Kendrick Sampson, best known for his role as Nathan Campbell on Insecure, took to Instagram to share a deeply frustrating experience with his followers. The actor revealed that despite receiving 56 residual checks, the total amount he was paid for all but six came to a mere $86. In his post, Sampson wrote, “I prayed that these are HEALTHY checks to get me through this time,” but the reality was far from what he had hoped for. After sorting through 50 checks, he was left with a paltry amount, which he described as “bulls—t,” underscoring the financial struggles that many actors continue to face in the entertainment industry.
A Stark Reality for Actors
Sampson’s candid post has brought attention to the stark realities that many in Hollywood face, regardless of their level of fame or success. His frustration highlights the deep financial inequities in the industry, where even actors who have had significant roles can find themselves struggling to make ends meet. The experience serves as a reminder that for many in Hollywood, the life of a working actor is far from glamorous.
Striking for Fair Compensation
In the midst of this personal frustration, Sampson has been an active advocate for the rights of workers in Hollywood, particularly those involved in the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which began in May 2023. Sampson also joined the SAG-AFTRA strike in July, aligning with the union’s demands for better wages, streaming residuals, and protections against the potential exploitation of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
Sampson highlighted the troubling financial situation faced by most actors, regardless of their visibility or career success. “I don’t think people know that, like, 90 percent of actors are unemployed and most of them are below the poverty line,” he shared. While acknowledging his own relative privilege, he stressed that many others in the industry are in an even worse position, struggling to make a living and maintain their careers.
The Fight for a Fairer Future
Sampson has been using his platform to advocate for fairer compensation and better working conditions for actors, especially those from marginalized communities. “We’re out here protesting for the future, for marginalized folks, for Black folks, for the future of our stories,” he said in a recent interview. He emphasized the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in the entertainment industry, with the majority of actors—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—finding it difficult to make a sustainable living.
In a video shared on Instagram, Sampson expressed his frustration with the residuals system. He humorously pointed out that the cost of a stamp to send the checks was greater than the amount he had received. “You see these little pennies you’ve been sending on the residuals checks? The stamp cost more than the check!” he joked, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Raising Awareness and Standing Strong
Sampson’s willingness to speak out about his financial struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues in the entertainment industry. His openness not only sheds light on the hardships many actors face but also amplifies the need for systemic change. By standing in solidarity with the striking workers, Sampson is fighting for a more equitable and just future for everyone in Hollywood, particularly marginalized communities whose voices often go unheard.
As the strike continues, Sampson and others are pushing for real change, hoping that their efforts will bring about a fairer future for all those involved in the entertainment industry.
