It’s no secret that the pay gap between male and female actors and actresses in Hollywood has been a hot topic for years. Big Little Lies, a critically acclaimed HBO series, has sparked discussions about gender and pay inequality in the industry due to the staggering $768,000 salary difference between Reese Witherspoon and her co-star Shailene Woodley.
As their wealthy and complicated characters, Madeline McKenzie and Celeste Wright, respectively, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman were paid an impressive $1 million per episode. Woodley, who played single mom Jane Chapman, was paid much less than her co-stars.
Shailene Woodley’s Salary for Big Little Lies
The first season of Big Little Lies reportedly earned Shailene Woodley $1.3 million, or about $242,000 per episode. While this is certainly not peanuts, it pales compared to what her co-stars make. Woodley’s salary increased in the second season, with speculation placing it between $300,000 and $500,000 per episode.
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Meryl Streep’s introduction to the cast as Mary Louise Wright, the mother of a recently deceased character, reportedly earned her $800,000 per episode. Shailene Woodley’s salary is significantly lower than that of her co-stars, but Streep’s brief appearance in Season 2 only highlights the disparity.
Even though Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman are well-known actors with impressive track records, one must wonder what accounts for their huge pay gap. The Fault in Our Stars and The Descendants are just two movies in which Woodley has shown off her skills.
Big Little Lies succeeds as an ensemble drama because of the strong performances given by its entire cast, who all add to the richness of the story and the intensity of the characters’ feelings. Since this is the case, it stands to reason that all actors should be paid fairly for their efforts regardless of how well-known or long their careers have lasted.
Shailene Woodley’s Impact and Accomplishments
Although it is disappointing that Woodley does not earn as much as her co-stars, we must not forget her many contributions to the film industry. Woodley’s roles in The Divergent Film Series and The Secret Life of the American Teenager have helped her build a $12 million fortune.
Her performance as Jane Chapman in Big Little Lies, which required her to draw on a wide range of acting skills, was particularly impressive. Woodley’s portrayal of Jane Chapman’s traumatic experiences and personal growth was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Despite the pay gap, Shailene Woodley’s commitment and talent are not to be overlooked. Pay disparity between male and female performers is nothing new in the entertainment industry. The disparity in pay between Woodley and her Big Little Lies co-stars is yet another example of why the entertainment industry desperately needs more diversity and pay parity.
The industry must keep the dialogue going about pay equity and work to correct these inequities to create a more welcoming and equitable workplace for all actors and actresses. Shailene Woodley’s portrayal of Jane Chapman showcased her talent and dedication; she should be paid appropriately for her efforts.
Big Little Lies is available to stream on HBO Max.
Source: The Things
