Actor Geoffrey Owens reveals that despite his success in TV shows like “The Cosby Show,” he still struggles to make ends meet due to low residual checks from streaming platforms. Owens appeared on the show from 1985 to 1992 and has since worked at Trader Joe’s to supplement his income, even after landing more acting roles.
Owens’ comments echo those of other actors who have spoken out about the financial realities of being a Hollywood star. Actress Jana Schmieding received only $0.03 for each quarter of unlimited streams of her FX series “Reservation Dogs,” while Greer Grammer’s residual checks range from a penny to around 81 cents.
Even top stars like Jim Carrey and Sydney Sweeney have spoken about the financial struggles they face. Carrey, who took a break from acting due to finances, returned to the industry for his role in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, citing need for money. Sweeney revealed that she doesn’t have the luxury of taking downtime between gigs, as her bills must be paid.
The financial struggles faced by Hollywood stars are largely due to the low residual checks they receive from streaming platforms. These platforms make their money through subscriptions, making it difficult to track a show’s profitability. The Screen Actors Guild agreement now includes success-based bonuses for streaming productions, but many actors still struggle to make ends meet.
Owens’ comments highlight the challenges faced by actors in Hollywood, where success is often short-lived and finances can be unpredictable. Despite their fame, these stars are not immune to financial struggles, revealing a side of the industry that is rarely seen.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/cosby-show-cast-member-revisits-misconceptions-about-the-income-of-an-average-middle-class-actor-020322218.html