Barbra Streisand Still Fired Up Over “Meet the Parents” Pay Gap — And She’s Not Sure She’ll Return for the Next Movie
Barbra Streisand isn’t shy about calling out unfair pay — and that frustration is still very much alive when it comes to her role in the beloved Meet the Parents movie series. In a recent sit-down with Variety, the legendary actress opened up about the salary she received for playing Roz Focker, and spoiler alert: she wasn’t happy. In fact, she’s still pretty “pissed off” about it.
Here’s the kicker: Streisand says she was paid significantly less than her co-stars for the hit franchise, and because of that, she’s not exactly lining up to star in the upcoming fourth installment, which is slated to hit theaters in 2026. When asked if she would return to play Roz, Streisand didn’t hold back. “Oh my God. They’d have to pay me a lot of money because I didn’t get paid what the other people got paid and so I’m pissed off,” she said bluntly.
A Snapshot of the Franchise — And the Pay Gap Behind the Scenes
Let’s rewind a bit. Streisand’s role as Roz, the spirited and quirky mom of Ben Stiller’s Greg Focker, quickly became iconic after she first appeared in Meet the Fockers (2004), the sequel to the original Meet the Parents (2000). She also reprised the role in Little Fockers (2010). Fans loved her portrayal, but behind the scenes, things weren’t as harmonious as the on-screen family dinners suggested.
The salary figures for the cast members on Little Fockers reveal a glaring pay gap. Reports surfaced that Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro each walked away with a whopping $20 million payday. Owen Wilson earned $15 million, and Dustin Hoffman took home $7.5 million. Meanwhile, Streisand’s paycheck was a comparatively modest $7 million. That’s less than half of what some of her male co-stars made.
“I Was in the Time When Women Were Getting Paid Less” — Streisand Speaks Out
It’s worth noting the context here: Streisand mentioned that during the time these movies were made, it was unfortunately common for women to be paid less than men in Hollywood. “I was in the time when women were getting paid less than the men,” she said in her Variety interview. She also recalled a small but kind gesture from Universal’s then-head Ron Meyer, who sent her a bonus check as a nod to the pay disparity — a “very sweet” but ultimately insufficient band-aid.
Universal Studios hasn’t publicly responded to these remarks, and representatives did not immediately comment when approached for this story.
Barbra’s Memoir Revealed the Hurt Behind the Pay Discrepancy
This isn’t the first time Streisand has addressed this issue. In fact, she candidly wrote about her pay experience in her 2023 memoir My Name Is Barbra. Without diving into exact numbers back then, she made it clear that the pay gap hurt her deeply, especially as someone who had been a powerhouse in the industry for decades.
“This was the first time I felt the effect of Hollywood’s unequal pay scale for men and women,” she wrote in the book, recalling the sting of learning Dustin Hoffman was earning three times as much as she was, along with a small percentage of the film’s profits. Considering that Little Fockers grossed over $520 million worldwide, that difference in backend earnings was no small matter.
What This Means for the Upcoming “Meet the Parents” Sequel
The new movie, currently untitled but expected in 2026, has been generating buzz among fans eager to see the Focker family reunite on the big screen. But Streisand’s comments make it clear that her return isn’t guaranteed, unless the studio comes through with a much bigger paycheck.
Her blunt honesty highlights a broader industry issue that still resonates today — the fight for equal pay, especially for women in Hollywood. It’s a conversation Streisand has been part of for decades, and her recent remarks remind us that even stars with legendary careers aren’t immune to the longstanding pay inequities in entertainment.
A Quick Look at Hollywood’s Ongoing Gender Pay Gap
Barbra’s experience with the Meet the Parents franchise is a textbook example of the challenges many women in the film industry face. Despite growing awareness and recent progress, pay inequality remains a thorny issue. High-profile stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, and Michelle Williams have also spoken out about receiving less pay than their male counterparts.
Studies show that women frequently get paid less for similar roles and screen time, which affects their overall career earnings and opportunities. Streisand’s case is especially eye-opening because of the huge success of the Meet the Parents series — and the clear mismatch between her pay and that of her co-stars.
Why Does Pay Inequality Persist?
There are a few reasons this pay gap still lingers. Sometimes, male actors negotiate more aggressively or have more leverage due to their star power or traditional box office draw. In other cases, systemic biases and outdated industry norms play a big role.
Barbra’s comments about Universal’s studio head sending her a bonus check show the awkward attempts at remedying a systemic problem with small fixes — gestures that, while well-meaning, don’t address the root cause.
What Fans Can Learn from Streisand’s Stand
Streisand’s refusal to just accept the status quo is inspiring for anyone who’s faced pay inequity in their careers. She’s a powerful reminder that even when you’re a household name, you have to advocate for your worth — and sometimes push back hard.
Her openness about the pay disparity also helps keep the conversation alive, pushing studios and producers to reconsider how they compensate their talent. With her star power and platform, Streisand’s voice could be a catalyst for change in Hollywood’s pay practices.
Looking Forward: Will Roz Focker Return?
So, what’s next? Will Streisand return to play Roz in the next Meet the Parents flick? She’s made it clear that it will take a lot more than nostalgia or fan love to bring her back.
Given her candid remarks and the industry’s slow but ongoing shift toward pay equality, maybe the studio will step up and offer a deal that respects her value. After all, it’s not just about the money — it’s about respect and fairness.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Barbra Streisand’s Fight for Fair Pay
Barbra Streisand’s story shines a spotlight on a larger issue that Hollywood continues to wrestle with. Her willingness to speak out, even years after the fact, serves as a call to action for more transparency and equity in entertainment.
As fans, it’s important to celebrate not just her talent but also her courage in holding the industry accountable. Whether or not she returns as Roz Focker, Streisand’s stand against pay inequity is a win for everyone fighting for fairness — on and off the screen.
If you’re a fan of the Meet the Parents series or just someone who believes in equal pay, Streisand’s story is a reminder that progress takes persistence. And sometimes, it starts with a legend refusing to be silent.
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