In 1996, Demi Moore became the highest-paid actress in the world, earning a staggering $12.5 million (approximately $1.3 billion in today’s currency) for her role in the film ‘Striptease.’ This achievement, however, came with a backlash that Moore recently detailed in the New York Times podcast ‘The Interview.’
Moore revealed that the moment she reached a salary comparable to male actors, she was subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism. ‘With ‘Striptease,’ I was told I had betrayed women,’ she explained. ‘With ‘G.I. Jane,’ I was told I had betrayed men. But what’s interesting is that there was a force to pull me down at a time when I became the highest-paid actress. I don’t take that personally. I think anyone who breaks through for the first time and gets equal pay would be attacked, but for me, because it was a stripper role, it was so painful.’
At the time, Moore was married to Bruce Willis, and she clarifies that her salary demands were not about competing with her husband. ‘It wasn’t about comparing myself to him,’ she says. ‘Of course, I knew what he was making. It was about the same amount of work, so why shouldn’t I get the same amount?’
The issue of gender pay disparities in Hollywood has been a longstanding problem, and Moore was acutely aware of this inequality even three decades ago. ‘When I did the Vanity Fair cover with the nude pregnancy photo,’ she reflects, ‘it was the same thing. I didn’t understand why there was such an uproar. Why do pregnant women have to hide? Why do we have to deny our sexuality? I think it was fear.’
Moore acknowledges the significance of her high salary, stating in an interview with Variety, ‘It was powerful for me, not just for me, but for the hope that it would open doors for women to be paid fairly.’ However, she also emphasizes the harmful narrative that was attached to her success. ‘I was branded as a stripper and that was the reason I was getting paid this amount of money, which was shocking, but also, I understand that when you stick your head out, you get hit. It’s something that anyone who wants to push boundaries faces.’
Demi Moore’s story sheds light on the challenges women faced and continue to face in achieving equality in Hollywood. Her willingness to speak out against the double standards and fight for fair compensation is a powerful testament to her determination and serves as an inspiration for those seeking to break down barriers in the industry.
