Power Rangers' Zordon actor earned less than $1000

(Last Updated On: July 15, 2023)

Actor David J. Fielding, known for his role as Zordon in the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series, recently revealed that he earned less than $1,000 for his work on the show. Fielding’s comment came in response to actor David Yost’s mention of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Yost highlighted the disparity in compensation, pointing out that Fielding’s scenes were reused throughout the series. The issue gained attention when a studio proposed using an AI technology to scan background actors’ likenesses without pay or consent.

Fielding explained that he was paid $150 for the day he filmed, without any residuals due to the non-union nature of the show. Despite the series making billions in its first year, Fielding’s compensation was far from equitable. Additionally, the primary cast members, whose images were used in various merchandise, faced similarly low pay and grueling working conditions, often working 12 to 15-hour days, six days a week. Actor Walter Jones, who played the Black Ranger, expressed disappointment and frustration, noting that the cast’s faces were used without fair compensation.

Haim Saban must be leading the talks. SMH…where has decency & respect gone. @DavidJFielding (the face of Zordon) had a similar experience. He worked one day on Power Rangers & the same footage was used in every MMPR episode. https://t.co/YXt3kjXUuz
— David Yost (@David_Yost) July 14, 2023

After the first season, the cast members were offered non-union contracts, prompting negotiations that resulted in Jones, Thuy Trang, and Austin St. John leaving the show. Yost later disclosed homophobic harassment he experienced from the show’s producers and crew. Amy Jo Johnson, who portrayed the Pink Ranger, acknowledged the low pay and dangerous stunts performed due to the show’s limited budget but expressed gratitude nonetheless. She humorously expressed her interest in being cast as a villain in any upcoming sequels, noting the benefits of union representation.

The strike initiated by SAG-AFTRA follows the Writers Guild of America’s strike that began on May 2. The dispute centers around the increasing use of AI in media production, which threatens the livelihood of actors and writers. SAG-AFTRA aims to secure fair residuals in the era of streaming, better wages, improved working conditions, and comprehensive health and pension coverage.

Despite negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), an agreement has not been reached, leading to the unified strike—the first since 1960—between these industry unions. SAG-AFTRA represents more than 160,000 professionals, while the WGA represents over 11,000 writers.