Giovonnie Samuels Advocates for a ‘Livable Wage’ as the SAG-AFTRA Strike Stays Strong
Actress Giovonnie Samuels shocked fans with her candid commentary on life as a child star. In a TikTok post, she stated that she is fighting for residuals.
Following the start of the SAG-AFTRA strike, many actors and actresses are opening up about their financial situations. Contrary to popular opinion, not all of them lead a glamorous lifestyle. Many don’t even make a wage that can support their basic needs.
Giovonnie Samuels, best known for portraying Nia Moseby in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, has shared her experience in the film industry. In a 2 minute video, Samuels describes her financial struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic had impacted her situation as well, and Samuels had to use her savings for support. Among the things she asks for are a livable wage and health insurance.
Former Nickelodeon star Giovonnie Samuels opens up about her finances amid writers and actors strike in emotional video. “I don’t know what money y’all think I have” pic.twitter.com/PQP2z3SRhA
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) July 25, 2023
One of the driving forces behind this strike has been the financial element. The common misconception that all actors are rich is being proved false. Among other things, the strike hopes to increase minimum pay. Samuels supports this in her opening statement, claiming that “not all child stars are rich… the leads of the cast, they get the big money checks.” The non-leads in the industry do not get fair pay, and Samuels states that she is “fighting for residuals.”
The actress opened up about the emotional and psychological burden of her situation. She had to take her son out of public schools because he was being bullied. According to Samuels, the parents had targeted her son because they were jealous that she is famous. She ends the video with the following statement, “I don’t own a home, I barely own my car. So I don’t know what money y’all think I have, but I don’t.”
Giovonnie Samuel’s struggles reveal why this strike is important. For the industry to move forward, it is necessary that the performers and writers are respected. The strike continues as protestors fight for their needs.
