Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Taraji P. Henson Recalls Disparity in Pay for Oscar-Nominated Role
Taraji P. Henson, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, recently revisited her experience with unequal pay in Hollywood. Despite her significant contribution to the 2008 film, for which she earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination, Henson disclosed accepting a considerably lower salary than initially sought. The actress revealed she was paid $150,000 for the role, a figure substantially below her initial quote of $500,000, which was rejected by producers.
Comparing Compensation to Film’s Leading Actors
Henson contrasted her compensation with that of the film’s stars, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Speaking on the Ladies First With Laura Brown podcast in 2021, she noted the prevalent high salaries for lead actors at the time. “You don’t hear a lot of $20 million quotes anymore, but at this time that was happening,” Henson stated, acknowledging the industry standard for top-tier talent. She clarified, “And rightfully so—I’m not saying they shouldn’t have paid Cate and Brad what they deserved.”
Negotiating Fair Compensation
However, Henson emphasized her own value to the project. “I’m bringing a certain amount to the seat too,” she asserted, explaining her belief that her salary request was justified based on her anticipated contribution to the film’s success at the box office. When her initial request was declined, and producers countered with an offer of $100,000, Henson expressed feeling “gutted.” She ultimately agreed to $150,000, admitting, “When it was all said and done I got $150,000, but I had to swallow my pride, baby.”
LONZERUI2024 New Mens Smart Watch with a 420Mah Large Battery, 1.96-Inch Ultra HD Screen, Wireless Calling, Flashlight Feature,, Suitable for Android And Ios Outdoor Use
Price: $0.62
Mens Gothic Hoodie - Fashion Hoodies with Retro Lace Up Design, Casual Graphic Print, Streetwear Style for Winter Fall, Great Gift Idea
Price: $1.79
[Anti-Slip Basketball Shoes] Anti-Slip Durable Mens High-Top Basketball Shoes | Fashion Training Sneakers for Sports and Casual Wear
🎉 Exclusive deal [Price: $9.19]
The Reality of Take-Home Pay
Understanding Income Deductions
Henson further elaborated on the financial realities faced by actors, even with seemingly large paychecks. “I know people go, ‘$150,000, that’s a lot of money!’” Henson conceded, preempting potential criticism. “I don’t ever want people to think that I’m ungrateful because that is not me.” She then detailed the significant deductions from her gross earnings. “Uncle Sam is going to take 50 percent of that, so now you’re left with, what? $75,000. Now before Uncle Sam takes the money, I have to pay my team before taxes, 30 percent. So once Uncle Sam takes his 75, then I got another 30 that’s coming off of that 75, so I may have made $40,000?” Henson explained, highlighting the disparity between gross pay and actual income after taxes and agent fees.