Stephanie Niznik's Net Worth: How Her Roles In Everwood And Star Trek Built Her Legacy

The financial legacy of a beloved working actress is often a complex calculation, and the estimated net worth of Stephanie Niznik, best known for her role as Nina Feeney on the hit series *Everwood*, is no exception. As of the current date in late 2025, various financial reports and career analyses place her estimated net worth at the time of her unexpected passing in 2019 at approximately $1 million to $1.5 million. This figure reflects a decades-long career built on consistent, high-profile television and film roles, balancing main cast status with significant recurring and guest appearances across major network and cable productions, cementing her status as a respected figure in Hollywood. Stephanie Niznik’s career was defined by her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between family drama, procedural crime, and science fiction. While direct salary details from her major projects, such as her four seasons on *Everwood*, remain private, her consistent employment from the mid-1990s until her retirement around 2017 provides the foundation for this estimated wealth, accumulated through acting fees, residuals, and smart financial management.

The Life and Career Profile of Stephanie Niznik

Stephanie Lynne Niznik was an American actress whose career spanned over two decades, leaving a memorable impact on fans of several iconic television and film franchises. Her work was characterized by a grounded, empathetic presence, making her a favorite among audiences and casting directors alike.

• Full Name: Stephanie Lynne Niznik
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1967
• Place of Birth: Bangor, Maine, U.S.
• Education: Duke University (Theater and Russian), California Institute of the Arts (MFA)
• Marital Status: Not publically married; she was a devoted advocate for children and animal rescue.
• Major Roles: Nina Feeney (*Everwood*), Caitlin Sweeney (*Diagnosis: Murder*), Ensign Kell Perim (*Star Trek: Insurrection*)
• Date of Death: June 23, 2019
• Place of Death: Encino, California, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Chronic Liver Disease and alcohol use, as reported by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
• Age at Death: 52

The Financial Cornerstone: Analyzing Earnings from Everwood and Diagnosis: Murder

The most significant portion of Stephanie Niznik’s career earnings came from her work on two long-running television series: *Everwood* and *Diagnosis: Murder*. These roles transitioned her from a working guest actress to a recognizable series regular, a crucial step in building long-term financial stability in the entertainment industry.

The Everwood Effect: Four Seasons of Nina Feeney

Stephanie Niznik is perhaps most affectionately remembered for her time on The WB/CW drama *Everwood*, which ran from 2002 to 2006. She played Nina Feeney, the kind-hearted neighbor and eventual love interest of the lead character, Dr. Andy Brown (Treat Williams). * Recurring to Main Cast: Niznik started as a recurring character in Season 1 but was promoted to the main cast for Seasons 2, 3, and 4. This promotion is financially significant, as main cast members command higher salaries and better residual structures than recurring actors. * Estimated Everwood Salary: While specific figures are not public, a main cast member on a successful network drama in the early-to-mid 2000s could earn anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 per episode, especially one produced by a major studio like Warner Bros. Television. Given that *Everwood* produced 89 episodes, her earnings from this single show alone would have been substantial, easily reaching into the high six figures or even over a million dollars before taxes and representation fees. * Residuals: As a main cast member, Niznik would have continued to earn residuals (royalty payments) for years after the show ended, particularly from syndication and streaming platforms, providing a passive income stream that contributed to her overall net worth until her passing.

Diagnosis: Murder and Early Career Success

Prior to *Everwood*, Niznik had a significant recurring role as Caitlin Sweeney on the CBS procedural *Diagnosis: Murder*, appearing in four episodes between 1998 and 2000. This role, alongside appearances on other procedural hits like *JAG* and *Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman*, established her reliability as a dramatic actress. Consistent work on network television is the bedrock of a working actor's net worth, providing a steady income and building a strong foundation for future, higher-paying roles.

The Sci-Fi and Guest Star Contribution to Wealth

Beyond her main television roles, Stephanie Niznik bolstered her net worth with appearances in major film franchises and high-profile guest spots on critically acclaimed series. These roles, while brief, often come with higher per-day rates and significant long-term residual value, especially for those in the science fiction genre.

Star Trek: Insurrection and Enterprise

Niznik is a part of the esteemed *Star Trek* universe, which is a major resume booster and residual generator. In 1998, she appeared in the feature film *Star Trek: Insurrection* as Ensign Kell Perim, a Trill Starfleet officer. Film roles, even minor ones in major studio pictures, can provide a substantial one-time payment. She returned to the franchise in 2002 on the series *Star Trek: Enterprise*, playing a Wraith in the episode "Rogue Planet." The enduring popularity and constant re-runs of *Star Trek* content means these roles generate continuous, albeit smaller, royalty checks.

High-Profile Guest Appearances

The final phase of her active career saw her securing guest and recurring roles on some of the biggest shows on television. These roles, while not leading, are highly competitive and well-compensated: * *Grey's Anatomy*: She played Carol in a 2007 episode, a highly-rated show that pays premium rates for guest stars. * *Lost*: Niznik appeared in an episode of the iconic ABC mystery series. * *NCIS*: She had a role in the long-running naval crime procedural. * *CSI: Miami*: Another procedural appearance that added to her consistent income stream. These guest spots, often paying several thousand dollars for a few days of work, added financial padding to her career earnings between her major series commitments.

Stephanie Niznik's Legacy and Post-Career Financial Picture

Stephanie Niznik retired from acting around 2017, two years before her death. During her final years, she dedicated her time to causes close to her heart, specifically children’s welfare and animal rescue, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy outside of her professional life. She was known for her work with organizations focusing on rescuing dogs, particularly in the Los Angeles area. The estimated net worth of $1 million to $1.5 million is a reflective figure of a successful, if not superstar, working actress. This figure is typical for actors who secure one major series regular role and a consistent stream of supporting and guest roles over two decades. It accounts for: 1. Primary Income: Four seasons as a main cast member on *Everwood*. 2. Secondary Income: Recurring roles on *Diagnosis: Murder* and *Life is Wild*. 3. Film and Residuals: Payments from *Star Trek: Insurrection* and other films, plus ongoing residuals from all major TV appearances. 4. Assets: As she passed away in Encino, California, her net worth would have also included the value of any real estate or personal property she owned in the expensive Los Angeles area. Ultimately, Stephanie Niznik's financial standing was a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her legacy, however, is measured less by her net worth and more by the indelible mark she left on the hearts of fans as the warm, supportive Nina Feeney and her many other compelling roles across the television landscape. Her passing at the age of 52 was a loss to the entertainment community, but her body of work continues to generate appreciation and respect.