‘The Math Ain’t Mathing’: Taraji P. Henson talks about Hollywood pay disparity

Taraji P. Henson opened up about the ongoing issue of pay disparity in Hollywood in a recent interview on Gayle King's Sirius XM radio show. The award-winning actress, known for her roles in movies like "Hidden Figures" and "Empire," broke down in tears as she discussed the challenges faced by Black actors in the industry.

"I’m just tired of working so hard [and] being gracious at what I do, being paid a fraction of the cost," Henson shared during the interview. She emphasized the repetition of hearing her fellow actresses voice similar concerns, highlighting the persistent issue of unequal compensation. Henson's emotional outpouring revealed the toll that systemic disparities have taken on her and others in the entertainment industry.

Addressing the financial complexities actors face, Henson pointed out the significant deductions from their earnings. She highlighted the impact of taxes and the percentages taken by agents, managers, lawyers, and other team members, leaving actors with a fraction of their reported income. The actress underlined the challenges of navigating negotiations and the recurrent struggle to secure fair compensation, even after breaking new ground in her career.



"I’m only human, and it seems every time I do something — I break another glass ceiling — when it’s time to re-negotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m just tired," expressed Henson. The actress questioned the message sent by this cycle of disparity, expressing weariness with the constant battle for equitable pay.

Her co-stars, Danielle Brooks and Blitz Bazawule, joined the conversation, offering their perspectives on the challenges faced by Black actors in the industry. Henson's emotional plea resonated across the entertainment community, with several Black actors, including Viola Davis, Billy Porter, Robin Thede, Gabrielle Union, and Keke Palmer, expressing solidarity and support.

Robin Thede, creator and star of HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” affirmed Henson's statements, acknowledging the substantial deductions actors face. Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, and Keke Palmer also shared their experiences, acknowledging the toll advocacy takes on mental health and career trajectories.

FAQs

What is the pay gap in Hollywood?
With all potential outliers considered, there is still at least a $1 million difference per film between the two genders. Data from 1980 to 2015 reveal an unexplained wage difference of 25% between male and female actors.

Do Hollywood actors get paid monthly?
Generally speaking, for screenwork, actors are paid a day rate. If they are needed for more than five days, they are paid a weekly rate.

What is the largest pay gap in the world?
According to the Forbes, Korea has the largest gender pay gap in the world at 31.5% and Belgium has one of the smallest gaps at 3.4%.

How much do female actors get paid in US?
The average monthly pay for an Actress in the United States is $5,784 a month. Monthly salaries range as high as $11,167 and as low as $2,375, the majority of Actress salaries currently range between $3,750 (25th percentile) to $7,083 (75th percentile) across the United States.

Who is the best-paid actor in Hollywood?
Tom Crusie has been identified as the 2023 highest-paid actor with earnings have reportedly reached around $100 million.