Net Worth Ranker
What Is Janel Moloney’s Net Worth?
Janel Moloney, the accomplished American actress, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to her successful acting career, spanning both television and film. Her most notable role as Donnatella “Donna” Moss on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The West Wing” (1999–2006) significantly contributed to her wealth. In addition to her work on “The West Wing”, her role as Mary Jamison on HBO’s “The Leftovers” (2014–2017) has further solidified her financial stability.
Career and Earnings from Acting Roles
Janel Moloney’s career boasts over 40 acting credits, each contributing to her overall net worth. While specific salary details for each role are not publicly available, we can analyze her most prominent roles to understand how they contributed to her financial success. During her time on “The West Wing,” Janel Moloney started as a guest star in the first season and was subsequently promoted to a series regular from the second season onwards. Although her initial salary as a guest star is undisclosed, it’s reasonable to assume that her compensation increased substantially once she became a regular cast member. The show’s popularity and critical acclaim, evidenced by its multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series and a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama, suggest that the actors were well-compensated.
Beyond “The West Wing,” Moloney’s roles in various films and television series have augmented her income. Her film credits include “‘Til There Was You” (1997), “Desperate Measures” (1998), and “Concussion” (2013). She also appeared in the TV movie “Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution” (2005) and had recurring roles in series such as “Brotherhood” (2007), “Alpha House” (2014), “The Blacklist” (2015), “American Crime” (2017), and “The Affair” (2018–2019). Each of these roles, while varying in significance, contributed to her earnings over the years. In 2022, her recurring role as Deputy Inspector Lillian Goldfarb on NBC’s “Law & Order: Organized Crime” further added to her income stream. While the exact figures for these roles are not publicly accessible, her consistent work in the industry has undoubtedly played a significant role in accumulating her $4 million net worth.
Moloney’s work in Off-Broadway productions, such as Kate Fodor’s “100 Saints You Should Know” (2007) and Nora and Delia Ephron’s “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” (2011), provides additional, albeit likely smaller, income streams. While these theatrical ventures may not contribute as significantly as her television and film roles, they showcase her versatility as an actress and contribute to her overall professional portfolio.
Early Career and Initial Earnings
Janel Moloney’s acting journey began in 1987 with a debut on the NBC sitcom “Roomies.” Prior to her breakthrough role on “The West Wing,” she built a foundation through appearances in TV movies such as “To Save a Child” (1991), “…And Then She Was Gone” (1991), and “Double Edge” (1992). Her initial film roles included “Dream Lover” (1993), “Safe” (1995), and “Wild Bill” (1995). These early roles, though perhaps not as financially rewarding as her later work, were instrumental in gaining experience and recognition within the industry. She also made guest appearances on various TV shows, including “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.” (1993), “Bakersfield P.D.” (1993), “ER” (1995), “Murder, She Wrote” (1995), “High Incident” (1996), and “Sports Night” (1998). The specific earnings from these early roles remain undisclosed, but they collectively represent the initial stages of her career and the foundation upon which her net worth was built.
“The West Wing” Impact on Net Worth
“The West Wing” indisputably stands as a pivotal point in Janel Moloney’s career and a significant contributor to her net worth. Her portrayal of Donna Moss, the senior assistant and eventual love interest of Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman, resonated with audiences and critics alike. During the show’s seven-season run, Moloney’s character evolved from a guest star to a central figure, earning her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2002 and 2004. These nominations not only increased her visibility but also likely led to increased earning potential. While the exact salary figures for “The West Wing” cast members are not publicly available, industry standards suggest that regular cast members of a successful network drama series can earn substantial salaries. Depending on the actor’s experience, negotiation skills, and importance to the show, a series regular on a hit show like “The West Wing” could have earned anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode. Given Moloney’s prominent role and the show’s long run, it’s reasonable to conclude that her earnings from “The West Wing” were a major component of her $4 million net worth. The show’s success also led to increased opportunities in other projects, further boosting her income.
Furthermore, the show’s lasting impact is evident in the 2020 reunion special, “A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote.” This event, featuring the original cast recreating the episode “Hartsfield’s Landing,” provided additional income and reinforced her connection to the role that significantly shaped her career and financial standing. While the exact compensation for the special is not disclosed, it likely contributed to her ongoing earnings.
Post-“West Wing” Career and Continued Income
Following the conclusion of “The West Wing,” Janel Moloney continued to actively pursue acting opportunities, further diversifying her income streams and bolstering her net worth. Her recurring role as Dana Chase on Showtime’s “Brotherhood” (2007) marked a transition into different genres and networks. She also made guest appearances on popular shows such as “House” (2008), “30 Rock” (2008), “Life on Mars” (2009), “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2009), and “The Good Wife” (2013). These guest roles, while often shorter in duration, provide valuable income and exposure, contributing to her overall financial stability. The specific earnings for these guest appearances vary depending on the show’s budget, the role’s significance, and the actor’s experience, but they collectively represent a consistent source of income.
Her role as Mary Jamison on HBO’s “The Leftovers” (2014–2017) further solidified her presence in the television landscape. Initially a recurring character in the first season, Mary Jamison became a main character for seasons two and three, indicating an increased commitment and likely higher compensation. “The Leftovers” received critical acclaim, earning nominations for various awards and further enhancing Moloney’s reputation. While the exact salary details are not public, it is likely that her role on “The Leftovers” was a significant contributor to her net worth during that period.
In addition to her television work, Moloney continued to appear in films, including “Armless” (2010), “Concussion” (2013), “Stay Then Go” (2014), “Half the Perfect World” (2016), and “The Leisure Seeker” (2017). These film roles, combined with her television work, demonstrate her continued commitment to her craft and her ability to secure diverse acting opportunities, contributing to her ongoing financial success.
More recently, Moloney has appeared in shows such as “The Blacklist” (2015), “American Crime” (2017), “The Affair” (2018–2019), “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2018), “Bull” (2021), and “FBI” (2021). In 2020, she played Sally Morrison in the HBO miniseries “The Undoing,” alongside Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. Each of these roles has added to her financial portfolio, ensuring a steady stream of income throughout her career. Her recurring role in 2022 on “Law & Order: Organized Crime” further underscores her continued presence in the television industry and her ability to secure consistent work, contributing to her current net worth of $4 million.
Awards and Recognition
Janel Moloney’s talent and dedication have been recognized through various awards and nominations, further enhancing her reputation and potential earnings. Her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for “The West Wing” in 2002 and 2004 are significant milestones in her career. While she did not win the Emmy, the nominations themselves brought increased visibility and recognition within the industry. These nominations likely led to more opportunities and increased negotiating power for future roles. She also received a Gold Derby Award nomination for Drama Supporting Actress in 2004. “The West Wing” cast as a whole was nominated for six Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, winning in 2001 and 2002. These ensemble awards highlight the collaborative nature of the show and the contribution of each cast member to its success. The recognition and acclaim associated with these awards undoubtedly contributed to Moloney’s career trajectory and financial success.
