'Matilda' star Mara Wilson, 'Orange Is the New Black' cast member Kimiko Glenn, and more actors are revealing how little money they make as the SAG-AFTRA strike rolls on

Ayomikun AdekaiyeroJul 18, 2023, 22:24 IST

SAG-AFTRA union members went on strike Friday.CHRIS DELMAS/Getty Images

SAG-AFTRA actors have stopped working on TV and film productions following the decision to strike.
One of the reasons the actors are striking is to get fairer compensation for their work.

Hollywood actors in the SAG-AFTRA union are opening up about the lack of money they have received from appearing in hit TV shows and movies, either upfront, or in residuals.

Residuals are royalties earned when a TV show or movie is screened again after its initial release. Per SAG-AFTRA, "For TV work, residuals begin once a show starts reairing or is released to video/DVD, pay television, broadcast TV, basic cable, or new media. For film work, residuals begin once the movie appears on video/DVD, basic cable and free or pay television, or new media." (New media in this context means streaming.)

Here is what the likes of "Matilda" star Mara Wilson, Sean Gunn, and more have said.

Former child star Mara Wilson said she hasn't "made enough to qualify for SAG-AFTRA healthcare" since she started acting again as an adult.

Mara Wilson is best known for starring in "Matilda" as a child.Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Shorty Awards

Kimiko Glenn reshared a TikTok video from 2020 showing her meager residuals for "Orange Is the New Black."

Kimiko Glenn was a recurring actor on the show, appearing in 44 episodes of "Orange Is the New Black."Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

"OITNB" star Matt McGorry also said he had to have a day job while filming the show.

Matt McGorry played a corrections officer on the show.Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Another "OITNB" star, Beth Dover, said it cost her more to work on seasons three and four than what she was paid.

Beth Dover played a manager taking over the prison.Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images for SCRAP Film LLC

Emma Myles said her residuals from "OITNB" are around $20, while she receives $600 a year from the network show "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Emma Myles starred in "OITNB" as a prisoner called Leanne Taylor.Arturo Holmes / Getty Images

Sean Gunn slammed Netflix for the lack of residuals he has received following the success of "Gilmore Girls" on the platform.

Sean Gunn starred as Kirk for all seven seasons of the hit show.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Stephen Kramer Glickman, who played series regular Gustavo on "Big Time Rush," said he received no residuals while the show was on Netflix and Paramount+.

Stephen Kramer Glickman starred in 73 episodes of the series.Kayla Oaddams / WireImage

Constance Marie also shared what she gets paid in residuals for "Switched at Birth."

Constance Marie starred in 104 episodes of the show.Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

Kamil McFadden, one of the main actors on "K.C. Undercover," said he only earned $2.77 in residuals recently.

Kamil McFadden starred in every episode of the show, which lasted three seasons.Paras Griffin / Getty Images for Sony Pictures

Luke Cook said he was paid $7,500 per episode of "Dollface," before taxes and commissions.

Luke Cook appeared in four episodes of season two as a character called Fender.Amanda Edwards / WireImage

"Star Trek: Picard" star Mica Burton said that she was paid almost the same fee that her father LeVar Burton got for "Roots" in 1977.

Burton starred in five episodes of the latest season of "Star Trek: Picard."Albert L. Ortega / Getty Images

Heather Matarazzo shut down a TikTok commenter for calling her part of the elite by showing some of her residuals.

Heather Matarazzo is known for movies like "Scream" and "The Princess Diaries."Jason LaVeris/ Getty

Desmond Chiam said that his residuals for streaming shows are a "fraction" of what he gets paid for the network show "Bones."

Desmond Chiam has appeared in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" and "Partner Track" in recent years.JC Olivera / Getty Images for Prime Video

Kendrick Sampson said he has only received $86 from 50 residual checks this year.

Kendrick Sampson posing on the red carpet during the premiere of "NOPE."Unique Nicole/WireImage

Brock Powell was once paid a "negative penny" for one of his shows.

Brock Powell is a popular voice actor on shows like "Milo Murphy's Law" and "Mickey Mouse Funhouse."Irvin Rivera / Getty Images for IMDb

Kylie Sparks, who appeared on the latest season of "I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson," said they will receive nothing in residuals from the show.

Kylie Sparks appeared in one episode of season three.gotpap / Bauer-Griffin / GC Images

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