Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kelly Monaco’s Net Worth?
Kelly Monaco, a multifaceted talent encompassing acting, modeling, and reality television, has cultivated a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects her diverse career achievements and strategic ventures across various entertainment platforms. Her primary source of income stems from her enduring role as Sam McCall on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” a character she has portrayed since 2003.
Early Career and Modeling Ventures
Born on May 23, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kelly Monaco’s journey to stardom began after high school. She gained recognition as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in April 1997. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her modeling career, featuring in Playboy Special Edition publications and later in magazines like Maxim. Her prominence in the modeling world was solidified when she was named Maxim’s sexiest cover model of the decade in 2009. While specific financial details from her modeling contracts are not publicly available, these ventures contributed substantially to her early income, setting the stage for her transition into television.
Television Career and “General Hospital”
Monaco’s transition to television began with a role on “Baywatch” in 1997, followed by appearances in 1998. Her first significant role came in 2000 as Livvie Locke on “Port Charles,” a “General Hospital” spinoff. She also portrayed Tess Ramsey on the show from 2002 to 2003. Her role in “Port Charles” earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination, highlighting her early success in daytime television. While exact salary figures for “Port Charles” are not disclosed, her work laid the foundation for her iconic role in “General Hospital.”
In 2003, Monaco joined “General Hospital” as Sam McCall, a role that has become synonymous with her name. Over two decades, she has embodied the character, earning consistent recognition and accolades. In 2006, she received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for “General Hospital.” While specific details of her “General Hospital” contract are not publicly accessible, industry insiders estimate her salary to be in the range of $250,000 to $400,000 per year, reflecting her status as a leading actress in daytime television. These figures are based on general knowledge of soap opera actor salaries and could fluctuate based on contract negotiations and length of service.
“Dancing with the Stars” Success
Beyond her acting career, Monaco’s participation in “Dancing with the Stars” significantly boosted her visibility and earnings. In 2005, she competed in the first season with dance partner Alec Mazo and won the competition. Her victory not only increased her popularity but also came with a substantial prize. While the exact amount for winning the first season is not publicly detailed, subsequent seasons offered winners around $150,000. In 2012, she returned for the show’s 15th season with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, finishing in third place. Though she didn’t win again, the appearance helped maintain her public profile. Participating on “Dancing with the Stars” involves weekly stipends. These appearance fees contributed to her income and enhanced her marketability for other ventures.
Other Television Appearances and Projects
Monaco’s career includes appearances on other television shows such as the reality series “Dirty Soap” in 2011, which showcased her life alongside other soap opera stars. The financial benefits from “Dirty Soap” are not specified. She also appeared in “The Edge of the Garden” and “Baby Daddy.” She returned to “Dancing with the Stars” during the 25th season in 2017, partnering with Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke. These additional projects have contributed to her overall income, diversifying her revenue streams beyond her role on “General Hospital.”
Real Estate
In 2005, Kelly Monaco invested in a home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, for $795,000. This property served as her primary residence for many years. In May 2022, the house was destroyed by a fire due to a lit cigarette tossed onto the empty lot next door. The property has been cleared and is now worth around $1 million. The current value reflects the desirable location and potential for redevelopment, despite the loss of the original structure. Property insurance may have provided some financial compensation for the loss, but the exact details are private.
Charitable Activities
Kelly Monaco has actively engaged in charitable activities. In 2009, she participated in a Feed the Children program in Kenya, where she and other daytime television celebrities provided food and supplies to schools and orphanages. She also volunteered to help beautify a school in Los Angeles with her “General Hospital” costars. While these activities do not directly contribute to her financial worth, they enhance her public image.
