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Brenda Song Says She Was ‘Overworked’ and ‘Underpaid’ on ‘The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,’ Recalls Fainting on Set: I Thought, ‘Am I Having a Panic Attack?’
Brenda Song says she felt overworked and underpaid while starring in the Disney Channel sitcom “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”, though she also credits Disney with giving her a platform. Her comments highlight concerns about the working conditions and residual payments associated with a popular show.
Song recalled fainting while filming a hot-tub scene after the malfunctioning tub became extremely hot; she said she felt her chest heating up and wondered if she was having a panic attack. Co-star Dylan Sprouse said the tub reached 250 degrees, and previously described the show as underfunded, recalling that his only residual payment for it was five cents for a “Hannah Montana” crossover. The series ran from 2005 to 2008 and was followed by “The Suite Life on Deck”.
In short
- Brenda Song says the sitcom left her feeling overworked and underpaid.
- She recalled fainting during a hot-tub scene.
- Dylan Sprouse said one crossover residual cheque was five cents.
Explained simply
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody was a Disney Channel sitcom that ran from 2005 to 2008. Brenda Song played London Tipton, a wealthy hotel resident, alongside twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse; the series later continued as The Suite Life on Deck.
Song’s comments draw attention to the pay and working conditions young actors can face on popular television shows. Actors may also receive residual payments when programmes are reused, though the amounts can vary. The discussion matters because a show’s success does not necessarily mean its cast shared equally in its earnings or had easy working conditions.