Teddy Swims Shares Surprising Tour Earnings After 5 Years

Taraji P. Henson Reveals Shocking Pay Gap in “Benjamin Button” Role.Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson has publicly detailed a significant pay disparity she faced while filming The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Henson revealed she was paid just $150,000 for her supporting role in the 2008 blockbuster. This amount was a fraction of what the film’s lead stars earned.She initially asked for $500,000 for her work on the major studio production. Producers rejected her quote and offered her only $100,000 at first. The final negotiated salary left her having to “swallow my pride,” she recounted.

Breaking Down the Finances Behind the Film’s Paycheck

Henson explained the financial reality of her $150,000 paycheck on a 2021 podcast. She noted that federal taxes would take about half of the gross earnings first. After that, she was required to pay her team, including agents and managers, their standard percentage.The math was stark. After taxes and commissions, her $150,000 fee dwindled to approximately $40,000. She emphasized that she is not ungrateful but wanted to highlight the financial realities for actors who are not top-billed stars.

The Broader Industry Impact of Pay Disparity Revelations

Henson’s experience sheds light on the vast pay gaps that can exist within a single film. She specifically mentioned co-stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, who commanded salaries in the $20 million range for the same project. Henson clarified she believed her co-stars deserved their high pay.Her story has become a key example in ongoing Hollywood conversations about equity. It demonstrates the challenges faced by even acclaimed actors of color in achieving fair compensation. These revelations continue to fuel debates about wage transparency and reform in the entertainment industry.

Mel Kiper’s Big Board: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 2

The revelation of the “Benjamin Button” pay gap underscores persistent compensation inequity in Hollywood. Taraji P. Henson’s candid breakdown provides a stark look at the financial realities behind the glamour. Her experience remains a powerful touchpoint in the fight for fair pay.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: What was Taraji P. Henson’s initial salary request for “Benjamin Button”?

Henson initially asked for $500,000 for her supporting role. The film’s producers rejected this quote outright. They made a counter-offer that was significantly lower.

Q2: How much did she ultimately get paid for the movie?

After negotiations, Taraji P. Henson was paid a final fee of $150,000. This was for her Oscar-nominated performance in the major film. She stated she felt she had to accept the offer despite her disappointment.

Q3: How did her pay compare to Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s?

The pay disparity was immense. Reports indicated Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett earned around $20 million each for the film. Henson clarified she was not disputing their deserved pay but highlighting the gap.

Q4: What was her take-home pay after taxes and fees?

After accounting for taxes and paying her team, her $150,000 fee shrank drastically. She estimated her final take-home pay was roughly $40,000. This breakdown highlighted the hidden costs of an acting career.

Q5: Why did Henson speak out about this years later?

She shared her story to illuminate the financial struggles even successful actors can face. Her account has become a key example in discussions about pay equity in Hollywood. It adds a powerful voice to calls for industry-wide change.