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Entertainment

Clare Foy's Impact on Gender Pay Equality in The Crown and Beyond

Gabriel Rivera

By Gabriel Rivera

Published January 6, 2024

Clare Foy, the British actress who portrayed a young Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown, found herself in the midst of a public battle over unequal pay. Despite her prominent role in the series, Foy discovered that she was earning less than her co-star, Matt Smith, who played a young Prince Philip.

The Producers' Explanation

The show's producers, Left Bank Pictures, initially justified the pay discrepancy by citing Smith's higher profile at the time of joining the show. This explanation drew widespread attention and criticism, especially as Foy's performance garnered critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and two Emmy awards.

Impact on the Industry

In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Foy expressed satisfaction that her fight for equal pay had a positive effect on the industry. She shared that female actors are now being assured of pay parity, indicating a shift in the industry's approach to gender pay equality. Foy's influence has been acknowledged by individuals who have directly benefited from the changes brought about by her advocacy.

Future Projects and Reflections

Looking ahead, Clare Foy is set to star in the film All of Us Strangers alongside Andrew Scott and Oscar nominee Paul Mescal. Reflecting on her iconic role in The Crown, Foy highlighted the intimacy of the private scenes between Queen Elizabeth and her husband, which were creatively invented by showrunner Peter Morgan. She expressed her enjoyment in exploring the dynamics behind closed doors, particularly the bedtime scenes, with co-star Matt Smith.