Sarah Rafferty, celebrated for her iconic role as Donna Paulsen in Suits, has captivated audiences with her talent and charm. As of 2025, Sarah Rafferty’s age is 52, born on December 6, 1972. Her net worth is estimated at $3 million, reflecting her successful acting career and strategic financial moves. Married to Santtu Seppälä since 2001, she balances a thriving career with a fulfilling family life, raising two daughters, Oona and Iris. This article dives into her age, net worth, husband, salary, height, weight, dating history, and family life, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Sarah Rafferty’s Age and Early Life
Born in New Canaan, Connecticut, Sarah Rafferty is 52 years old as of August 31, 2025. Growing up as the youngest of four sisters in a family that valued arts and education, Rafferty’s passion for acting sparked in sixth grade. Her parents, Michael Griffin Rafferty Jr., an oil painter and finance professional, and Mary Lee Rafferty, an English department chair, nurtured her creative spirit. She pursued English and Theatre at Hamilton College, studied abroad at Oxford, and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama. This robust educational background shaped her disciplined approach to both her craft and personal life.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Hollywood
Sarah Rafferty’s net worth in 2025 is approximately $3 million, a testament to her steady career and savvy financial decisions. During her time on Suits (2011–2019), she reportedly earned $60,000 to $80,000 per episode, contributing significantly to her wealth. Beyond acting, Rafferty diversified her income through producing projects like A Harvest Wedding. A notable real estate move—buying a West Hollywood home for $1.787 million in 2006 and selling it for $2.46 million in 2019—demonstrates her financial acumen. Her husband, Santtu Seppälä, a financial analyst and VP at Angeleno Group, further strengthens their household’s financial stability.
Married Life: Sarah Rafferty and Santtu Seppälä
Sarah Rafferty has been married to Santtu Seppälä since June 23, 2001, in a heartfelt ceremony at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. The couple, who met at Yale University, shares a bond rooted in mutual respect and open communication. Seppälä, a Finnish-American with an MBA from Wharton, complements Rafferty’s artistic career with his business expertise. Their 24-year marriage thrives on shared values and adventures, from trips to Bhutan and Istanbul to attending Meghan Markle’s royal wedding in 2018. Rafferty’s Instagram posts, like her 2021 anniversary tribute, reflect their enduring love: “Two decades in, still mugging. Happy 20th Anniversary, Santtu.”
Family Life: A Devoted Mother
Family life is central to Rafferty’s world. She and Seppälä have two daughters, Oona Gray (born 2007) and Iris Friday (born 2012). Rafferty prioritizes family time, often relocating together during filming to maintain closeness. She told PEOPLE in 2023, “My life revolves entirely around my children at this point. My two are perfect.” Her daughters, who visited the Suits set but found the show’s mature themes unsettling, adore her role in My Life with the Walter Boys. Rafferty fosters open communication, teaching her girls empathy and confidence, ensuring a grounded upbringing despite her fame.
Dating History: A Private Journey
Little is known about Sarah Rafferty’s dating history before Seppälä, as she keeps her personal life private. Her long-term relationship with Seppälä, spanning over 25 years, suggests a focused commitment rather than a public dating record. Unlike many celebrities, Rafferty avoids scandals and rumors, maintaining a clean public image. Her discretion aligns with her desire to shield her family from media scrutiny, a choice that resonates with fans who admire her authenticity.
Height, Weight, and Public Persona
Sarah Rafferty’s height is 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), and her weight is approximately 57 kg (126 lbs). Her elegant, slim physique and auburn hair enhance her commanding on-screen presence, particularly as the sharp-witted Donna Paulsen. Rafferty’s poised demeanor extends to her advocacy work with the Alzheimer’s Association and The Brain Project, where she uses her platform to raise awareness. Her height and weight complement her versatile roles, from legal dramas to teen series like My Life with the Walter Boys.
Career Highlights and New Ventures
Rafferty’s career, spanning over 25 years, includes roles in Law & Order, Grey’s Anatomy, and Chicago Med. Her standout performance in Suits earned her a 2012 Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. In 2025, she co-hosts the Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast with co-star Patrick J. Adams, offering fans behind-the-scenes insights. Her recent Emmy-nominated role as Katherine Walter in My Life with the Walter Boys showcases her ability to portray complex maternal figures, a reflection of her real-life motherhood. Rafferty’s strategic career choices highlight her versatility and staying power in Hollywood.
Unique Insights: Balancing Fame and Family
Rafferty’s ability to juggle a high-profile career with a grounded family life offers a masterclass in work-life balance. Unlike many stars chasing blockbuster fame, she prioritizes consistent roles and meaningful projects. Her approach mirrors that of other actors like Julianne Moore, who blend artistry with privacy. Rafferty’s deliberate choice to limit her daughters’ exposure to her on-screen work underscores her commitment to their normalcy. Her advocacy for brain health, inspired by personal connections to Alzheimer’s, adds depth to her public persona, making her a role model for aspiring actors and parents alike.
Sarah Rafferty Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Gray Rafferty |
| Age | 52 (born December 6, 1972) |
| Net Worth | $3 million (as of 2025) |
| Husband | Santtu Seppälä (married June 23, 2001) |
| Salary | $60,000–$80,000 per episode for Suits |
| Children | Oona Gray (born 2007), Iris Friday (born 2012) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Weight | 57 kg (126 lbs) |
| Birthplace | New Canaan, Connecticut, USA |
| Education | Hamilton College (BA, English and Theatre), Yale School of Drama (MFA) |
| Notable Roles | Donna Paulsen (Suits), Katherine Walter (My Life with the Walter Boys) |
| Awards | Nominated for Children’s and Family Emmy (Outstanding Supporting Performer) |
| Philanthropy | Alzheimer’s Association, The Brain Project |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Podcast | Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast (co-hosted with Patrick J. Adams) |
Conclusion
Sarah Rafferty, at 52, embodies resilience and balance. Her $3 million net worth, built through steady acting roles and smart investments, reflects her strategic approach. Married to Santtu Seppälä for over two decades, she nurtures a close-knit family life with daughters Oona and Iris. Her height (5’9”) and weight (57 kg) complement her commanding presence, while her private dating history underscores her focus on meaningful relationships. For more on her inspiring journey, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Instagram.
