Patricia Clarkson stars as Lilly Ledbetter in “Lilly,” a biopic detailing her fight for equal pay. Learn about her legacy and the film’s release.
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Have questions about the Equal Pay Act’s face behind it?
People is exclusively sharing the first view of Lilly Ledbetter’s powerful narrative as it finds its way on film.
In “Lilly,” Patricia Clarkson takes on the role of the well-known equal pay rights activist, illuminating her difficult legal fight against Goodyear, which finally made it before the Supreme Court.
What drove Ledbetter’s battle?
Ledbetter, who passed away in October 2024 at 86, found a startling discrepancy after 19 years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber: she was making thousands less than her male counterparts for the same work.
In the trailer she says, “Sometimes in life you hit a turning point.”
Her quest of justice started with an office accident and a dismissive remark made by a male colleague.
Did she prevail in her court fight?
She followed initially. In 2003, a federal court decided she owed damages and back pay totaling $3.8 million.
Goodyear appealed, though, and the Supreme Court squared off in 2007.
Citing Ledbetter’s non-filing of her lawsuit within 180 days of the first instance of unequal pay, the justices decided 5-4 against her.
But did her fight finish there?
Not exactly. Ledbetter developed into a potent champion of female equality.
Her advocacy directly produced the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, President Barack Obama’s first signed legislation, which simplified worker lawsuit procedures for pay discrimination.
How does Clarkson view his performance of Ledbetter?
65-year-old Clarkson sees “a gift” in having Ledbetter’s “unique and universal” story come alive.
She describes the emotional response her late mother took at learning the news.
“My mother started crying and said, ‘Oh my God, Patty,’ when I told her I was playing Lilly Ledbetter.
You will be playing a wonderful American woman.” Clarkson stresses Ledbetter’s sacrifices and the need of her legacy.
People have to know what this lady did for us. Her campaigning is for everyone of us. On her shoulders we all stand. We have to all be grateful.
Quick Facts: Lilly Ledbetter Biopic
- In “Lilly,” Patricia Clarkson plays Lilly Ledbetter.
- The movie traces Ledbetter’s legal struggle against Goodyear.
- Activism by Ledbetter resulted in the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act.
- Clarkson says she presents Ledbetter as “a gift.”
- May 9 sees “Lilly” open in theatres.