Net Worth Ranker
What Is Marcia Cross’s Net Worth?
Marcia Cross, the American actress recognized for her roles in “Melrose Place” and “Desperate Housewives,” has accumulated a substantial net worth throughout her career. As of 2025, Marcia Cross’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This valuation reflects her earnings from television roles, potential endorsements, and other professional endeavors over the years. While precise breakdowns of her assets are not publicly available, her primary income source stems from her successful acting career.
Marcia Cross’s Salary and “Desperate Housewives” Earnings
Cross’s role as Bree Van de Kamp on “Desperate Housewives” was a major contributor to her net worth. During the show’s run from 2004 to 2012, she commanded a significant per-episode salary. By the end of the series, Marcia Cross’s salary had reached $375,000 per episode. Considering the show’s length and her consistent presence, her earnings from this role alone were substantial. Although specific contract details are not public, this figure provides a clear indication of her financial success during that period.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 25, 1962, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Marcia Cross’s early life laid the foundation for her future career. She attended Marlborough High School, where she actively participated in extracurricular activities and developed an interest in performing arts. Her involvement in school productions, such as “The Witch of Blackbird Pond,” and a summer drama program at Tufts University, showcased her talent and passion for acting. In December of her senior year, Cross completed her high school studies early to pursue acting opportunities. Her dedication led to a half scholarship at the prestigious Juilliard School, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting in 1984. While exact financial figures from her early roles are not available, they marked the start of her professional journey.
Television Career and Key Roles
Marcia Cross’s career began with a role on the soap opera “The Edge of Night” in 1984, where she played Liz Correll. This role was followed by appearances on “One Life to Live” from 1986 to 1987, where she played Kate Sanders. These early roles were instrumental in gaining experience and recognition. In 1992, Cross secured a prominent role as Dr. Kimberly Shaw on “Melrose Place,” where she stayed for five seasons. Her performances in these shows and guest appearances on series like “Knots Landing,” “Who’s the Boss?” and “Cheers” steadily increased her visibility. The success of “Desperate Housewives,” which premiered in 2004, elevated her career and significantly increased her earnings. Although the financial specifics of these early roles and guest appearances are not detailed, they contributed to her growing net worth and reputation in the industry.
“Desperate Housewives” Success and Awards
The role of Bree Van de Kamp in “Desperate Housewives” was a turning point in Marcia Cross’s career. The show’s popularity led to multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations. While the specific financial impact of these nominations is not quantified, the show’s success undoubtedly boosted her earning potential and overall net worth. Cross personally received a Satellite Award for her performance in the second season. The show is credited with helping the ABC Network improve its ratings. From 2004 to 2012, the series ran for eight seasons, establishing Cross as a household name and significantly enhancing her financial status.
Post-“Desperate Housewives” Career
Following the conclusion of “Desperate Housewives” in 2012, Marcia Cross continued to pursue acting opportunities. She took on roles in projects such as the Fox show “Fatrick” and a guest spot on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She also had a recurring role as President Claire Haas on the ABC thriller “Quantico.” While the financial details of these roles are not publicly disclosed, they contributed to her ongoing income and maintained her presence in the entertainment industry. These roles added to Marcia Cross’s net worth, ensuring her continued financial stability.
Personal Life and Investments
Marcia Cross was in a long-term relationship with actor Richard Jordan from 1985 until his death in 1993. She later married stockbroker Tom Mahoney in 2006. Their twin daughters, Eden and Savannah, were born in February 2007 through in-vitro fertilization. While specific details about her investments are not available, her marriage to Mahoney suggests involvement in financial markets. Information on her real estate holdings, private planes, or luxury cars is not publicly available, making it difficult to assess their impact on her overall net worth. However, it is common for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their investments to ensure financial security and growth.
Health Advocacy and Public Appearances
In 2017, Marcia Cross was diagnosed with anal cancer, the same type of cancer her husband was diagnosed with throat cancer, both cancers being the result of the HPV virus. She publicly shared her experience in 2018 after being in remission. Since then, she has been an advocate for HPV awareness and cancer prevention, speaking at events such as the Atlantic’s People v. Cancer event in 2019. While these advocacy efforts do not directly contribute to her net worth, they have enhanced her public image and potentially opened up opportunities for endorsements or partnerships with health organizations. Her efforts to reduce the stigma associated with HPV and cancer have made a significant social impact.
Comparing Marcia Cross’s Net Worth to Others
Marcia Cross’s net worth of $20 million places her among the financially successful actresses in the entertainment industry. While it is challenging to make direct comparisons without detailed financial information from her peers, her successful career and strategic financial decisions have contributed to her considerable net worth. Her earnings from “Desperate Housewives” and other television roles have provided a stable financial foundation. Marcia Cross’s net worth is a testament to her talent, hard work, and enduring presence in the entertainment world.
