Tyler Perry Pioneers Fair Pay for Black Actors: Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict Share Their Experiences

Despite being a seasoned industry veteran, Meagan Good recently revealed that she was finally compensated appropriately for her work in her latest film, "Divorce in the Black," directed, written, and produced by Tyler Perry. During an interview on NBC’s “Today With Hoda & Jenna,” Good spoke candidly about her experience, describing Perry as an “angel.”

"I actually cried because what I love about Tyler is not only is he an angel, not only is he a genius, not only is he unapologetic as a leader, but he also makes you feel valued and seen and appreciated, and he goes out of his way to do that," Good explained. She highlighted how Perry assured her, saying, "You deserve this," which moved her to tears, reflecting on her previous hesitations to ask for what she was worth due to the industry's biases against assertive women.

Similarly, Cory Hardrict shared that Tyler Perry paid him more in three weeks than he had ever made in film, even comparing it to working on five-month projects with $750 million budgets. This validation from Perry helped solidify Hardrict’s sense of worth in the industry.

These experiences underscore the pervasive pay disparities for Black actors in Hollywood. Research indicates that lead female actresses earn $1.1 million less than their male counterparts, with women of color being paid significantly less than white women. For actresses over the age of 50, the disparity increases to $4 million compared to male actors.

Tyler Perry’s commitment to fair compensation is not a new phenomenon. In 2019, Taraji P. Henson revealed that Perry was the first to meet her asking price, paying her $500,000 for her role, a significant break from the industry's standard pay.

The entertainment industry has long been notorious for underpaying Black actors and technicians. From the early exclusion and stereotypical portrayal of Black actors to the present day, where big-name actors like Chadwick Boseman were paid significantly less than their white counterparts, the disparity is evident. Boseman earned $2 million for his role in "Black Panther," while Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans made over $20 million for their roles.

Hollywood's systemic racism extends beyond pay. Black actors often receive fewer opportunities and are typecast into stereotypical roles. Moreover, racial disparity in the writers' room, with over 90% of showrunners being white, perpetuates this cycle of inequality.

Despite these challenges, Black actors and industry professionals continue to push for change. Tyler Perry's efforts to pay actors fairly highlight a critical step towards addressing these deep-rooted disparities. As more discussions around the racial pay gap emerge in mainstream media, it brings necessary attention to the issue, encouraging a gradual closing of the gap.

As rising Black actors navigate the industry, the support from leaders like Tyler Perry becomes increasingly vital. The dedication to equitable pay and opportunities not only uplifts individual careers but also sets a precedent for the entire industry, fostering an environment where talent and hard work are rewarded fairly, regardless of race.