Christy Carlson Romano says she was paid half of what Shia LaBeouf earned on Even Stevens, even though they were co-leads. "I was paid half of what Shia was paid; we were co-leads and had the same screen time," the actress, 40, wrote on Instagram while promoting her memoir, Once Upon a Trainwreck: The Fall and Rise of a Child Star.
She posted a letter her mother, Sharon, wrote to Romano's agent in 2000, asking for equal pay and admitting the family was deep in debt. "By then, my paycheck was keeping us afloat," Romano wrote.
She was careful not to criticise LaBeouf, now 38. "Shia earned every dollar," she wrote, adding that the book is not about him or any other famous name.
They were part of her story, she said, but never the story. The memoir, she said, is about "a girl who grew up too fast, and a business that decided she was worth half." Romano played Ren Stevens, the older sister to LaBeouf's Louis, on the Disney Channel sitcom, which ran for three seasons from 2000 to 2003.
She has previously described their relationship on set as "like oil and water," and admitted she was once a bit salty about his success. The memoir was released on 6 October.
The revelation has sparked a wider conversation in Hollywood regarding pay equity for child stars. Romano's transparency about her financial struggles during her time at the Disney Channel highlights the often-hidden pressures faced by young actors in the entertainment industry.
Industry analysts note that such disclosures are becoming more common as former child stars reclaim their narratives. Romano's memoir aims to shed light on the systemic issues within the industry that often undervalue young talent.
Fans have expressed support for Romano, praising her courage in speaking out about her experiences. The discussion surrounding the pay gap continues to resonate with audiences who grew up watching the popular sitcom.
Romano remains a prominent figure in the industry, having transitioned into a successful career as a podcaster and content creator. Her memoir serves as a reflection on her journey from a child star to an adult navigating the complexities of fame.
The book provides a candid look at the highs and lows of her career, offering insights that go beyond the headlines. It is expected to be a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the treatment of child actors.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, stories like Romano's serve as a reminder of the importance of fair compensation and ethical treatment for all performers, regardless of their age.