As much as we may like to think that being famous automatically equals being rich — or at least not having to worry about the rising cost of living and how you’re going to pay your bills — actress Sydney Sweeney is making it clear that it’s not always the case.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR), the Emmy-nominated actress and star of acclaimed shows like Euphoria and The White Lotus broke down some of the reality of what she brings home as a TV star — and she says it’s not enough to give her the financial comfort needed to take a break from acting.
See also: The unsung heroes of ‘Euphoria’: these supporting characters steal the show.
“If I wanted to take a six-month break, I don’t have income to cover that,” Sweeney told THR. “I don’t have someone supporting me, I don’t have anyone I can turn to, to pay my bills or call for help.”
Though she has taken on brand deals, such as being a Miu Miu ambassador, to help bring in income, the financial load of being a rising star can be higher than we may think. This may be especially true when you factor in the costs of acting that we don’t always think of, such as the cost of styling and travel required for things like press appearances.
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“They don’t pay actors like they used to, and with streamers, you no longer get residuals,” Sweeney said.
“The established stars still get paid, but I have to give 5 [per cent] to my lawyer, 10 [per cent] to my agents, 3 [per cent] or something like that to my business manager,” Sweeney told THR. “I have to pay my publicist every month, and that’s more than my mortgage.”
While having a mortgage and owning a home is, in itself, often more of an unattainable dream than a reality for many 24-year-old people, Sweeney worked constantly for five years in order to afford the tudor-style LA home, which was showcased in this New York Post article. “I couldn’t believe I was even able to buy a house,” she said in her THR interview. “I want to be able to stay there.”
Related: Want to buy a home in Toronto or Vancouver? You need to make more than $220K: new data.
While it may be hard for some people to feel sorry for a star like Sweeney (in addition to her role on Euphoria, Sweeney also has two upcoming high-profile gigs: she’s set to produce and star in HBO’s The Player’s Table and to star in Marvel’s Madame Web), her candid talk about money and finances is refreshing, revealing and somewhat comforting in an increasingly expensive world.
See also: How to talk to your friends about your different money attitudes.
