Laura Wright is an accomplished American actress with a lasting career in daytime television and an estimated net worth of $8 million. Best known for portraying Carly Corinthos (later Carly Spencer) on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, Wright has worked continuously in daytime drama for more than three decades. Her financial stability stems from steady television contracts combined with entrepreneurial ventures outside of acting.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Laura Alice Sisk on September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., she grew up in Clinton, Maryland. During her time at Surrattsville High School, she performed in theatrical productions such as Gypsy, Our Town, and You Can’t Take It with You. After graduating in 1988, Wright worked 12-hour shifts at her family’s gas station while taking acting classes and dabbling in modeling.
Her big break came when an acting teacher submitted an audition tape to producers of the ABC soap opera Loving. Wright secured the role of Ally Rescott Bowman in 1991, officially launching a career that spans over 35 years.
Breakthrough Roles: Loving, The City, and Guiding Light
Wright played Ally Rescott on Loving from 1991 to 1995. When ABC restructured the program into the spin-off series The City, she continued playing the character until the show was canceled in 1997. During these years in New York, she notably roomed with fellow actress Kelly Ripa.
In August 1997, Wright transitioned to the CBS soap opera Guiding Light as Cassie Layne Winslow. Her eight-year run on the show earned her critical recognition, including a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite New Character in 1998, establishing her as a dependable leading lady in the genre.
General Hospital Success and Salary
On November 4, 2005, Wright took over the iconic role of Carly Corinthos on ABC’s General Hospital. She quickly made the character her own, anchoring high-stakes storylines alongside co-stars Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) and Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).
Her performance earned her eight Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, culminating in a win in 2011. Celebrating her 20th anniversary with the show in 2025 and signing a fresh contract with ABC in August 2026, Wright remains one of the longest-serving and most recognizable faces in modern daytime television.
While the exact annual salaries of long-running soap opera actors remain private, Wright’s continuous employment under major network contracts for more than 30 years secures her status as a high-earning television professional.
Business Ventures: Standing Sun Wines
Outside of acting, Wright ventured into the wine industry. Following a relocation to California in 2005, she and her then-husband, architect John Wright, settled in the Santa Ynez Valley. In 2007, the couple launched Standing Sun Wines.
What started as a small boutique operation producing 450 cases expanded significantly over the years. By 2014, the winery produced around 3,000 cases annually and operated a tasting room and event space in Buellton, California. Following her divorce from John, he continued operating the business.
Personal Life
Wright married John Wright on October 7, 1995, and they share two children: a daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, and a son, John Michael (LJ). The couple separated after more than 20 years of marriage, finalizing an amicable divorce in 2016.
In 2017, Wright began a relationship with actor Wes Ramsey, whom she originally met while working together on Guiding Light. Away from the television set, Wright enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing tennis and pickleball, and advocating for women’s health awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laura Wright’s net worth?
Laura Wright has an estimated net worth of $8 million, earned primarily through her extensive career as a leading soap opera actress.
How long has Laura Wright played Carly on General Hospital?
Laura Wright debuted as Carly Corinthos on General Hospital in November 2005 and celebrated her 20th anniversary on the show in 2025.
Has Laura Wright won a Daytime Emmy?
Yes, she won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2011, out of eight total career nominations.
Who is Laura Wright’s partner?
Wright has been in a relationship with actor Wes Ramsey since 2017 after the two reconnected at a Daytime Emmy event.
What business did Laura Wright co-found?
She co-founded Standing Sun Wines, a California-based winery and tasting room located in the Santa Ynez Valley, alongside her former husband John Wright.
