Zendaya has made history in the world of television by becoming the youngest black actress to earn over $1 million per episode, approximately £773,000 each time. This achievement comes from her prominent role as Rue Bennet in HBO Max’s acclaimed drama series, Euphoria, where she not only stars but also holds the title of executive producer.
At 28 years old, Zendaya’s recent renegotiated contract with HBO places her in the elite company of Kerry Washington, the only other black television actress to have earned over $1 million per episode. Kerry Washington previously held the record for the highest-paid black television actress for her role in Shonda Rhimes’ long-running series, Scandal, where she earned a reported $800,000 (£618,000) per episode.
Washington later surpassed her own record by earning an estimated $1 million per episode for her acting and producing roles in the Hulu series, Little Fire Everywhere. This achievement highlighted the disparity in pay between black and white leading actresses, a well-documented issue in the entertainment industry.
Ellen Pompeo, another actress in the Shondaland universe, received a substantial £15 million annual salary in 2018 for her portrayal in Grey’s Anatomy. Pompeo not only earned £444,000 per episode but also secured a seven-figure signing bonus and equity points in the series valued at approximately £10 million.
In a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alexander Cooper, Pompeo discussed the moment her manager warned her about potential backlash for revealing her salary, reflecting on the challenges of being a well-paid actress.
Zendaya’s new HBO deal now positions her alongside other white television actresses in the exclusive one-million-per-episode club, including Elisabeth Moss for The Handmaid’s Tale, Kaley Cuoco for The Big Bang Theory, Sarah Jessica Parker for Sex and the City, and Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon for Big Little Lies.
Zendaya, at the age of 24, made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria. Winning the award again at the 2022 Primetime Emmy Awards, she became the youngest two-time acting winner in Emmy history.
The upcoming third season of Euphoria is slated to air in 2026, with production recently commencing. HBO’s Head of Drama, Francesca Orsi, hinted that the new season may mark the series’ conclusion, promising a satisfying conclusion to the characters’ narratives.
Although fans are disappointed by the absence of certain stars in the upcoming season, including Storm Reid, Barbie Ferreirra, and the late Angus Cloud, anticipation is high for cameo appearances by renowned figures like Sharon Stone and Rosalia.
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