Top 10 Times Celebs Opened Up About Sexism in Hollywood

For years, the “Emilia Pérez[b]” star has been vocal about her experience in the entertainment industry. But some of her most damning and sad comments about sexism on set were recorded in a 2017 interview with “Time” magazine. There are lots of things to say about being a woman on a set full of men, but Zoe Saldaña singled out the loneliness she feels. Even if a woman is producing, Saldaña says she’s seen them buddy up with the men to try and fit in. It certainly paints a bleak picture in terms of numbers, even if there are one or two women in positions of power on a production.

She may be one of the world’s most accomplished stars of martial arts films, but there was one beloved actor who refused to recognize her talents. At least, at first. Michelle Yeoh entered the world of martial arts movies when Jackie Chan was a huge star, when women were ornamental and needed saving. But Yeoh’s appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman” in 1997 drew some boos from the audience when she was upfront about Chan’s sexism. Despite some of his retrograde ideas, even Yeoh admits that Chan’s too scared of her fighting prowess to tell her to stay in the kitchen.

Although she became known for her role as the vain and serially romantic Kelly Kapoor, Mindy Kaling was also one of “The Office”’s original writers. In fact, there was a point when she was the only woman on the writing and producing staff. When it came time to submit the show for Emmy consideration, the Television Academy forced her to write an essay to prove her place among the show’s producers. This was ostensibly due to the fact that there were too many producer names submitted for the awards. However, as she told “Elle” magazine in 2019, none of her male colleagues were forced to do the same.

After the huge Sony hack in 2014, many uncomfortable truths about the gender pay gap in Hollywood came to light. One of the sticking points was the revelation that “American Hustle” stars Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence were paid way less than their male co-stars, Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper. This pay gap apparently didn’t even take into account their respective billing or screen time. Lawrence penned an op-ed[d] in response, expressing her frustration. However, she would add that women are not just underpaid in the industry, but largely discouraged in many ways from negotiating and advocating for themselves.

The Harvey Weinstein scandal and subsequent #MeToo movement sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Actress Rose McGowan was one of the people leading the charge. Her 2018 memoir, “Brave,” and documentary miniseries “Citizen Rose” went in-depth on her experiences in an industry rampant with predatory men and enablers. Her approach and tone drew as much controversy as they did praise. Weinstein was not the only powerful man she had a run-in with, but she used her voice to amplify her own story and the stories of other women who were victimized by violent misogyny.

The former “That ‘70s Show” star says she’s actually heard the line, “You’ll never work in this town again” come out of a man’s mouth. In an online essay from 2016, Mila Kunis detailed her experience with a film producer who wanted her to pose partially nude in a magazine spread. Apparently, the producer was shocked, appalled, and offended to hear her response. It was a no. Writing of his fury at her refusal, she took a nuanced but empowering stance, saying the event made her more likely to stand up for herself in the future when faced with sexist treatment.

Once you notice how often older actors are paired with younger actresses on screen, it becomes hard to ignore. Maggie Gyllenhaal pointed out the conflicting emotions she had when she was told she was too old for a role playing the love interest of a 55-year-old man. She was only 37 at the time. If this were just one role in one movie, maybe that would be fine. But Gyllenhaal’s story got people talking about the many very real examples of actresses being cast who are years – or even decades – younger than their male co-stars.

Being celebrated and winning Oscars doesn’t protect a woman from facing gender and racial biases. In terms of the gender pay gap in Hollywood, Viola Davis was all for her white colleagues speaking out. However, she cautioned about centering the conversations on white actresses, as her experience shows that it can be even worse for women of color in the industry. She may be a star, but she makes less than many white actors. Despite her success, her comments at the Women in the World summit about this very issue made it clear how sexism and racism overlap in the movie industry.

“The Hollywood Reporter” roundtables have become a huge part of the awards season, but it can also be a place where performers commiserate about the highs and lows of their careers. At one such roundtable in 2017, “Shameless” star Emmy Rossum relayed a story about a highly suspect casting session. Her agent contacted her and said a director wanted her for a role. The only catch was he wanted her to come to his office in nothing but a bikini. As unhinged as it was, Rossum actually had a moment where she considered whether the part was good enough to go through with it. But it’s a sobering look at what an actress might be expected to do for a role.

It’s hard to believe an actress of her stature ever had a bad audition. However, Meryl Streep’s early career audition for Dino De Laurentiis[g] did not go well. In fact, it was a little devastating. On “Graham Norton,” Streep retold the story of how she was scouted by De Laurentiis’ son, and brought to his office to audition for the 1976 remake of “King Kong.” Not knowing she could understand him, the mogul insulted her looks in Italian. Clearly, her talent was a complete non-issue. Streep, of course, went on to become an acting powerhouse, who has been a vocal proponent of gender equality in Hollywood and all over the world.

Which of these moments shocked you the most? Tell us in the comments.

[b](eh-MEE-lee-uh PEH-rez)
[c](mih-SHELL YOH)
[d](OP-ed)
[e](ROHZ muh-GOW-uhn)
[f](EM-ee ROS-uhm)
[g](DEE-noh day loh-REN-tee-iss, Italian pronunciation)