American actress Angela Bassett has become one of the highest paid actress of colour on TV.
Following a number of pay increases on Fox’s drama series 9-1-1, the incomparable Angela Bassett has now made history as the highest-paid black actress in broadcast TV history.
She will be paid “more than $450,000 per episode” on season five of the Fox drama.
While Bassett’s new salary may break a record, it’s also raised questions about why it’s taken so long for a Black actress on television to be paid this much.
This follows the return of the smash hit 9-1-1 which is returning for its 5th episode with the cast having reportedly negotiated their salaries.
In being so involved with its production, the raise reportedly brings her salary well above $450,000 an episode.
Bassett joins Kerry Washington and Viola Davis as women of colour who have been earning huge chunks of money from their prowess in acting.
Basset’s salary is more than deserved as she is also an executive producer on spin-off series 9-1-1: Lone Star as well as the main show in addition to her starring role.
Reacting to her potentially history-making achievement, fans were quick to comment and they had nothing but praise for the 62-year-old.
“As she should. She’s a legend in Hollywood. They better pay her accordingly like they pay everyone else.”
“Give the queen her coins!!! Yesssss!” another cheered.
“Angela Bassett is the heart of that series and deserves every penny she makes.”