Susan Sarandon says Paul Newman donated share of his salary to ensure equal pay in 1998: 'He was a gem'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Susan Sarandon has revealed that former co-star Paul Newman gave her part of his salary when she realised he was getting paid more than her.
The Hollywood star was starring in 1998 film Twilight alongside Newman and Gene Hackman when she later discovered they were both receiving a larger salary.
Sarandon, who is promoting new film Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, told BBC 5 Live: “Emma Stone once came forward and said she got equal pay because her male stars insisted upon it and gave up something of theirs - that happened to me with Paul Newman at one point, when I did a film with him ages ago.”
She shared that Newman - who died in 2008 - gave part of his salary to Sarandon, saying: “He stepped forward and said, 'Well I'll give you part of mine'. So, yeah, he was a gem.”
Sarandon, who received equal billing alongside her male co-stars in the film, revealed that it was only Newman and Hackman who benefited from “favoured nation,” an agreement whereby producers ensure actors are given the same terms as their fellow stars.
The actor - who received an Emmy Award-nomination for her role of Bette Davis in TV series Feud: Bette and Joan - told the radio station that “the unwanted exchange” between actress and producer will “go away.”
“What we don't want to have is being exploited and have the Harvey Weinsteins of the world holding it over your head and holding it over your project,” she said. “That is the most despicable.”
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments