ANTM Winner India Gants Reveals Truth Behind Prize Money

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India Gants knows what it takes to be on top—financially.

The winner of America’s Next Top Model explained how she spent the $100,000 she won on cycle 23 in 2017, sharing that she used all of the money within a year.

In a recent TikTok video, the winner explained that her prize from America’s Next Top Model was a $100,000 check with no taxes withheld. She used a large portion of the winnings – over $60,000 – to pay a year’s rent upfront on a New York City apartment, with her roommate agreeing to pay her monthly. She also mentioned using a real estate broker to help with the arrangement.

Besides buying a two-bedroom apartment, the 29-year-old also treated herself to Stuart Weitzman boots, the same style modeled by Gigi Hadid, and a celebratory dinner for her family and friends. However, she was surprised and unprepared when it came time to pay taxes on her winnings.

Okay, so I was SO sure winning America’s Next Top Model meant a constant flow of cash – like, $100,000 checks just rolling in! I honestly didn’t even think about saving any of the prize money because I figured I’d be making SO much more, you know? Turns out, I was completely, totally wrong. It’s just… taxes. Ugh!

I was so disappointed when India realized New York just wasn’t working for her modeling career. She made the brave decision to move to Los Angeles, but it really put her in a tough spot financially. Between getting a car, finding a new apartment, and all the moving expenses, she quickly went through all the money she’d won. It meant she was stuck with debts for a really long time, and honestly, it was heartbreaking to watch her struggle.

She initially believed earning $100,000 would become normal and that she’d easily cover the taxes. However, she quickly realized she couldn’t afford the tax bill and had to set up a payment plan, as she explained in a later TikTok video.

Looking back, India realizes she would have preferred to invest the money she won, but she’s still thankful for the valuable experience she had, even though it was expensive.

“It is what it is,” she lamented. “Do I regret it? Actually, probably yes, but the way I like to learn lessons is through making mistakes. So I definitely learned some good lessons, and learned a lot about finance and financial planning.”

I’ve been really fascinated to learn that so many celebrities are now openly talking about their finances. If you’re as curious as I am about what they’ve shared regarding their earnings, let’s dive in and see what they’ve said…

According to Joe Giudice, he and his ex-wife Teresa Giudice didn’t make much money during the first season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. He revealed on his daughter Gia’s Casual Chaos podcast in August 2025 that they earned around $25,000, which he considered a very small amount, but they accepted it.

Creating the initial season of the show wasn’t inexpensive. The father of four recalled, “I remember that first big party we threw in my living room. I think the whole season ended up costing me around $150,000.”

Although the winner of Dancing With the Stars doesn’t receive a cash prize, all finalists are paid through the end of the show, according to season 33 champion Jenna Johnson. She also mentioned that they receive a bonus on top of that.

Johnson explained that winning doesn’t come with a huge financial reward – it’s more about the trophy. Professional dancers’ earnings depend on how long they last in the competition, but reports suggest salaries start around $1,200 to $1,600 per episode, potentially reaching $100,000 for the entire season (though ABC hasn’t confirmed these figures). Celebrities, however, begin with a $125,000 salary, and can earn up to an additional $50,000 as they advance to the semifinals and finals.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood! It’s interesting to learn that Jennifer Lawrence earned a fantastic $25 million for her role in the hit comedy Don’t Look Up, directed by Adam McKay. However, her co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio, actually received $30 million for the same film. It just goes to show you how pay discrepancies can happen even among the biggest stars!

In an interview with Vanity Fair in December 2020/January 2021, Jennifer Lawrence acknowledged that Leonardo DiCaprio generally earns more at the box office than she does. While she’s happy with her own compensation, she’s observed a broader issue: it’s often awkward and difficult for women to ask for equal pay. And when they do point out a potential pay gap, they’re often told it’s not about gender, but without any specific explanation.

Jennifer Lawrence’s positive outlook on the issue came after a difficult battle. When the 2014 Sony email leak revealed she was paid less than her male co-stars in the 2013 film American Hustle, it sparked a widespread discussion about unequal pay for women in Hollywood.

In a 2017 interview with Channel 4 News, Jennifer Lawrence explained that she wasn’t worried about her income. She said, ‘I’m lucky to have the job I do, and it wasn’t the amount of money I made from movies that bothered me. I was upset by the larger issues of unfairness and inequality.’

Compared to Leonardo DiCaprio’s earnings, Jonah Hill received a relatively small $60,000 for his work in the 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street – before taxes and commissions. This is significantly less than the $10 million earned by the lead actor.

Hill remembered being offered very little money on The Howard Stern Show in 2014. However, he was eager to accept because it was an opportunity to be in a film directed by Martin Scorsese, and he wanted to finalize the agreement quickly before anyone reconsidered.

According to actor Jonah Hill, he’d be willing to make huge sacrifices – even sell his house and give away all his money – just to work with director Martin Scorsese. He explained that while films like 22 Jump Street help pay the bills, the real motivation should be passion. Hill, who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role as a frantic stockbroker, said he’d do it all over again and emphasized that doing work you believe in is more important than financial gain.

Oprah Winfrey happily accepted only a little bit of green to star in 1985’s The Color Purple.

You know, looking back, I once took a role in a film for just $35,000, and honestly, it was the best $35,000 I ever made. I shared this with Essence magazine recently. It really was a turning point for me, and I learned so much from the experience – it completely shifted things into a new gear.

Jennifer Lopez made history when she played the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 movie Selena. She was the first Latina actress to be paid $1 million for a film role.

Looking back on her first big film, Lopez told Variety in 2019 that she was very young and didn’t fully understand what was happening. She remembered being thrilled by the million-dollar offer and felt like the movie was a significant moment for everyone involved.

This success allowed her to earn hundreds of millions of dollars, and sometimes she doesn’t even have to invest any money of her own.

In a 2019 interview with GQ, Jennifer Lopez explained that she pursues projects out of passion, not just for financial gain. She shared that she even worked on Hustlers for free, also serving as a producer, because she believes in investing in herself and following her creative instincts – much like the spirit of her song Jenny From the Block.

Adrien Brody wasn’t motivated by money when he made The Brutalist. He chose the role of a struggling Hungarian architect in post-World War II America, and it ultimately earned him his second Best Actor Oscar, despite a salary of just $250,000.

Brody told Variety he’s ready for a big studio film, explaining he’s invested everything he has into renovating a unique property – a barn he describes as castle-like – in upstate New York.

Oh my god, can you believe Pete Davidson actually said that?! He was talking to New York magazine about how he spent his first paycheck from SNL – he started when he was just 20, back in 2014 – and he basically joked that they paid him around three thousand dollars per episode. And his big takeaway? He could afford dinner! Seriously, that’s what he said! It’s just…so Pete. I love him so much!

It’s notable that pay has stayed consistent for new cast members on Saturday Night Live. In 1975, original stars like John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase each made about $750 per episode. Adjusting for inflation, that’s roughly $3,300 in 2014, or about $4,428 in 2025.

Kenan Thompson earns considerably more than $3,000 per episode of SNL these days, especially since he’s been on the show for a remarkable 22 seasons. However, he began his career like everyone else, starting with smaller paychecks.

In Demi Lovato’s 2024 documentary, Child Star, a former cast member of All That shared that their first paycheck was $800. They joked that, being 12 at the time, it felt like a fortune – almost a million dollars.

It turns out Gilmore Girls’ status as a beloved rewatchable classic is literally priceless.

As someone who’s been in the industry for a while, I can tell you the streaming world works a little differently. I recently shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live that even with seven seasons of Gilmore Girls and then the revival, A Year in the Life, there aren’t traditional residuals from Netflix. But honestly? I’ve been more than compensated with all the love and appreciation from the fans, and that’s pretty priceless.

During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, actor Tommy Dorfman revealed details about her pay for the show 13 Reasons Why. The strike, along with the WGA strike, was largely caused by streaming services like Netflix not offering extra pay to actors and crew after a show became successful.

