Jason Isaacs on Equal Pay for The White Lotus Cast and His Complex Relationship with Mel Gibson

Jason Isaacs recently opened up about receiving the same pay as his co-stars on the acclaimed series The White Lotus. Playing Timothy Ratliff, the patriarch of the Ratliff family in season three, Isaacs confirmed to Vulture that each actor earned $40,000 per episode. While this rate is considered low for a major series, Isaacs emphasized that it did not affect his decision to join the cast.

He admitted, “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.” Isaacs also noted that compared to typical payments for big television shows, the amount was low, but the cast was passionate about the project, to the point that they “probably would have given a body part” to be involved.

When asked about sharing pay with co-stars who have less extensive acting résumés, such as Patrick Schwarzenegger and Aimee Lou Wood, Isaacs responded firmly, “I never work for money.” He reflected on his finances candidly, saying he has “expanded my outgoings to match my incomings and pretty much spent everything I’ve earned over the years.”

Producer David Bernad explained The White Lotus‘s equal pay system in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “Everyone is treated the same on The White Lotus. They get paid the same, and we do alphabetical billing… It’s a system we developed in the first season because there was no money to make the show.” Casting director Meredith Tucker supported this policy, noting it simplifies negotiations and attracts actors motivated by passion rather than pay.

Before The White Lotus, Isaacs was known for significant roles in franchises like Harry Potter, Star Trek: Discovery, and the film The Patriot.

Isaacs also addressed his complicated relationship with Mel Gibson following Gibson’s antisemitic remarks during a 2006 arrest. Isaacs said, “He’s said and done some things that are unconscionable and unforgivable.” He admitted to avoiding Gibson for years but recounted a recent encounter at a charity event where Gibson apologized and showed vulnerability. Isaacs expressed a nuanced stance, saying he forgave Gibson in that moment but did not consider him a friend.