Olivia Colman recently highlighted a prevalent issue in Hollywood during a candid conversation on CNN’s “The Amanpour Hour.” Despite her Oscar-winning status, the British actress expressed that she would earn more if her name were “Oliver” instead of “Olivia.”
During the show, Colman, alongside director Thea Sharrock, was promoting their film “Wicked Little Letters.” The actress pointed out that research indicates women have always been significant box office draws in the industry.
Colman addressed the ongoing pay disparity in Hollywood, emphasizing that male actors often receive higher pay under the guise of attracting larger audiences. She noted that this outdated notion has persisted despite evidence to the contrary for decades.
When asked about her personal experiences with pay inequality, Colman candidly admitted, “I’m very aware that if I was Oliver Colman, I’d be earning a lot more than I am.” She highlighted a specific instance of a staggering 12,000% pay gap, underscoring the stark differences in compensation.
With two Academy Award nominations and a Best Actress win for her role in 'The Favourite,' Colman has established herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Her credits include notable projects like 'Heartstopper,' 'Secret Invasion,' and portraying Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown.'
This isn’t the first time Colman has spoken out about the gender disparities in Hollywood. She recently debunked the myth that men inherently draw larger audiences to theaters, citing successful female-led films like 'Barbie,' 'Bridesmaids,' and 'Thelma & Louise' as evidence to the contrary.
Colman emphasized the need for more fully-fleshed female characters in cinema and expressed frustration over the persistent gender pay gap in the industry. She called out the fallacy that men bring in more revenue, stating that the box office data disproves this claim.
Her outspoken stance on gender equality in Hollywood continues to spark important conversations about representation and fair compensation in the film industry.
