A Stark Reality for Actors
Kendrick Sampson, best known for his role as Nathan Campbell on Insecure, shared a frustrating experience on Instagram, revealing that his recent residuals checks amounted to just $86 — despite receiving 56 checks. “I prayed that these are HEALTHY checks to get me through this time,” Sampson wrote, but the reality was far from what he had hoped. After sorting through 50 checks, he was left with a total of only $86, which he described as “bulls—t,” highlighting the ongoing struggle faced by many actors in the industry.
Striking for Fair Compensation
The actor, who has been a vocal advocate for workers’ rights in Hollywood, has been actively supporting the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike since it began in May 2023. Sampson later joined the SAG-AFTRA strike, which started in July, standing in solidarity with the union to demand better wages, streaming residuals, and protections against the use of AI in the entertainment industry.
“I don’t think people know that, like, 90 percent of actors are unemployed and most of them are below the poverty line,” Sampson stated, shedding light on the harsh financial realities faced by most actors, even those with a successful career. He acknowledged his relative privilege but emphasized that many others are in an even worse situation.
The Fight for the Future of Entertainment
Sampson has been using his platform to advocate for fairer compensation and working conditions in the industry. “We’re out here protesting for the future, for marginalized folks, for Black folks, for the future of our stories,” Sampson said in an interview. He also pointed out the deep inequalities within the industry and the fact that the overwhelming majority of actors, especially those from marginalized communities, continue to struggle to make a living.
In a video shared on Instagram, Sampson voiced his frustration with the system, noting that the checks he had received were so small that the cost of the stamp used to send them was more than the amount he received. “You see these little pennies you’ve been sending on the residuals checks? The stamp cost more than the check!” he joked, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.
Raising Awareness and Standing Strong
Sampson’s candidness about his financial struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues that many actors face. By standing alongside the striking workers, he is fighting for a fairer future for all in the industry. As the strike continues, Sampson and others in Hollywood hope to bring about real change and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.