Maura Tierney has established herself as a versatile and talented actress with a career spanning television, film, and theater. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $10 million. This figure reflects her hard work, diverse roles, and her ability to navigate different genres in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s her breakout role in NewsRadio, her iconic performance as Nurse Abby Lockhart on ER, or her acclaimed portrayal of Helen Solloway on The Affair, Tierney has consistently made smart career choices, leading to her substantial financial success.
In this article, we’ll explore how Maura Tierney built her fortune, the roles that contributed to her wealth, and how she continues to thrive in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Quick Facts about Maura Tierney
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Maura Therese Tierney |
| Popular Name | Maura Tierney |
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1965 |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
| Education | New York University, Circle in the Square Theatre School, Notre Dame Academy |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Billy Morrissette, 1993–2006) |
| Children | None |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters) |
| Net Worth (2024) | $10 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, TV & Film Residuals, Theater, Endorsements |
How Maura Tierney Built Her Wealth
Maura Tierney’s journey to wealth began with small roles in television and film, but it was her breakthrough in the 1990s that put her on the map. She rose to fame in 1995 when she joined the cast of NewsRadio, a popular sitcom where she portrayed Lisa Miller. The show ran for five seasons, giving Tierney not only steady income but also a platform to showcase her acting talents. NewsRadio was pivotal in establishing her as a recognizable face in Hollywood.
Tierney’s transition from comedy to drama came when she joined ER in 1999. She played Nurse Abby Lockhart for over a decade, a role that became her defining career milestone. The success of ER gave her a significant salary boost and catapulted her into the ranks of A-list actors. As one of the main characters in a show that ran for 15 seasons, Tierney benefited from a series of pay raises over the years. Her performance on the series earned her multiple award nominations, including an Emmy, which further increased her value in Hollywood.
Major Film and Television Roles That Boosted Her Net Worth
Beyond ER, Tierney starred in several major films that significantly boosted her income. In Liar Liar (1997), she starred opposite Jim Carrey, a film that became a box-office hit. She also appeared in Primal Fear (1996), alongside Richard Gere and Edward Norton, which helped solidify her status as a versatile actress in both television and film.
Another critical role that shaped her financial success came with The Affair, a Showtime drama in which she played Helen Solloway. Tierney’s performance in The Affair was universally praised, and in 2016, she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for her role. The show ran for five seasons, and Tierney’s salary grew steadily over the course of its run. This success marked one of the most lucrative periods of her career.
In addition to her TV and film roles, Tierney has made appearances in other acclaimed television shows, including The Good Wife, Rescue Me, and The West Wing. Her ability to shift between genres—comedy, drama, and thrillers—has made her a sought-after actress in both film and television.
Awards and Recognition: Enhancing Her Reputation
Awards play a significant role in an actor’s career, and Tierney is no exception. The Golden Globe she won for The Affair was a major career highlight, cementing her status as one of the top actresses in Hollywood. Though she was nominated for an Emmy for her role in ER, she did not win, but the nomination itself showed the high regard the industry had for her work.
Tierney’s recognition extends beyond awards, however. Her career trajectory and the critical acclaim she has received for various performances have made her a respected figure in the entertainment world. Her performances in theater, television, and film have garnered her both industry accolades and admiration from her peers.
Theater Contributions: A Diversified Career
While television and film have been the main contributors to Maura Tierney’s net worth, she has also made notable contributions to the theater. She performed with New York’s experimental theater group, The Wooster Group, in productions such as North Atlantic and The Town Hall Affair. Although theater work doesn’t always generate the financial rewards of television or film, Tierney’s stage performances have been well-regarded by critics and have helped diversify her career.
Her involvement in theater also allowed her to maintain her relevance in the industry, proving that her talent spans multiple platforms. Theater work allows her to explore more challenging roles, further showcasing her range as an actress.
Health Challenges and Career Resilience
Tierney’s career was temporarily interrupted in 2009 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and successfully battled the disease. Her resilience during this challenging time won her respect from both fans and colleagues. After her recovery, she returned to acting with renewed strength, taking on significant roles in both television and film.
While her health setback may have temporarily slowed her career, it also served as a testament to her determination and work ethic. She has continued to work in major projects, and her ability to overcome personal challenges has only increased her admiration in the industry.
Television and Film Residuals: Ongoing Income
One of the key financial advantages of working on long-running TV shows like ER is the residual payments actors receive. Tierney continues to earn money from reruns and streaming platforms, ensuring a steady stream of income long after the series has ended. This is a common scenario for actors in popular shows, as residuals can accumulate significantly over time.
In addition to television, Tierney’s film roles in Liar Liar and Primal Fear continue to generate residuals through syndication and streaming, further contributing to her net worth.
Public Appearances and Endorsements
While Tierney has not been heavily involved in commercial endorsements or brand partnerships, she has made occasional public appearances that add to her income. She appeared on Celebrity Poker Showdown, a popular celebrity poker event, and won the competition. Public appearances, charity events, and occasional interviews help maintain her visibility in the public eye, which indirectly contributes to her financial standing.
Career Shifts and Financial Growth
Maura Tierney’s career shifts have been key to her financial success. Moving from the sitcom genre of NewsRadio to the dramatic role of Nurse Abby Lockhart on ER allowed her to negotiate higher pay and larger roles. Her transition into The Affair further solidified her as a top actress and brought in one of the highest-paying deals of her career.
These career shifts demonstrate Tierney’s ability to adapt to changing industry trends and select projects that not only challenge her as an actress but also lead to greater financial rewards.
FAQs About Maura Tierney
What is Maura Tierney’s most famous role? Maura Tierney is best known for her role as Nurse Abby Lockhart on ER. This role defined her career and earned her an Emmy nomination, making her a household name.
What awards has she won? Maura Tierney won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for her role in The Affair and received several other nominations throughout her career.
How did she start her acting career? Tierney began her acting career in New York, studying at NYU and the Circle in the Square Theatre School. She later moved to Los Angeles and landed early roles in television and films.
Was Maura Tierney married? Yes, she was married to actor and director William Morrissette from 1993 to 2006. The two collaborated on the film Scotland, PA, a modern retelling of Macbeth.
Has Maura Tierney performed in theater? Yes, she has worked with New York’s Wooster Group in productions like North Atlantic and The Town Hall Affair. Her theater work has added another dimension to her already successful career.
What health challenges has she faced? In 2009, Maura Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. She made a full recovery and returned to acting shortly thereafter.
What shows has she appeared in besides ER? Apart from ER, Maura Tierney starred in NewsRadio, The Affair, The Good Wife, and made guest appearances in Rescue Me and The West Wing.
Conclusion
Maura Tierney’s career is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing entertainment industry. Her net worth of $10 million reflects her success across multiple platforms—television, film, and theater. From her breakthrough in NewsRadio to her award-winning performances in The Affair, Tierney has built a diverse and financially rewarding career. Despite facing health challenges, she continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, and her ongoing income from residuals ensures that her wealth will likely continue to grow in the years to come.
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