about how celebrities manage their finances, this in-depth financial overview will walk you through everything you need to know about her career earnings, wealth sources, and smart money decisions.
Julianna Margulies Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Julianna Luisa Margulies |
| Popular Name | Julianna Margulies |
| Birth Date | June 8, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 03/07/2025) |
| Birthplace | Spring Valley, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Sarah Lawrence College |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Keith Lieberthal |
| Children | Kieran (born 2008) |
| Dating | Ron Eldard (1991–2003) |
| Siblings | Two older sisters (Rachel and Alexandra) |
| Parents | Father: Paul (Writer), Mother: Francesca (Ballet Dancer) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Net Worth | $24 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Producing, Writing, Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth Of Julianna Margulies in 2025?
As of 2025, Julianna Margulies net worth is estimated at $24 million. Her financial success stems largely from her roles on two of television’s most recognized shows, ER and The Good Wife.
With her salary reaching $180,000 per episode on The Good Wife, it’s no surprise her wealth climbed steadily over the years.
Compared to some of her former co-stars, her fortune remains impressive but not at the top tier. For example, George Clooney, her ER co-star, boasts a far larger fortune thanks to his film career and business ventures.
Still, Margulies’ decisions to prioritize creative freedom over high-profile contracts, including turning down $27 million to stay on ER, reflect her unique financial approach.
Related People/Companies
- George Clooney
- Keith Lieberthal
- CBS
- Apple TV+
- Ron Eldard
- Screen Actors Guild
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Primetime Emmy Awards
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- National Geographic
Curious about how other stars are doing financially? Check out our detailed look at wealthy television stars over at this list of wealthiest celebrities.
Julianna Margulies Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth Through Her Acting Career?
Julianna Margulies wealth story starts with her early breakout on ER. Playing Carol Hathaway, she was originally set for a brief arc, but her character’s popularity earned her six seasons on the show. From there, she became one of the highest-paid actresses on television.
The Good Wife solidified her financial standing. With a reported salary per episode of $180,000, Margulies transformed her TV success into a solid financial foundation.
Her acting career income didn’t stop at television — she also starred in films like Snakes on a Plane, The Upside, and Ghost Ship, further boosting her wealth.
What Are Her Major Salary Milestones from Television and Film?
The financial milestones in her career follow the growth of her roles. Starting with Julianna Margulies’s small-screen debut in Murder, She Wrote, her real financial breakthrough came with ER. Her salary climbed season after season, thanks to the show’s success.
On The Good Wife, her earnings reached $180,000 per episode, adding up to millions across the show’s seven seasons.
Film salaries played a smaller role, though notable projects like The Mists of Avalon and Ghost Ship provided additional income. Meanwhile, her ER return in the show’s final season gave her a well-compensated full-circle moment.
How Have Awards and Industry Recognition Impacted Her Finances?
Awards added more than prestige to her resume — they boosted her financial leverage. Julianna Margulies’s 3 Primetime Emmy Awards and 8 Screen Actors Guild Awards not only made her one of the most awarded actresses in TV history but also gave her greater negotiating power for future roles.
Being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 reinforced her value in Hollywood, elevating her standing in the industry and contributing to her ongoing wealth.
What Are Her Key Sources of Wealth Beyond Acting?
Beyond her acting paychecks, Margulies has diversified her income. She published two books — the children’s story Three Magic Balloons and her memoir Sunshine Girl.
Both earned her royalties, though they’re small compared to her television income.
Real estate also plays a big role. She bought and sold high-end properties, including a SoHo apartment that she sold for $5.7 million. Combined with producing credits on The Good Wife, these additional income streams round out her wealth portfolio.
What Role Did Real Estate Play in Her Financial Portfolio?
Julianna Margulies’s real estate strategy reflects her financial savvy. The SoHo apartment, purchased in 2004 for $2.44 million, was redesigned by Vicente Wolf before being sold for $5.7 million in 2019.
Alongside her primary Manhattan residence, she also owns a country home in Upstate New York, ensuring her wealth is diversified between real estate and entertainment income.
How Does Her Financial Strategy Evolve Over Time?
Margulies has consistently chosen quality over quantity, turning down a $27 million contract to stay on ER. Instead, she used that freedom to pursue stage work, independent films, and her beloved The Mists of Avalon.
This focus on career satisfaction, balanced with strategic investments and residual income from syndication, has kept her financially secure without overexposure.
What Are the Main Factors That Continue to Influence Her Wealth Today?
Several key factors still shape her finances. Residuals from ER and The Good Wife, ongoing work on streaming platforms like Apple TV+, and her real estate holdings all contribute.
Her high industry reputation, built through awards, public recognition, and strong performances, ensures she stays on casting radars for well-compensated roles, sustaining her financial health.
Conclusion
That’s the full picture of Julianna Margulies net worth and how her career, smart investments, and strategic choices built her wealth. Ando invites you to explore more celebrity financial profiles or leave a comment and share your thoughts at andomoney.com.
