“The Crown” Paves Way for Equal Pay in the Entertainment Industry

Key Takeaways:

– Claire Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth II in “The Crown”, was paid less than her co-star Matt Smith.
– Producers acknowledged the pay disparity and vowed to fix it in the future.
– This inequality highlights the ongoing issue of gender pay disparity in the entertainment industry.
– Measures were taken to ensure no actor would be paid more than ‘the queen’ in future seasons.

The Pay Gap on “The Crown”

Did you know Claire Foy, who played a young Queen Elizabeth II on “The Crown”, was paid less than her male co-star, Matt Smith? Yep, it’s true. Despite putting on a stellar performance as the Queen, Foy earned less than Smith, who played her husband, Prince Philip. This revelation brought to light the ongoing issue of gender pay inequality in the entertainment industry.

Producer’s Pledge for Equal Pay

It’s fair to ask why this happened, and the reason is Smith was already famous for his role in “Doctor Who” when he joined “The Crown.” His fame weighed in on his paycheck, which is not uncommon in the entertainment industry. However, the producers acknowledged the issue and promised to balance the scales. They put in place a rule that no one would be paid more than the Queen herself in future seasons. Now, that’s a royal decree we approve of!

Pay Based on Past Fame

It’s worth looking at why this happened. You see, it’s not unusual for actors to get paid based on their previous fame. This practice has kept the cycle of inequality going. For instance, Smith was paid about $52,000 per episode of “The Crown”, roughly $12,000 more than Foy. But here’s the kicker – Foy was lesser-known before she took on the role. This disparity, although acknowledged and rectified by the producers, serves as a stark example of pay inequality in the industry.

The Future of Equal Pay

It’s comforting to see the producers acknowledge the issue and take steps to rectify it. Even so, it’s also important to note that Foy didn’t benefit from those changes. That’s because while these rules were put in place, Foy’s role was being replaced for the third season of the show by another accomplished actress, Olivia Colman.

Claire Foy on Expectations for Women

Prior to the start of the second season of “The Crown”, Foy gave an enlightening interview. She expressed her frustration over the societal norms women are expected to adhere to. Foy encouraged young girls to find their unique voices and not succumb to societal pressures of being ‘polite and pretty.’

Change in the Air

In this present age, it’s great to see a movement demanding fair compensation for all actors, regardless of gender or past income. This movement is crucial in breaking the cycle of income inequality in the workforce, a cycle women actors have been battling for decades.

Is a Change Really Gonna Come?

With “The Crown” receiving glowing reviews and Foy earning two Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the Queen, the tides are changing. With the spotlight firmly on the issue of pay disparity, the industry is now under pressure to ensure equal pay for all its actors. Only time will tell if changes effected by one show will ripple through the industry, but signs point to a positive direction.

Regardless of the disputes, “The Crown” remains a hit, and you can stream it now on Netflix. Pay attention to the set, the acting, and most importantly, the fact that no one gets paid more than the Queen anymore! Interesting, right?

So, let’s keep this conversation going, and maybe, just maybe, the industry will listen and act on creating a more equitable environment for all its actors. After all, doesn’t everyone deserve to earn a royal paycheck for their stellar performances?