Melissa McCarthy is known for her sense of humor, but her business savvy has also played a major part in landing her among the world’s highest-paid actresses. In a candid conversation with Glamour, the Oscar-nominated actress spoke about how she went from being a “farm girl in Illinois” racking up credit card debt to one of Hollywood’s biggest earners.
“There were some jobs when I was paid what most [of my co-stars were]. And then people who climbed the ladder with me were suddenly making 15 times what I made. I was like, ‘Wait, wait, wait.’ I thought, ‘This is based on bullshit. This is not based on anything factual to me,’” the “Ghostbusters” star told the mag. “I hated that feeling of not being in control and not being able to do anything about it. I think that feeling is what keeps the fight in me.”
McCarthy realized that her worth wasn’t being recognized — especially compared to her male co-stars. “I always think, Is the deal fair? Would you be asking the same thing of a guy in this position? And if the answer is ‘It probably wouldn’t be happening to a guy,’ I’ll dig my teeth in for months,” the “Ghostbusters” star explained. And it’s not just about the money. “Having a say in something means as much to me as getting a fair price. I never want to lose my voice,” the producer said.
Since the launch of #TimesUp, many actresses have spoken out about equal pay and discussed their negotiation techniques, including “Westworld’s” Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton, Sienna Miller, and Emily Blunt.
McCarthy’s highest grossing films include “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” and “Identity Thief.” She’ll next be seen in “Life of the Party,” a college-set comedy set to drop May 11. She co-wrote the pic. Her other upcoming projects include Andrea Berloff’s mob drama “The Kitchen” and Marielle Heller’s “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” a dramedy about an out-of-work writer who forges letters by famous literary figures.
Head over to Glamour for more from McCarthy, including why you shouldn’t let fears of being seen as a “bitch” deter you from getting what you’re entitled to.
