Overview

Merrin Dungey, born on August 6, 1971, is an American actress known for her versatile roles in television and film. She was raised in Sacramento, California, and her passion for the performing arts started early with ballet, dance, and piano. She attended UCLA, initially studying English before switching to theater and earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Merrin is also the sister of Channing Dungey, a prominent executive in the entertainment industry, who was the president of ABC Entertainment. Dungey’s career includes notable roles in popular series such as ‘The King of Queens,’ where she played Kelly Palmer, and ‘Alias,’ where she portrayed Francie Calfo. She also had recurring roles in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’, ‘Summerland’, ‘Conviction’, ‘The Resident’, and ‘The Fix’, showcasing her range as an actress. More recently, she has appeared in series such as ‘Shining Vale’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ Dungey has also made appearances in films like ‘Deep Impact’ and ‘Greenland’. Merrin Dungey married Kevin Ryder on December 31, 2023. She was previously married to Matthew Drake, with whom she has two daughters.

What Is Merrin Dungey’s Net Worth?

Merrin Dungey, an accomplished American actress, has built a solid career in television and film, accumulating a net worth of approximately $3 million. This financial standing reflects her consistent work and diverse roles across various popular shows and movies. Dungey’s journey in the entertainment industry showcases her versatility and dedication, leading to her current financial success.

Early Career and Key Roles Contributing to Merrin Dungey’s Net Worth

Merrin Dungey’s career began with early appearances in the mid-1990s. She made her on-screen debut in 1995 with a role as Monique in an episode of “Martin”. Following this, she secured small roles in television series such as “Living Single”, “Party Girl”, and “Seinfeld”. These early roles, while not significantly impactful individually, collectively contributed to her experience and exposure, setting the stage for more prominent roles. In 1999, Dungey landed the role of Kelly Palmer on the CBS sitcom “The King of Queens”. She appeared in nearly 40 episodes alongside Kevin James and Leah Remini from 1999 to 2007. In 2001, Dungey also took on the dual roles of Francie Calfo and Allison Doren in almost 50 episodes of the ABC series “Alias”. These roles significantly boosted her visibility and earning potential, contributing substantially to her $3 million net worth.

Later Career Ventures and Consistent Income

After her initial successes, Merrin Dungey continued to secure roles in various TV shows. She starred as Susannah Rexford in “Summerland” and took on smaller TV roles in series such as “The Closer”, “Better Off Ted”, and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”. More recently, Dungey appeared in “Shining Vale” as Kam from 2022 to 2023, and in “S.W.A.T.” as Deputy Chief Bennett from 2024 to 2025. Her recent work includes portraying Judge Regina Turner in “The Lincoln Lawyer” (2024) and voice acting roles in animated series like “Bob’s Burgers”. These consistent roles ensure a steady income stream, which helps maintain and potentially grow her $3 million net worth. While specific contract details and per-episode earnings are not publicly available, her consistent presence in television suggests a reliable income.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved