After 25 years, the voice behind Josie and the Pussycats (2001) is calling out SAG-AFTRA over missing residual payments.
Kay Hanley, the Letters to Cleo frontwoman who provided the singing vocals for the character of Josie, recently shared her experience trying to obtain residuals and health insurance through SAG after the film’s producers allegedly failed to submit her paperwork to the union.
“I’m not being paid residuals for my singing on Josie & the Pussycats bc film producers failed to provide paperwork to @sagaftra for my 20+ vocal sessions in 2000,” wrote Hanley on X. “SAG says I had 2 years (??) to report but I found out this year. Didn’t hit [2025] earnings. l lose my health [insurance] July 1.”
Although the 2001 big-screen adaptation of the Archie Comic only grossed $14.8 million when it was first released, the camp, stylized comedy has earned a massive cult following over the years, thanks to its fierce takedown of capitalism through subliminal messaging, in-your-face product placement and an iconic original soundtrack, performed by Hanley.
The movie, which recently marked its milestone 25th anniversary, also featured a perfect ensemble, including Rachael Leigh Cook as Josie, Rosario Dawson as Val and Tara Reid as Mel, as well as Alan Cumming and Parker Posey as evil Mega Records execs Wyatt and Fiona.
Hanley has been the lead singer and songwriter for Letters to Cleo since 1990, also appearing on the soundtracks for The Craft (1996) and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), in which she also made a musical cameo as herself.
