New York — The Crown star Matt Smith says he supports fellow actor Claire Foy over the revelation that she was paid less than him in the Netflix drama.
A producer disclosed last month that Foy, who starred as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, was paid less than Smith, who played Prince Philip, because Smith was better known. (Read more here)
Smith told The Hollywood Reporter he believes they should be paid "equally and fairly." He says he's pleased "it was resolved and they made amends." Smith did not explain what he meant.
He said: "Claire is one of my best friends, and I believe that we should be paid equally and fairly and there should be equality for all. I support her completely, and I'm pleased that it was resolved and they made amends for it because that what's needed to happen. Going forward, I think we should all bear in mind that we need to strive to make this better and a more even playing field for everyone involved — but not just in our industry, in all industries."
The gender pay gap has become a big issue in Hollywood after revelations that many female stars have been paid less than their male counterparts.
Foy and Smith are being replaced by older performers in the next season of the show. Olivia Colman will take over as Queen Elizabeth while Outlander star Tobias Menzies is confirmed to be taking over as Prince Philip.