Overview

Carrie Preston (born June 21, 1967) is an American actress, director, and producer. She began her acting career in community theater at the age of eight and later graduated from the Juilliard School’s Drama Division. Preston made her screen debut in the movie ‘Just a Friend’ in 1985. She is best known for her roles as Arlene Fowler in the HBO fantasy drama series ‘True Blood’ (2008–2014), Elsbeth Tascioni in the CBS legal drama series ‘The Good Wife’ (2010–2016) and the spinoff series ‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022) and ‘Elsbeth’ (2024–present). She has also appeared in the CBS crime drama series ‘Person of Interest’ (2012–2016), the NBC comedy series ‘Crowded’ (2016), and the TNT crime drama series ‘Claws’ (2017–2022). Her film credits include ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, ‘Transamerica’, ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’, and ‘Doubt’.

What Is Carrie Preston’s Net Worth?

Carrie Preston, a multifaceted American actress, director, and producer, has cultivated a notable career in the entertainment industry. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be $3 million. This financial standing reflects her earnings from various acting roles in television and film, as well as her work as a director and producer.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Carrie Preston’s journey in the world of acting began in her childhood. At the age of eight, she actively participated in community theater productions in her hometown of Macon, Georgia. This early exposure laid the foundation for her formal training at the Juilliard School’s Drama Division, where she honed her skills and prepared for a professional career. Her official debut in the film industry occurred in 1985 with a role in the movie “Just a Friend,” marking the start of her on-screen presence.

Her career gained momentum with a variety of roles across different media. In 2001, she landed a role as B.D. Benson in the TV series “Emeril”. This early television work helped establish her as a versatile actress capable of handling diverse characters. Later, she secured recurring roles in well-known television series such as “Person of Interest,” where she played Grace Hendricks from 2012 onwards. However, one of her most defining roles came with the HBO series “True Blood,” where she portrayed Arlene Fowler starting in 2008. Her portrayal of Arlene, a waitress with a strong personality, endeared her to audiences and critics alike, significantly raising her profile in the entertainment industry.

Key Television Roles and Accolades

One of Preston’s most significant and critically acclaimed roles came in the CBS legal drama “The Good Wife.” Starting in 2010, she took on the recurring role of Elsbeth Tascioni, an eccentric but brilliant lawyer. Her portrayal of Elsbeth was particularly well-received, earning her widespread praise for her comedic timing and ability to bring depth to the character. In 2013, Preston won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her work on “The Good Wife,” a pinnacle moment in her television career. This award not only recognized her talent but also enhanced her reputation within the industry, leading to further opportunities and increased visibility.

Her role as Arlene Fowler in “True Blood” also contributed significantly to her recognition. The series, known for its dark and fantastical themes, provided Preston with a platform to showcase her acting range. For her work on “True Blood,” she received both a Satellite Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, highlighting her ability to excel in a popular and critically acclaimed series. These awards, along with the Emmy for “The Good Wife,” serve as key milestones in her career, reflecting her consistent performance quality and the impact of her roles on popular television.

Film Appearances and Projects

Carrie Preston has also appeared in a range of movies, further broadening her acting portfolio. Some of her film credits include “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” a romantic comedy released in 1997, where she played a supporting role alongside Julia Roberts. She also appeared in “Mercury Rising,” a 1998 action thriller starring Bruce Willis. In 1999, she took on a role in “Guinevere,” a drama that explored complex relationships. Preston’s versatility is evident in her selection of roles, ranging from comedies to thrillers and dramas.

Other notable film appearances include “The Legend of Bagger Vance” in 2000, a sports drama starring Will Smith and Matt Damon, and “The Stepford Wives,” a 2004 remake of the classic thriller. In 2005, she featured in “Transamerica,” a film that garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of gender identity. Preston continued to work in diverse film projects, including “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” in 2008, directed by Woody Allen, and “Doubt,” also released in 2008, featuring a star-studded cast. These roles, while often supporting, have allowed Preston to collaborate with renowned actors and directors, enhancing her experience and contributing to her overall net worth.

More recently, Preston has appeared in independent films like “Beneath the Harvest Sky” in 2013 and “Ruth & Alex” in 2014, starring Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton. These projects showcase her commitment to both mainstream and independent cinema, demonstrating her adaptability and dedication to her craft. The income from these film roles, although varying in scale, collectively adds to her financial portfolio, reflecting her consistent presence and work ethic in the film industry.

Directing and Producing Ventures

Beyond acting, Carrie Preston has also ventured into directing and producing, adding another layer to her professional career and contributing to her overall financial portfolio. While specific details regarding individual project budgets or revenues are not publicly available, her involvement in these roles indicates a broader scope of income streams beyond acting alone. Her experience as a director and producer likely involves managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and potentially earning a percentage of the profits from her projects.

Preston’s directing credits include episodes of television series, which require a strong understanding of storytelling, visual composition, and team management. These directorial efforts not only showcase her creative abilities but also provide additional sources of income. Similarly, her work as a producer involves overseeing various aspects of film or television productions, from development to distribution. This role often includes financial responsibilities and the potential for earning a share of the project’s revenue. By diversifying her skills into directing and producing, Preston has created additional avenues for financial growth and professional development, further enhancing her net worth.

Additional Ventures and Public Appearances

Beyond her work in film and television, Carrie Preston’s net worth is also influenced by her participation in various public appearances, endorsements, and potential investments. While exact figures for these activities are generally not public, they nonetheless contribute to her overall financial standing.

Public appearances at film festivals, industry events, and charity galas can provide opportunities for Preston to earn income through appearance fees and potential sponsorships. These events not only increase her visibility but also allow her to network and establish relationships that can lead to future opportunities. Similarly, endorsements of products or brands, if undertaken, would provide additional income through advertising campaigns and promotional activities. While it is unknown whether Preston currently has any active endorsement deals, such ventures can significantly boost an actor’s income and net worth.

Furthermore, Preston may have personal investments in real estate, stocks, or other ventures that contribute to her overall financial portfolio. These investments, although private, play a role in the growth and stability of her net worth over time. By actively managing her finances and diversifying her income streams, Preston has likely built a solid financial foundation that extends beyond her acting roles, ensuring her long-term financial security and contributing to her estimated net worth of $3 million.

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