Unequal wages between men and women in Hollywood has long been a prevalent problem, but it was only until recent times that artists have sought action and demand for their rights to be protected. Among those who heeded that call were the cast of the hit CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10, who did this kind gesture for their co-stars.
It is publicly known that the original cast members of "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10, namely Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg are currently receiving $1 million per episode. According to Business Insider, stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, receive strikingly lower fees.
Ever since Rauch and Bialik joined the show in the third season, their per-episode fee only saw an increase from $20,000 to $100,000. As per Variety, Bialik and Rauch were receiving approximately $200,000 per episode of "The Big Bang Theory" Season 10.
Upon learning this, the main five stars did a very sweet gesture in order to increase Bialik and Rauch's salaries. They agreed to take a $100,000 salary cut each for the next two seasons and have it added to Bialik's and Rauch's salaries instead. With the help of their co-stars, Bialik's and Rauch's salaries would reach about $450,000 per episode.
As salary negotiations begin next week for the next seasons, it is unclear whether Bialik and Rauch will make any move to suggest an increase in their fees.
Meanwhile, "The Big Bang Theory" has been renewed for two more seasons, which is expected to be the show's final two runs. Original cast members Parsons, Galecki, Cuouco, Helberg and Nayyar are still finalizing their two-year contracts with Warner Bros. TV.
This comes as great news for fans, especially since it coincides with the announcement of "Sheldon," the prequel series that centers on the life of a younger Sheldon Cooper, played by Parsons.
