Growing Number of Celebrities Reveal Their Salaries

Taraji P. Henson revealed she was paid only $150,000 for her Oscar-nominated role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This happened despite her initial request for a $500,000 fee. The acclaimed actress shared this story on a 2021 podcast, detailing the significant pay disparity with her A-list co-stars.

The film featured major stars like Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Henson acknowledged they deserved their high salaries, reportedly around $20 million at the time. However, she felt her own asking price was fair for the value she brought to the large production.

The Financial Reality Behind the Oscar Nomination

Henson described feeling “gutted” when producers first countered her $500,000 request with an offer of just $100,000. She eventually negotiated the payment up to $150,000. The actress said she had to “swallow my pride” to accept the final amount for the 2008 film.

The financial picture was even grimmer after accounting for taxes and team payments. According to Henson’s breakdown, the $150,000 was cut in half by taxes. After paying her team their percentage, she estimated her final take-home pay was roughly $40,000.

A Lasting Impact on Pay Equity Discussions

This revelation highlights persistent pay disparity issues in Hollywood. It shows how even actresses delivering award-worthy performances can face lowball offers. Henson’s experience has become a key example in ongoing conversations about fair compensation.

Her story resonates with many actors and advocates pushing for industry reform. It underscores the financial realities behind the glamour of major film productions. The discussion continues to influence how talent values their contributions to blockbuster projects.

The disclosure of Taraji P. Henson’s $150,000 salary for an Oscar-nominated performance continues to fuel the debate over fair pay in Hollywood. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the financial negotiations hidden behind major studio films. This story remains a powerful touchpoint in the ongoing discussion about the Hollywood pay gap.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What movie did Taraji P. Henson discuss her salary for?

She revealed her pay for the 2008 film *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*. Henson earned an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role. Her salary was $150,000.

Q2: How much did she originally ask to be paid?

Henson initially requested a $500,000 fee for her work on the film. Producers rejected this quote and offered her $100,000 instead. They eventually settled on the $150,000 payment.

Q3: What was her final take-home pay after expenses?

The actress estimated her final earnings were around $40,000. This was after paying taxes and her team’s percentage. The calculation showed the significant difference from her gross salary.

Q4: How did Henson react to the low offer?

She said the initial low offer left her feeling “gutted.” Henson stated she had to “swallow my pride” to accept the role. She believed her asking price was fair for her career at that time.

Q5: Why is this story significant for Hollywood?

It highlights the pay disparity between supporting actors and major stars. Henson’s experience is often cited in pay equity discussions. The story shows the financial realities behind acclaimed performances.