‘Big jump in cash’: Harry Potter Background actress earned $43 a day, while Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe made life-changing money

While the Harry Potter movies have become a billion-dollar franchise over the years, you’d be surprised to know how much the franchise paid its background actors. While current pay rates in Hollywood, protected by SAG-AFTRA, stand at $23.38 an hour, English actress Samantha Clinch opened up about receiving a paltry $3.05/hour for the magical franchise.

Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in the Harry Potter films | photo: Warner Bros.

Samantha Clinch shared a TikTok video in October 2023, comparing her paycheck to the amount Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson took home while filming Harry Potter. While the duo were now the main stars of the films, Clinch’s salary as background artist and later as supporting character Eloise Midgen still seemed heartbreaking in comparison.

Harry Potter background star salary compared to Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe

Venturing into the entertainment industry is not the same for everyone.