Something that is often believed is that, once you land a role on a feature film, or major television series, you are rich. But, that is far from the truth.

In fact, most actors are barely making it. When you include the obligations that an actor must uphold themselves too, the amount of money an actor walks away with is done right worrisome.

Think about it, if a non-A list actor lands a leading role in a major motion picture they will most likely earn $65,000 for the project. Then figure the amount of money the actor must pay to his talent agent, manager, public relations, wardrobe and make-up. The actor may not even walk away with 50% of their earnings; despite working for several months, including long hours, and through hard/stressful conditions.

Consider, the Oscar nominated actor and BAFTA award winner for Best Supporting Actor, Barkhad Abdi, who starred in his first film role in Captain Phillips alongside Tom Hanks. He is dead broke.

You are most likely thinking, he needs an accountant, he spent his money on too many clothes, nightclubs, parties, or other typical Hollywood spending habits. But, that is far from the case. Even though the big budget of Tom Hank’s feature film ‘Captain Phillips’ had a budget of $55 million dollars, Abdi was only paid $65,000 for all of his work. Of course, Tom Hanks got paid more money due to his reputation, career, and resume it is striking to believe, that a movie that cost millions to make could not pay their lead actor more.

Like most actors, lead roles are few and far between. Abdi has not been able to land another movie since then.

After working on the major feature film, Abdi moved back home to Minneapolis to work in his brother’s mobile phone store. But, after the success of the movie, Abdi decided to pursue his chances of becoming an actor and move to Los Angeles.

But, needless to say it has not been an easy journey. According to the New Yorker:

“When Abdi is in Los Angeles to promote the film, he subsists on a per diem, good at the Beverly Hilton, where the studio likes to put him up. The town car is available only for official publicity events. His clothes are loaners. Recently Abdi requested that he be allowed to stay at a commuter hotel near LAX to be closer to his friend, a Somali cabdriver from Minneapolis, who shuttles him around for free.”

The entertainment industry is a very cutthroat business and movie actors may come and go. But, it is troubling to think that Abdi is not the first actor for this to happen too and will most likely will not be the last.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and discuss!

photo credit: Alex E. Proimos via photopin cc