In a recent post on Threads, actress Katherine Dorfman revealed she earned $29,953.24 for her work on the first season of 13 Reasons Why before her agency, manager (a combined 20% fee), and taxes were taken out. She explained that this covered eight episodes filmed over six months. Dorfman also detailed the demanding conditions, saying she did all the promotional work, appeared on key art for the show, and traveled frequently between New York City and San Francisco to film, often working for days without pay or adequate insurance coverage.

Dorfman also noted that the show’s first season reached 476 million viewing hours in its first 28 days, which is the reason for the strike.

Okay, so I was listening to Dax’s podcast, and Lauren Graham was on, which was amazing already! But then Dax just casually dropped that he was, like, the lowest paid actor on Parenthood! He didn’t say exactly how much, or who else made more, just that he was definitely at the bottom of the list. I mean, Parenthood was incredible, and he was so good on it! It’s just… shocking to me that someone so talented would be paid so little, especially compared to everyone else. I’m obsessed with him, so naturally I’m a little upset about it! It just doesn’t seem fair.

But, the Armchair Expert host stressed that he did not mind.

Before becoming a parent, I always made it a priority to discover everyone’s salary at each job I held. I’d either ask directly or find out through my agent or other sources.

He deliberately avoided learning details about his family’s history with the company, which allowed him to appreciate the experience even when he started to realize his position within the organization’s hierarchy.

In 2005, George Clooney told the Los Angeles Times that he and Grant Heslov each only made a dollar from the film Good Night, and Good Luck. Clooney explained they had to essentially fund the movie themselves, with Clooney giving up his directing fee and acting salary to make it happen.

George Clooney’s passion project, a play about CBS News journalist Edward R. Murrow and his courageous reporting in the 1950s, proved to be a success. Clooney made his Broadway debut playing Murrow, finishing his run in June 2025. The play earned a record-breaking $3.3 million during previews before its official opening on April 3rd, demonstrating it was a significant financial success beyond just his salary.

Christian Bale revealed in a 2022 interview with GQ that he was paid very little for his iconic role as Patrick Bateman in the 2000 film American Psycho. He explained that the production wasn’t initially enthusiastic about casting him, and it was largely due to director Mary Harron that he got the part, resulting in him being paid only the legally required minimum wage.

Bale recounted earning so little money that he recalled makeup artists on set joking that he was paid less than they were.

Although his uncle was Rico, Jon Heder revealed in 2010 that he originally earned just $1,000 for his work in Napoleon Dynamite.

Once the unexpectedly successful comedy film took off, he was able to secure a share of the earnings. He told the New Zealand Herald that his cut was increased, saying, “They offered me a bit more.”

Okay, so Djimon Hounsou just said it – he’s totally underpaid! Can you believe it? This man has been in Amistad and Blood Diamond – two incredible films! – and he’s not getting what he deserves. Honestly, it’s outrageous! I mean, he’s a phenomenal actor, and Hollywood just doesn’t seem to recognize his value. I’m so frustrated for him! It’s just not fair, and I’ve been saying it for years!

The Beninese actor shared with CNN’s Larry Madowo in January 2025 that despite working in the film industry for over twenty years—and having received two Oscar nominations and starred in numerous blockbuster movies—he continues to struggle financially to support himself.

In her 2024 memoir, Rebel Rising, Rebel Wilson revealed she earned $3,500 for her work on Bridesmaids, but had to use the entire amount to pay her Screen Actors Guild initiation fees, meaning she effectively received no payment for the film.

Still, she wrote, the experience was “everything!”

The Australian actress’s career soared, and her salary increased dramatically from $65,000 for Pitch Perfect in 2012 to $10 million for Pitch Perfect 3 in 2017. She earned a total of $20 million from Pitch Perfect 3, Isn’t It Romantic, and The Hustle. However, after paying nearly 50% in taxes, 10% to her agents, and 5% to her lawyer, along with other professional fees, she still considered her earnings a huge success.

In late 2017, Ellen Pompeo successfully negotiated a new contract for her role on Grey’s Anatomy. She secured $575,000 per episode, a substantial signing bonus, and a stake in the show’s profits estimated to be worth between $6 and $7 million.

