During their conversation, Gayle asked Taraji about a rumor that she's considering quitting acting. Taraji immediately got emotional as she opened up about the realities of working in Hollywood, the challenges she's faced, and the constant fight for equal pay.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do, [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Taraji said. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired."
"I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t math-ing. When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid.”
The Golden Globe Award-winner gave an example, explaining that even if she made $10 million for a project, she wouldn't get to see most of the money because 50% of that total goes to taxes and 30% of what's left goes to her team.
Despite her success, Taraji revealed she's had to start from the bottom when renegotiating her pay even though she's broken the glass ceiling multiple times in the industry.
"Now do the math," Taraji added. "I’m only human. Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate, I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired."
"I’m tired. It wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I can’t fight for them coming up behind me, then what the fuck am I doing?”
Taraji, who is known for celebrating Black voices and stories in her projects, said she still gets told that Black actors and stories "don't translate overseas," amongst other excuses. Although that myth has been broken year after year with films like Black Panther, Hidden Figures, Moonlight, Bad Boys, City of God, and so many more, Black actors are still given pushback for roles.
“I’m tired hearing of that my entire career,” Taraji added. “Twenty-plus years in the game, and I hear the same thing, and I see what you do for another production, but when it’s time to go to bat for us, they don’t have enough money."
"And I’m just supposed to smile and grin and bear it. Enough is enough! That’s why I have other [brands] because this industry, if you let it, it will steal your soul. I refuse to let that happen.”
Many people came to Taraji's defense, because not only is this something that's been happening for decades in Hollywood, but based on her résumé, many felt like Taraji should be considered one of the highest paid actors in the business.
Gabrielle Union added to Taraji's comments, stating this type of treatment takes a toll on a person in multiple ways:
Not a damn lie told. Not. A. Damn. Lie. We go TO BAT for the next generation and hell even our own generation and above. We don't hesitate to be the change that we all need to see AND it takes a toll on your mind, health, soul, and career if we're keepn it 💯 ❤️ u @tarajiphensonhttps://t.co/Z2cXSK7fta
Taraji P. Henson should be one of the top paid actresses in Hollywood and the fact that she has to continue to speak about inequities in pay and how that seemingly equates to worth is crazy
An oscar-nominated legend like Taraji P Henson saying that she’s thinking about quitting acting bc she’s tired of working harder and still being under paid 20 years in the game being the actress she is….. baffling. Like systematic racism just seems to always win.
WATCH THIS. Taraji is telling the absolute TRUTH. 70-80% of GROSS income is gone off top for taxes & commissions (agents, managers, lawyers). And for those who pay other employees as well? Babyyyy! The math ain’t mathing! And I know - you’re like $10M minus $8M is still $2M… 1/? https://t.co/rRdJyPeZo8
Taraji P. Henson been talked about how underpaid she and the black women are in Hollywood. Remember her Oscar-nominated role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? She earned $150k for that role, then Uncle Sam gets 50%, her team also gets 30% of that $150k. Crazy! pic.twitter.com/mF9ZRUys8i
I felt this shit to my core!! It don’t matter how much you work, how great you are at your job. They still don’t see you or think you are a relevant source. And I do feel scared for the Leslie joneses that will come after me! I felt this shit @tarajiphenson I’ve loved you since… pic.twitter.com/SVh0dZ46Bk
