Sarah Rafferty, best known for her role as Donna Paulsen on the hit TV show “Suits,” has captured the hearts of millions with her charismatic on-screen presence. With a career spanning over two decades, Rafferty has built a name for herself in Hollywood. Sarah Rafferty is not just an actress; she’s a cultural icon, especially for fans of “Suits.” Her portrayal of Donna Paulsen brought a unique blend of intelligence, wit, and charm to the screen, making her one of the show’s most beloved characters. But Rafferty’s talents extend far beyond acting, as she has successfully ventured into various other domains.
Sarah Gray Rafferty was born on December 6, 1972, in New Canaan, Connecticut. Raised in a family that valued education and the arts, Rafferty developed a passion for acting at a young age. Her father, Michael Griffin Rafferty Jr., was a successful businessman, while her mother, Mary Lee Rafferty, was the Chairwoman of the English Department at Convent of the Sacred Heart.
| Attribute | Details |
| Birth Date | December 6, 1972 |
| Birthplace | New Canaan, Connecticut, USA |
| Parents | Michael Griffin Rafferty Jr. (Father), Mary Lee Rafferty (Mother) |
| Education | Phillips Academy, Hamilton College, Yale School of Drama |
| Early Interests | Acting, Literature |
Rafferty attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, before moving on to Hamilton College, where she majored in English and Theater. Her academic journey continued at the Yale School of Drama, where she honed her acting skills and prepared for a career in the entertainment industry.
After graduating from Yale, Sarah Rafferty moved to New York City to pursue her acting career. She began with small roles in television and theatre, gradually building her reputation as a talented actress. Her early work included guest appearances on shows like “Law & Order” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
| Year | Project | Role | Type |
| 1998 | “Law & Order” | Brenda Green | TV Show |
| 1999 | “Walker, Texas Ranger” | Amy Townsend | TV Show |
| 2000 | “Mambo Café” | Amy | Film |
| 2003 | “CSI: Miami” | Nina Sayers | TV Show |
Sarah Rafferty’s big break came in 2011 when she was cast as Donna Paulsen in the legal drama “Suits.” The show, created by Aaron Korsh, became an instant hit, and Rafferty’s portrayal of the sharp-witted and confident legal secretary quickly made her a fan favourite. “Suits” ran for nine successful seasons, from 2011 to 2019, and Rafferty appeared in 134 episodes.
| Aspect | Details |
| Show Name | “Suits” |
| Role | Donna Paulsen |
| Duration | 2011-2019 |
| Total Episodes | 134 |
| Major Co-stars | Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman |
“Suits” was a major source of income for Sarah Rafferty. Over the course of the show’s run, her salary increased significantly as the series gained popularity. Initially, she was earning a modest amount per episode, but by the later seasons, her earnings had grown substantially.
| Season | Episodes | Estimated Salary per Episode | Total Earnings |
| Season 1 | 12 | $15,000 | $180,000 |
| Season 2 | 16 | $25,000 | $400,000 |
| Season 3-5 | 16 each | $50,000 | $2,400,000 |
| Season 6-7 | 16 each | $75,000 | $2,400,000 |
| Season 8-9 | 10 each | $100,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Total | 134 | $7,380,000 |
While “Suits” was the most prominent part of her career, Sarah Rafferty continued to work on other projects during and after the show. She appeared in various films, television shows, and stage productions.
| Year | Project | Role | Type |
| 2004 | “The Devil Wears Prada” | Rachel Zane | Film |
| 2011 | “Four Single Fathers” | Sarah | Film |
| 2020 | “Chicago Med” | Dr. Samantha Kendall | TV Show |
| 2022 | “The Blacklist” | Elizabeth Keen | TV Show |
Beyond acting, Sarah Rafferty has also earned income through endorsements and sponsorships. As a recognizable face in Hollywood, she has partnered with various brands, particularly in the fashion and beauty industries.
| Brand | Type of Endorsement | Estimated Earnings |
| Olay | Skincare Campaign | $500,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz | Automotive Sponsorship | $1,000,000 |
| Revlon | Beauty Campaign | $750,000 |
Sarah Rafferty is also known for her savvy financial decisions. She has invested in various business ventures, including tech startups and real estate.
| Investment Type | Details | Estimated Value |
| Tech Startups | Investments in early-stage tech companies | $3,000,000 |
| Real Estate | Properties in California and New York | $5,000,000 |
| Fashion Brand | Co-founder of a fashion line | $2,000,000 |
Real estate is one of the major components of Sarah Rafferty’s net worth. She owns several luxurious properties in the United States, including homes in California and New York.
| Location | Type | Estimated Value |
| Los Angeles, California | Luxury Home | $3,500,000 |
| New York City, New York | Penthouse | $4,000,000 |
| Connecticut | Family Estate | $2,000,000 |
Sarah Rafferty is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She is involved in various charitable organisations and has donated both time and money to causes she is passionate about.
| Charity/Organization | Cause | Estimated Contributions |
| Stand Up To Cancer | Cancer Research | $500,000 |
| Dress for Success | Women’s Empowerment | $200,000 |
| The Trevor Project | LGBTQ+ Support | $100,000 |
Her philanthropic work is an important part of her legacy, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.
