Taraji P. Henson is once again sharing details about her struggle for pay equality among Black actors, which was apparent even in her most recent role in “The Color Purple.”
The award-winning actress spoke candidly to The New York Times, revealing that she advocated for the cast to receive higher pay from the film studio. Many have criticized producer Oprah Winfrey for not assisting “The Color Purple” stars in getting higher pay. However, Henson says Winfrey was one of the few people who advocated for her and the rest of the cast. Still, Henson admitted that the lack of support elsewhere has been disappointing.
“It hurts my feelings when it’s not reciprocated, but I know this world is cold, and nobody really cares, and you got to go out and fight for what you want,” Henson shared.
One of her biggest battles during “The Color Purple” was proper transportation for the cast. Initially, the production gave the stars rental cars to get to and from the set, something Henson says was negligent.
“I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability; it’s dangerous. Now they robbing people. What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car? So I was like, ‘Can I get a driver or security to take me?’ I’m not asking for the moon,” the Oscar nominee explained, adding that production said they’d have to give everyone drivers if they accommodated her, which they ultimately did.
Even though she’s frustrated, Henson insists she can’t give up just yet because her fellow Black women in Hollywood rely on her.
