It has nothing to do with whom I like or don’t like. I happen to like Claire Foy AND Matt Smith. But producers pay their “stars”, based on audience popularity, and ability to make money, more than talent. Acting is full of outstanding character actors, but they don’t often get the lead, or anything close to the money the established “star” does.
But apparently you don't know much about the history of actors and actresses, to have made the statement you did, re "character actors"!
Guy Kibby was an EXCELLENT "character actor"; however, he DID have some STARRING ROLES. The same is true re many other old time American and yes, Brit actors and actresses!
Is it still true, today?
In America...no.
In the UK?
Hell yes, it is !
Many different things go into how much anyone and yes, everyone is paid; not just actors and actresses. And since Prince Phillip, whom Smith was horridly MISCAST for, is only a tangential part, of THE CROWN ( it is, after all, Queen Elizabeth II who wears the crown ! ) he must have one hell of an agent!
Are you claiming that Foy is a "character actress" ?
She's playing the lead and is NOT a niche actress, as Matt is, has other hefty roles under her belt, and probably has a "following" herself.
There are many reasons why actors are paid what they are. Some of it has to do with the unions - what is called scale. And many “prestige” productions will pay actors who are not at all popular with the public - a John Malkovich or a Nicholas Cage, for instance - because they are critics’ darlings or because the Harvey Weinsteins of the world like their work. There are a lot of different reasons why actors are paid what they are paid. Actors will often take a huge pay cut if they love the script.
Personally, it is a non-issue with me as I couldn’t care less what they make except they make too much these days.