Sarah Rafferty’s personal life is as interesting as her professional career. She is married to Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä, a stock research analyst, and they have two daughters together. The couple leads a relatively private life but is known to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.
| Aspect | Details |
| Spouse | Aleksanteri Olli-Pekka Seppälä |
| Children | Two Daughters |
| Lifestyle | Luxurious, frequent travel, private schooling for children |
| Estimated Annual Expenses | $1,000,000 |
Their expenses include private schooling for their children, luxury vacations, and maintaining their high-end real estate properties.
Sarah Rafferty’s net worth can also be compared with that of her co-stars from “Suits,” providing a clearer picture of her financial standing.
| Co-star | Role on “Suits” | Estimated Net Worth |
| Gabriel Macht | Harvey Specter | $10 million |
| Patrick J. Adams | Mike Ross | $8 million |
| Meghan Markle | Rachel Zane | $60 million |
| Rick Hoffman | Louis Litt | $5 million |
| Sarah Rafferty | Donna Paulsen | $15 million |
Sarah Rafferty’s net worth is impressive, placing her among the wealthiest of her co-stars.
| Date | Controversy | Details | Public Reaction | Outcome |
| 2018 | Alleged On-Set Tensions on “Suits” | Rumours surfaced of tension between Rafferty and some co-stars on “Suits.” | Mixed reactions; many dismissed rumours as baseless. | No official statements; rumours faded. |
| 2019 | Comment on Meghan Markle’s Royal Exit | Rafferty was questioned about her co-star Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties. | Speculation about her relationship with Markle. | Rafferty avoided controversial statements, supporting Markle without direct comments on the situation. |
| 2020 | Misinterpreted Interview Statement | A statement in an interview was misinterpreted as criticism of Hollywood culture. | Brief online backlash; fans supported her. | Clarified in a follow-up interview; misunderstanding resolved. |
| 2021 | Environmental Activism Criticism | Criticised for flying private while advocating for environmental causes. | Some called her actions hypocritical; others defended her. | Increased transparency in her activism; pledged to reduce carbon footprint. |
| 2022 | Role in “Chicago Med” and Its Perceived Insensitivity | Criticism over a storyline involving her character that some viewers found insensitive. | Social media backlash; calls for more sensitive portrayals. | Network issued a statement promising more careful content consideration in the future. |
| Category | Details | Estimated Value |
| Primary Source of Income | Acting (TV shows, films) | $10 million |
| Secondary Source of Income | Endorsements, Sponsorships | $2 million |
| Investments | Real Estate, Stocks | $2.5 million |
| Business Ventures | Fashion Collaborations, Production Company | $0.5 million |
| Total Net Worth (2024) | Combined assets and income sources | $15 million |
Donna Paulsen, played by Sarah Rafferty, is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Yes, Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht) truly loved Donna Paulsen. Their relationship evolved over the course of the series, and by the end, they acknowledged their deep love for each other and got married.
Yes, Gabriel Macht (Harvey) and Sarah Rafferty (Donna) are good friends in real life. Their close friendship off-screen contributed to the strong chemistry between their characters on the show.
Dana Scott, played by Abigail Spencer, left Suits due to a combination of story development and scheduling conflicts. Her character was written out as she moved on to pursue other career opportunities outside of Pearson Specter.
Donna Paulsen marries Harvey Specter in the final season of Suits.
Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams) and Rachel Zane (played by Meghan Markle) do not break up. They remain together throughout the series and get married in Season 7. They both leave the firm to start a new life in Seattle.
After Donna left her role as Harvey’s secretary to become COO of the firm, she was replaced by Gretchen Bodinski, played by Aloma Wright, as Harvey’s secretary.
Suits ended after nine seasons due to a combination of factors, including the natural conclusion of the storyline, the departure of key cast members like Patrick J. Adams and Meghan Markle, and the show’s creators wanting to end the series on a high note.
Harvey Specter is approximately 47 years old by the end of Suits, as the character was born in 1972, and the series concludes in 2019.
Sarah Rafferty’s social media handles
Sarah Rafferty’s Net Worth
$15 million
Sarah Rafferty’s estimated net worth is approximately $15 million. This wealth is the result of her successful acting career, smart investments, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. Her financial success, combined with her philanthropic efforts, makes her not only a talented actress but also a well-rounded individual who has used her platform for good.
Sarah Rafferty continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood, and her net worth is likely to grow as she takes on new projects and business opportunities. Whether she is remembered for her iconic role as Donna Paulsen or for her contributions to various causes, Sarah Rafferty’s legacy is firmly established.
Also Read : machine gun kelly net worth
David Lee Roth, the flamboyant and charismatic frontman of the rock band Van Halen, has…
David Siegel, an American businessman and entrepreneur, is best known as the founder and CEO…
Richard Montañez, an iconic figure in the world of snacks and entrepreneurship, is best known…
Kenny Chesney is a name synonymous with country music stardom. Known for his vibrant performances…
Teyana Taylor is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model who has made significant strides…
Tristan Thompson, born on March 13, 1991, in Toronto, Canada, has made headlines not only…