Well-known actresses Olivia Colman and Taraji P. Henson have recently talked about the pay gaps between male and female performers in the entertainment business.
In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Colman, who has won an Oscar for her roles in “The Crown” and “The Favourite,” complained about the big difference in pay. “I’m very aware that if I was a man named Oliver Colman, I’d be earning a lot more money,” the award-winning actress stated, pointing out the gap between her earnings and what a male actor in her position would make.
Colman explained the old reason used by studios, saying that male actors used to draw larger audiences, but she believes this hasn’t been true for a long time. “Male actors get paid more because they used to say they brought in more viewers. But that hasn’t actually been true for decades, yet they still use it as an excuse to not pay women as much as men,” she said, mentioning one case where the pay difference was a huge 12,000 percent.
Similarly, Taraji P. Henson, known for “Empire” and “Hidden Figures,” has also spoken out on the issue, especially for Black actresses in Hollywood. In an interview, Henson expressed frustration over receiving low offers despite her very successful career.
“I’ve been paid, but I’ve had to fight really hard on every project to get the same fee,” Henson shared. “And it’s an insult when people say, ‘You work all the time!’ Well, I have to. It’s not because I want to do just two movies a year. I have to work because the money doesn’t add up properly. And I have bills to pay.”
Henson emphasized her goal to end the pay gap, not just for herself but for future Black actresses. “I know my efforts will impact those coming after me. I don’t want these Black girls to face the same battles that me, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer – we’re out here really struggling,” she said, highlighting the ongoing fight for fair pay.
As more voices speak up, influential people like Colman and Henson are shining a light on the challenges women face in Hollywood, advocating for change and equal opportunities.