# 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?’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/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-p/
- Published: 2026-11-11T02:04:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T06:57:15+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/brenda-song-suite-life-of-zack-and-cody-1236944810/
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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”.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.