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When Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Threw Shade—and Paychecks—To Save Their Costars: 11 Jaw-Dropping Pay Battles You Didn’t See Coming

You ever wonder if the stars have a secret handshake for fairness? Like today, as Taurus plods forward with that stubborn, “I want what’s mine” energy, it feels oddly fitting to spotlight actors who didn’t just take a paycheck—they fought tooth and nail to make sure their costars got a fair slice of the Hollywood pie too. Because let’s face it, Tinseltown’s history with equal pay is messier than my last astrology chart reading. But these folks? They turned up the volume on equality and aren’t afraid to rattle some industry cages. So grab your popcorn — and maybe a star map — as we dive into 11 moments when stars literally fought for their fellow stars, proving that sometimes, solidarity shines brighter than any spotlight. LEARN MORE.

11 Times Actors Fought For Better Pay For Their Costars

Hollywood doesn’t have the best track record in terms of equal pay for actors, especially in regard to gender and racial pay disparities, which still remain pressing issues today. However, many actors and workers in the entertainment industry continue to advocate for better compensation for themselves and their peers. So, here are 11 times actors stood against unfair pay and fought for better salaries for their costars!

4.

Jennifer Lawrence advocated for equal pay for herself and Amy Adams on the 2013 crime comedy American Hustle.

6.

The Cast of This Is Us banded together and negotiated for equal pay for main cast members Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley, Milo Ventimiglia, Chrissy Metz, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Chris Sullivan.

7.

Chris Pratt advocated for a higher and more equal salary for costar Bryce Dallas Howard in the Jurassic World franchise.

8.

The original five cast members of The Big Bang Theory each took pay cuts so their newly joined Season 3 cast members, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik, could earn higher salaries.

9.

Will Smith helped decrease the pay gap between costars by giving the entire cast of King Richard personal bonuses.

10.

Robert Downey Jr. threatened to leave the Avengers franchise and Marvel Cinematic Universe if some of his costars, like Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth, weren’t given pay raises.

11.

Ellen Pompeo fought for her costars Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. to be paid more after earning a huge salary increase herself back in 2017 and 2021 for Grey’s Anatomy.

Did we miss any celebs who have advocated for equal pay in the industry? Share them in the comments!

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