Skeet Ulrich: I would have done press a little differently—been a little more frugal about what I did and when. It was a bit much too soon, but everything is live and learn.

Skeet Ulrich in 1996. Mikel Roberts/Sygma via Getty Images

How I've Learned to Advocate for Myself...

Marisol Nichols: My first agent said the only power you have in this business is the ability to say no. As I've learned to negotiate, you do have the power to walk away from things if you trust in your talent and yourself. If you're getting the short end of the stick on something, don't do it. You'll be unhappy.

Molly Ringwald: I have always been pretty good about standing up for myself. I think at the end of the day, you are really the only person who can do it. Obviously I have people who I trust to speak on my behalf, but the more I can do myself, the more empowered I feel. People who grow up in the business tend to become very infantilized and feel that they need to have every little detail done for them. I think it's a dangerous place to live.

Madchen Amick: Women are definitely paid less, period, and lot of newcomers are hungry and willing to do work for less because they haven’t earned their quote yet. One minute you might have a hit [show] and your rate jumps twice as much, and then you might have two or three years where you’re not doing as much and they cut your rate down. You have to decide if you want to work or hold out for money, and then [there’s the possibility] you won’t get the job. There were some things that I held out for and didn’t get, and then there were projects that I held out for and did. There were projects I just had to concede my rate for because I wanted to be a part of it and keep working. I had to look at the overall big picture.

Madchen Amick in 1990. ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

How I See the Industry Changing...

Madchen Amick: When you're an attractive woman in the business, you're always going to be fighting against being objectified. I had no interest in being in anything that treated me like a trophy. I was going against the stream by not doing that stuff, but I knew I could live with myself for the jobs I didn't get it because I had a high standard for myself. Thank goodness I was able to steer clear of those situations. I got really close with directors coming to my door and knowing I could be fired for [not letting them in]. I hope #MeToo inspires more artists to stand up for their own work and not be afraid to turn stuff down. You’re in it for the long run. Keep your integrity.