Maura Tierney Net Worth

Maura Tierney is an acclaimed American actress with an estimated net worth of $6 million. Best known for her standout roles in hit television series such as NewsRadio, ER, and The Affair, Tierney has built a long, steady career in both television and film. Her earnings come primarily from decades of consistent work in major network dramas, critically praised cable series, feature films, and theater productions. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Tierney has maintained a low public profile while quietly becoming one of the most respected character actresses in Hollywood.

Maura Tierney Net Worth	$6 Million
Date of Birth	February 3, 1965
Place of Birth	Boston, Massachusetts

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Early Life

Maura Therese Tierney was born on February 3, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood. She is the eldest of three children in an Irish Catholic family. Her father, Joseph Tierney, served on the Boston City Council for 15 years, while her mother, Pat Tierney, worked as a real estate broker.

Tierney attended Mount Alvernia Academy for elementary school before enrolling at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, where she developed a strong interest in acting. Her early talent earned her recognition at the Boston Globe Drama Festival, reinforcing her decision to pursue the performing arts. She later attended New York University, initially studying dance before switching to drama, a move that set her on a professional acting path.

Career

After graduating from NYU, Tierney moved to Los Angeles in 1987 to pursue acting full-time. She landed her first on-screen role in the Disney television movie Student Exchange, followed by another TV film, Crossing the Mob. Early in her career, she appeared in recurring and guest roles on shows such as The Van Dyke Show, Family Ties, and Booker, steadily building her résumé in television.

Breakthrough with NewsRadio

Tierney’s major breakthrough came in 1995 when she was cast as Lisa Miller on the NBC sitcom NewsRadio. The series ran for five seasons and became a cult favorite, praised for its sharp writing and ensemble cast that included Phil Hartman, Dave Foley, and Stephen Root.

Her performance showcased her dry humor, strong comedic timing, and natural screen presence. Although the show was a sitcom, it positioned Tierney as a versatile actress capable of handling both comedy and drama. After NewsRadio ended in 1999, she made a deliberate decision to step away from sitcoms, focusing instead on dramatic roles.

ER and Career-Defining Success

In 1999, Tierney joined the cast of NBC’s long-running medical drama ER as Abby Lockhart, initially in a recurring role. By 2000, she became a full-time cast member, and the character quickly emerged as one of the series’ emotional anchors.

Her portrayal of Abby—who struggled with addiction, complicated relationships, and professional challenges—earned widespread critical acclaim. Tierney remained on ER for nearly a decade, making her one of the show’s longest-serving cast members. During this period, she reportedly earned a substantial per-episode salary, significantly boosting Maura Tierney’s net worth. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award nomination, cementing her status as a top-tier television actress.

Film Career

Alongside her television success, Tierney built a strong film career. She appeared in notable movies such as:

Primal Fear
Liar Liar
Primary Colors
Forces of Nature
Insomnia
Baby Mama
Beautiful Boy

Often cast in smart, grounded supporting roles, Tierney worked with respected directors and A-list actors, adding both credibility and steady income to her career. Though she never pursued blockbuster stardom, her consistent film work contributed meaningfully to her financial stability.

Later Television Success and The Affair

After ER, Tierney continued to appear selectively in television projects, including Rescue Me, The Good Wife, and Parenthood (though she exited due to health issues).

Her career reached another high point in 2014 when she starred as Helen Solloway on Showtime’s drama The Affair. The role earned her some of the strongest reviews of her career and resulted in a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama. The show ran for five seasons, further solidifying her reputation and income.

She later appeared in series such as Your Honor and American Rust, maintaining her presence in prestige television.

Theater Work

Beyond screen acting, Tierney has an impressive theater résumé. She has performed in off-Broadway productions such as Three Changes and worked extensively with experimental theater company The Wooster Group. She also starred in acclaimed stage productions including God of Carnage and Witch, originating key roles and earning praise for her stage performances.

Personal Life

Tierney married actor and writer William Morrissette in 1993. The couple divorced in 2006 after 13 years of marriage. They did not have children together.

In 2009, Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and treatment, temporarily stepping away from acting. After completing treatment, she returned to work in 2010 and has since spoken openly about resilience and recovery.

Real Estate Investments

Tierney has also benefited from real estate transactions. In 2014, she sold her Hancock Park home for approximately $2.175 million, reportedly doubling her investment. Strategic property ownership has played a modest but meaningful role in supporting Maura Tierney’s net worth.