Renowned American actress Taraji P. Henson has voiced her dissatisfaction with not receiving equitable compensation, despite her unwavering commitment to her career and numerous roles in Hollywood films.
In an open discussion about this, Henson spoke with Gayle King on SiriusXM to promote her most recent movie, โThe Color Purple.โ
When King asked Henson about rumors that she was thinking of giving up acting, she said that she had reached a breaking point in Hollywood because of persistent underpayment.
Henson said: โIโm just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost. Iโm tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired. I hear people go, โYou work a lot.โ Well, I have to.
โThe math ainโt math-ing. When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We donโt do this alone. Itโs a whole team behind us. They have to get paid.
โWhen you hear someone go, โSuch and such made $10 million,โ that didnโt make it to their account. Off the top, Uncle Sam is getting 50%. Now have $5 million.
โYour team is getting 30% of what you gross, not after what Uncle Sam took. Now, do the math. Iโm only human. Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when itโs time to renegotiate, Iโm at the bottom again, like I never did what I just did, and Iโm tired. Iโm tired.
โIt wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I canโt fight for them coming up behind me, then what the fuck am I doing?โ
She went on to provide more details, highlighting that despite her numerous achievements, she often hears explanations such as the notion that โBlack actors and stories donโt translate overseas,โ among other justifications, as factors contributing to her lack of substantial compensation.
Taraji Henson said: โIโm tired of hearing that my entire career. Twenty-plus years in the game, and I hear the same thing, and I see what you do for another production, but when itโs time to go to bat for us, they donโt have enough money. And Iโm just supposed to smile and grin and bear it. Enough is enough! Thatโs why I have other [brands] because this industry, if you let it, it will steal your soul. I refuse to let that happen.โ
After exploring a wide range of film genres, Taraji Henson has won praise for her ability to play both humorous and tragic roles. Her strong performance in movies like โHustle & Flowโ and โBaby Boyโ helped her gain early notoriety and earned her nominations for major honors like the Academy Award and SAG Award.
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