Kaley Cuoco is one of the most successful and popular actresses in Hollywood, thanks to her long-running role as Penny on the hit sitcom “The Big Bang Theory”. But how much does she make from her acting career and other income sources?
Kaley Cuoco’s net worth is estimated to be $110 million as of 2023.
Here is a breakdown of how she earned her fortune and what are her future prospects.
Kaley Cuoco’s Early Career and Salary on “The Big Bang Theory”
Kaley Cuoco began performing in “Virtuosity” and “Picture Perfect” as a child. Her TV roles included “8 Simple Rules” and “Charmed”. She had her big break in 2007 when she was hired as Penny, the aspiring actress, and waitress who lives across the hall from two geeky scientists on “The Big Bang Theory”. For 12 seasons, the program was popular and won accolades.
Cuoco’s salary on the show increased significantly over the years, as she negotiated better deals with the producers and network. According to Business Insider, her original salary was $60,000 per episode. Season 5 bumped her up to $200,000. The cast eventually demanded (and got) $1 million per episode for seasons 8 to 10. Cuoco also received a percentage of the show’s profits, which amounted to about $10 million per year.
In the final two seasons, Cuoco and her co-stars agreed to take a pay cut of $100,000 per episode, so that their fellow cast members Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik could get a raise. Cuoco still earned $900,000 per episode for seasons 11 and 12. In total, Cuoco made about $149 million from her role as Penny on “The Big Bang Theory”.
In addition to her salary, Cuoco also earns royalties and residuals from the show’s syndication. The show is one of the most-watched reruns on TV, generating about $1 billion in revenue per year for Warner Bros. Cuoco owns a 1% stake in the show’s earnings, which means she gets about $10 million per year just from the reruns.
Other Income Sources for Kaley Cuoco
Besides her acting career, Cuoco has also ventured into other fields that have boosted her net worth. Some of these include:
Voice Acting in Animation
Cuoco has lent her voice to several animated projects, such as “Brandy & Mr. Whiskers”, “Loonatics Unleashed”, and “Bratz”. She also voiced Harley Quinn in the DC animated series of the same name, which she also produced through her company Yes, Norman Productions. Cuoco reportedly earned $600,000 per episode for voicing and producing Harley Quinn.
Producing Ventures
Cuoco founded her own production company, Yes, Norman Productions, in 2017, which has been involved in developing various projects across different genres. Some of these include the hit HBO Max series “The Flight Attendant”, which Cuoco also starred in and received critical acclaim and award nominations for. Cuoco was paid $600,000 per episode for acting and producing “The Flight Attendant”. She also produced the animated series “Harley Quinn”, as mentioned above, and has several upcoming projects in the works.
Endorsements and Partnerships
Brand endorsements and collaborations have followed Cuoco’s success. Her personable personality and public image make her a good candidate for advertising, sponsorships, and promotions, earning extra cash. Her endorsements include Priceline, Toyota, Proactiv, Starbucks, Oh Norman! (her pet firm), etc.
Hosting Fees
Recently, Cuoco began hosting. Her 2021 Golden Globes hosting showed her ability to captivate huge audiences. Hosting chances increase her net worth by providing visibility and high fees.
Real Estate Investments
Cuoco has bought and sold several properties in California over the years. She currently owns a modern ranch-style home in Thousand Oaks that she bought for $6.4 million in 2021. She also owns a 40-acre horse ranch in Ventura County. She recently sold a contemporary mansion in Agoura Hills that she bought from Taylor Lautner for $5.25 million in 2020 for $6 million in 2021.
- Book deals: Cuoco secured a book deal to write a memoir titled “Yes, My Accent Is Real”. Her life, profession, and personal experiences are revealed in the book. It was a 2015 New York Times bestseller.
- Red carpet appearances and brand collaborations: Cuoco’s appearances on red carpets and collaborations with fashion and beauty brands contribute to her public image and generate income through partnerships. Her fashion choices and style have made her a sought-after presence at events. She has worked with brands such as Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, Prabal Gurung, etc.
Kaley Cuoco’s Net Worth in 2023
Based on her current and projected income sources, Kaley Cuoco’s net worth is estimated to be $110 million as of 2023. Cuoco is one of the richest and most influential actresses in Hollywood, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
