behind-the-scenes

Jason Isaacs recently opened up about the salaries of the cast members from the acclaimed HBO series *The White Lotus*, revealing that they earned a modest $40,000 per episode. In an interview with Vulture, the veteran actor confirmed the figures that many had speculated about, indicating that he and his co-stars were compensated much less than expected for their roles in one of television’s most popular shows. “I didn’t know that was public knowledge,” Isaacs, 62, remarked. “That’s absolutely true. Generally, actors don’t talk about pay in public because it’s ridiculously disproportionate to what we do—putting on makeup and funny voices—and just upsets the public.” He noted that while the pay might seem low in comparison to what actors typically receive for major television roles, the experience of working on the show was invaluable. “But the fact is, we would have paid to be in it. We probably would have given a body part,” he added. Despite the salary discussions, Isaacs expressed no resentment about earning the same amount as his less experienced co-stars. “Do I mind that I wasn’t paid more than other people? I never work for money,” he said. “I mean, I’ve done all right. People will think I have huge stockpiles of money, but sadly, what I’ve done rather immaturely is expand my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I’ve earned over the years.” *The White Lotus*, which premiered in 2021, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of guests and employees at a fictional luxury resort. The third season took the cast to Thailand, featuring actors like Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Natasha Rothwell. Isaacs described the set as “very gossipy,” noting that cliques formed not only among the actors but also within the makeup, hair, and costume departments. Filming in Thailand for an extended period, Isaacs suggested, contributed to the tension on set. “Thailand’s a long way from home for everybody,” he said. “A lot of people were there in the hotel, away from home for seven months. It’s hot. No one’s got their families with them.” His comments hint at the challenges actors face while working in remote locations, away from their support systems. Isaacs also touched upon the rumors of feuds among the cast. “There were online detectives trying to work out where the fault lines were between people,” he explained. “People made friends. People met people they weren’t so friendly with. All the normal stuff that happens when a group of people go away for a long time.” He downplayed the drama, suggesting that it was typical for any ensemble cast. The actor humorously referred to himself as a confidant for his younger co-stars, saying, “I’d sit there like Yoda. They would come to me. They would often go off and misbehave like children and come back and want counsel. And I’d go, ‘When I was your age…’” As fans eagerly await more insights about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of *The White Lotus*, Isaacs’ candid reflections on salary and set life provide a glimpse into the realities of working in Hollywood. The show continues to be a topic of conversation, not just for its plot but for the intriguing relationships that develop among its cast members. With its combination of drama and dark humor, *The White Lotus* has solidified its place in pop culture, and Isaacs’ revelations only add to the show’s allure. As the series progresses, fans can expect more stories and perhaps even more surprises from the cast, as they navigate the complexities of their roles both on and off the screen.