Olivia Colman Addresses Gender Pay Gap: Expresses Frustration Over Pay Disparity
Renowned actress Olivia Colman speaks out against the gender pay gap, emphasizing that she would earn significantly more if she were male. Her bold stance sheds light on the ongoing issue of unequal pay in the industry.
British actress Olivia Colman recently spoke out about the gender pay gap, stating that she would earn significantly more if she were a man. She made this statement during an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, following her Oscar win in 2019 for her role as Queen Anne in "The Favourite."
Colman, who is 50 years old, recently sat down with director Thea Sharrock to talk about their latest film, "Wicked Little Letters." During the discussion, Colman emphasized that there is no reason why women should be paid less than men.
Olivia Colman hit out at the gender pay gap in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour about her new movie, "Wicked Little Letters."
Olivia Colman hit out at the gender pay gap in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour about her new movie, "Wicked Little Letters."
Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images
Sharrock responded to a question from Amanpour about whether female actors are now seen as "big box office draws." She stated, "I would say yes." Colman then added, "Research indicates that they have always been big box office draws, but they have chosen to say..."
Colman, known for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in seasons three and four of "The Crown," stopped for a moment before expressing her frustration: "Don't even get me started on the pay gap."
Showing her strong feelings on the matter, she went on to say, "Male actors often receive higher pay under the excuse that they attract more viewers. However, this argument has been proven false for many years. Despite this, the entertainment industry still uses it as a justification for paying women less than men, especially in our field."
Amanpour then went on to ask: “Do you have a pay disparity? I mean you’re an Oscar-winning actress, Olivia?”
US actor Kevin Bacon attends Netflix's "Leave The World Behind" premiere at Paris Theater in New York City on December 4, 2023.
US actor Kevin Bacon attends Netflix's "Leave The World Behind" premiere at Paris Theater in New York City on December 4, 2023.
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Colman didn't hesitate to say, "I know that if I were Oliver Colman, I would be earning a lot more than I am right now."
Amanpour, surprised, asked, "Really?" To which Colman confidently replied, "Absolutely, yes."
She mentioned knowing about a pay gap of 12,000%, but did not reveal the names of those affected.
Colman and Sharrock, known for their work on the film "Me Before You," joined the conversation to talk about their latest comedy based on a scandal involving poison pen letters in a British coastal town from a hundred years ago.
A young Irish newcomer, portrayed by Jessie Buckley, is accused of sending rude letters to the conservative residents in town.
When questioned about swearing on set, Sharrock mentioned that Olivia is very foul-mouthed, and added that everyone on set is the same.
Colman mentioned that she finds swearing to be a nice way to add flavor to language. She also shared that she tends to swear more when feeling nervous.
When inquired about her favorite curse word, Colman revealed that American audiences are not too fond of her top choice.
The word itself was bleeped out, though Colman tried to justify it by saying: “I do maintain that it is actually quite a cultured word because Chaucer used it.”
Editor's P/S:
Olivia Colman's candid remarks on the gender pay gap highlight a persistent problem in the entertainment industry and beyond. Despite overwhelming evidence of women's box office draw, they continue to be undervalued compared to their male counterparts. Colman's assertion that she would earn significantly more if she were a man is a sobering reminder of the pervasive discrimination and bias against women. The industry must address this systemic inequality by implementing transparent compensation practices and valuing women's contributions equally.
Furthermore, Colman's disclosure of a 12,000% pay gap is alarming, suggesting a deeply rooted disparity within the industry. It is essential for both actors and producers to demand equitable pay and hold studios accountable for fair compensation. By breaking the silence on these issues, Colman is not only advocating for herself but also for all female artists who have been undervalued for too long. Her courage and determination serve as an inspiration for continuing the fight for gender equity in the entertainment industry and beyond.
