Leonora Jacobs, a Namibian actress who starred in the 1989 movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy II, has recently revealed that she was not paid for her role in the film. At the time of filming, Jacobs was just 5 years old, and now, at the age of 42, she lives with her mother and works as a shop assistant.
The Gods Must Be Crazy II was a box office hit, grossing $6.3 million, but Jacobs, like many child actors, did not receive any payment for her work. While this is a common practice in the film industry, it is still disheartening to hear that a young child who contributed to the success of a film did not receive any compensation for their efforts.
Jacobs’ story is not unique. Many child actors have faced similar situations, where they are not paid for their work or are paid significantly less than their adult counterparts. The reasons for this vary, but it often comes down to the fact that child actors are seen as inexperienced and replaceable.
However, this mindset is not only unfair but also harmful. Child actors contribute just as much to a film’s success as their adult counterparts, and they deserve to be compensated fairly for their work. This is especially important in cases where the film goes on to make millions of dollars at the box office.
It is important for the film industry to address this issue and ensure that child actors are treated fairly. This can be done through the implementation of laws and regulations that protect child actors’ rights and ensure that they are paid appropriately for their work.
In Jacobs’ case, it is unfortunate that she was not paid for her role in The Gods Must Be Crazy II, but her story highlights the need for change in the film industry. Hopefully, her story will inspire others to speak out about similar experiences and push for fair treatment of child actors.
Despite not receiving payment for her role in the film, Jacobs has gone on to live a fulfilling life.