As someone who’s been navigating this industry for a while – I’m 48 now – I’ve finally reached a point where I feel comfortable asking for what I’m worth. It’s funny, that confidence really does seem to come with age! Let’s be real, I’m aware the industry doesn’t always see me as the ‘it’ girl, especially after playing the same character for fourteen years. But here’s what I’ve learned: anyone can shine in the first couple seasons of a show. The real test? Can you still deliver a great performance after fourteen years? That, my friends, is a true skill.

Ellen Pompeo recently thought about the fact that she consistently earned less than her “Grey’s Anatomy” costar, Patrick Dempsey, despite being the show’s titular character. However, she says she doesn’t resent him for his higher salary.

In a March 2025 episode of her podcast, Call Her Daddy, she explained that she felt she deserved equal recognition, considering the show was named after her. She wasn’t upset that someone else received success, but rather that her contributions weren’t valued as much, and she believed that would always be the case.

Jamie Lee Curtis remembers earning $2,000 per week, totaling $8,000, for her first movie, the 1978 film Halloween. As she explained to Rotten Tomatoes in 2018, practically no one involved in the film received substantial payment.

Although the actress playing Laurie Strode made a good amount of money – around four figures – director John Carpenter’s friend, Nick Castle, felt like he was living large earning $25 a day to share the role of Michael Myers. (Actually, it’s Anthony Moran whose face you briefly see when the killer’s mask comes off, and editor Tommy Lee Wallace also appeared on screen as Michael.)

Looking back, it was quite an experience,” said Castle, who went to film school with Carpenter at USC. He explained to Vanity Fair in 2018 that he was initially drawn to the project simply to observe the filmmaking process and learn how directing worked. “I figured I’d be a fly on the wall, working for free,” he said, “but I ended up getting paid $25 a day just to wear a rubber mask!”

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always said knowing your worth is crucial, and Taraji P. Henson perfectly embodies that! She was nominated for an Oscar for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ but what really stuck with her wasn’t just the recognition. She initially asked for $500,000 for the part, but the producers only offered $150,000, which she reluctantly accepted. Even years later, she still felt a little frustrated about not getting the compensation she originally knew she deserved – and honestly, who wouldn’t?

In a 2021 interview on the Ladies First With Laura Brown podcast, producer Dede Henson explained that Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett each earned around $20 million for the film. She noted that large salaries like that were common at the time and that both actors deserved the compensation they received.

She explained that she was also bringing value to the project and believed her salary request was reasonable, considering how much the film would likely earn from ticket sales. She wouldn’t have accepted less. Taraji P. Henson said she was devastated when they initially offered her only $100,000. In the end, she negotiated her salary up to $150,000, but it was difficult to accept, even with the increased amount.

Henson understands some people might think $150,000 is a lot of money, but she wants to be clear she’s not ungrateful. However, after taxes and paying her team, the actual amount she’s left with is significantly less. She estimates that after the government takes its share, and she pays her team, she might only have around $40,000 remaining from the initial $150,000.

Let’s talk about Cate Blanchett’s success! While The Lord of the Rings was a massive hit – earning nearly $3 billion worldwide – it’s a common misconception that Galadriel is where all her wealth comes from. She’s built a truly impressive career with a lot of different roles, and that’s what’s really contributed to her financial success, not just one iconic part.

When Andy Cohen suggested on Watch What Happens Live in August 2024 that The Lord of the Rings was her most lucrative role, she playfully disagreed. She explained that the cast didn’t actually make any money from the film—she joked that she was mostly paid in free sandwiches and got to keep her prosthetic ears.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by behind-the-scenes stories, and this one is a real eye-opener! Apparently, the pay wasn’t quite what you’d expect for a massive franchise like Lord of the Rings. Orlando Bloom actually revealed on The Howard Stern Show last year that he earned just $175,000 for his work as Legolas across all three films. It really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?

Hopefully he also got to keep his ears.

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2026-02-23 20:29