(Newser)
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Sofia Vergara has made her way from Colombian farmer’s daughter to the top spot on Forbes' list of highest-paid TV actresses. The Modern Family star made an estimated $19 million between May 2011 and May 2012, thanks to the success of the show, endorsement deals in both English and Spanish, and a top-earning year for the media company she co-founded in 1996. Forbes calls her "the cross-over star [television has] been waiting for since Desi Arnaz left the airwaves."
The rest of the top five:
- Kim Kardashian: The reality star earned an estimated $18 million. In addition to her TV presence, Kardashian has a clothing line and tons of endorsement deals.
- Eva Longoria: The Desperate Housewives star earned an estimated $15 million. She boasted one of the highest per-episode salaries on TV, but she also earned money from cookbook sales, two fragrances, film roles, and endorsement deals.
- Bethenny Frankel: The Real Housewife earned an estimated $12 million, thanks in part to her Skinnygirl cocktail line and a novel.
- Khloe Kardashian Odom: That's right, the Kardashians claimed two of the top five spots. Kim's sister earned an estimated $11 million.
Click for
Forbes' full top 20.
