Robin Wright, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Claire Underwood in the Netflix series "House of Cards," has recently revealed details about her fight for equal pay during her time on the show. Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Wright recounted the challenges she faced in trying to earn the same salary as her co-star, Kevin Spacey.
According to Wright, when she raised the issue with executives, arguing that her character had become as popular as Spacey's, she was told that she couldn't be paid the same because she hadn't won an Academy Award. In response to her demand for equal compensation, executives offered a workaround. Instead of matching Spacey's salary directly, they proposed making her an executive producer and allowing her to direct episodes, effectively creating "three different paychecks" to bridge the gap. Wright directed 10 episodes of "House of Cards" across seasons 2 and 6.
Spacey, who played Frank Underwood, had reportedly earned $500,000 per episode in 2014. Forbes estimated that Wright made $5.5 million from the show in 2015, which translates to roughly $420,000 per episode. Spacey had won two Oscars, one for Best Supporting Actor in 1996 for "The Usual Suspects" and another for Best Actor in 2000 for "American Beauty". Despite starring in acclaimed films like "Forrest Gump" (1994), "Moneyball" (2011), and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011), Wright has never received an Oscar nomination.
Wright questioned the logic of tying pay to awards, stating, "Why does it have to do anything with a raise?". Despite her frustration, Wright embraced the opportunity to direct, acknowledging it as a "gift" that broadened her creative horizons. She is grateful to the "House of Cards" team for the opportunity to direct episodes, which lead to further directing opportunities in shows like "Ozark" and "Tell Me Lies".
Wright's revelation shines a light on the gender pay gap in Hollywood. Her experience reflects a larger issue of how women are often undervalued in the entertainment industry, regardless of their contributions or the popularity of their characters. Other actresses, like Patricia Arquette and Jennifer Lawrence, have also spoken out against pay inequity. Wright's decision to speak out adds to the growing momentum for change, highlighting the need for a more equitable system where talent and contribution are valued above gender or accolades.
Wright's next project is the Amazon MGM limited series "The Girlfriend," where she will star, executive produce, and direct. The psychological thriller is slated for release this fall. In addition to her acting and directing work, Wright is also known for her humanitarian efforts, particularly her advocacy for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
