Ellen Pompeo, the leading lady of "Grey's Anatomy," believed her annual salary of $20 million to be a landmark victory for equal pay in Hollywood, but she was forewarned, just before her 2018 interview with The Hollywood Reporter went public, that not everyone would hail her triumph. Pompeo shed light on the gendered double standard that scrutinizes women's earnings far more intently than men's, while underscoring the significance of wielding her financial clout to elevate others.
When Pompeo confirmed that she was earning over $20 million annually for her role in "Grey's Anatomy," she harbored hopes that it would be lauded as testament to Hollywood's strides towards equitable compensation. Nevertheless, prior to the publication of her interview in The Hollywood Reporter, which revealed her earnings of $575,000 per episode, plus a seven-figure signing bonus and equity points in the series estimated at $13 million, her manager cautioned her that she might not receive universally positive feedback.
At that juncture, Pompeo told the Reporter that the deal was sealed as she assumed the sole lead role in the medical drama, named after her character. "I've finally arrived at a place where I'm comfortable demanding what I'm owed," Pompeo remarked at the time.
Yet, in a recent podcast interview with Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy," Pompeo reflected that she hadn't anticipated that her peers wouldn't celebrate her success. She elaborated, "My manager said something to me at the time that struck me like a bolt of lightning. He asked, 'Are you prepared to be unpopular?' He continued, 'I don't want you to assume that everyone will rally behind you, applaud you, or bow to you, thinking you're the greatest, because many people won't be happy for you.'"
"That had never crossed my mind... That was a valuable preparation for me, because it's true that not everyone—and other women have publicly expressed this—finds it easy to celebrate others' successes when they desire something similar. It's challenging for people to embrace others' accomplishments if it mirrors their aspirations," Pompeo noted.
Cooper echoed Pompeo's sentiments, having herself faced scrutiny when her at least $60 million contract to move her podcast from Barstool to Spotify was revealed. Cooper once again made headlines when her three-year deal with Spotify expired, and she inked a $125 million agreement with SiriusXM to bring her burgeoning media empire, Unwell, to the new platform.
"I don't think I'll ever grow comfortable with my earnings being out in the open," Cooper confessed. "When my first contract figure leaked, I was... so proud that people knew, because it symbolized so much. But then a wave of negativity ensued, and I often say... that men simply don't encounter this level of scrutiny regarding their wealth. You have Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Trump, and numerous other men who flaunt their wealth, and everyone finds it sexy and powerful. Yet, the minute we acquire even a fraction of it—not even close to their league, just a glimpse of the conversation—suddenly, 'She doesn't deserve that. She's a bitch who manipulated her way there because she's not worth it.' And it's a lot to handle."
Pompeo emphasized, "It's a testament to patriarchy and misogyny." Hollywood, it seems, is not immune to the pervasive gender pay gap that plagues countless industries. In fact, a 2019 study revealed a startling truth: female stars, on average, earn a staggering $1.1 million less than their male counterparts with comparable experience. Pompeo's decision to disclose her income was not only a bold defiance of the status quo but also a striking example of how a woman could command such high compensation, bucking the prevalent trend.
Eager to wield her influence positively, Pompeo added, "What empowers me is stepping back and recognizing that, as a woman earning substantial sums, I hold power. So, how can I harness this power for the greater good? How can I amplify others' voices? How can I elevate those who don't enjoy the privileges I do?"
Pompeo further noted that she doesn't endeavor to control others' reactions, instead choosing to focus on "employing her power for benevolent purposes." Backing up her values with data is a lesson Pompeo has embraced and urges others to adopt. She elaborated, "I don't seek what I haven't earned, nor do I desire what I haven't worked for. The Creative Arts Agency provides a detailed report, laying bare how one's contributions impact the bottom line.
"I am privy to the exact figures detailing how much 'Grey's Anatomy' generates for ABC Disney. My face, my voice – I've diligently promoted this show worldwide for two decades. I possess the data to support my worth. I'm acutely aware of the revenue the show generates, and I undeniably deserve a fair share of it."
"Advocating for oneself in various disputes and professional settings is particularly challenging for women. If you can't quantify your contributions to a company's earnings, it becomes difficult to argue for what you deserve," Pompeo concluded thoughtfully.
