**Kay Hanley Seeks Missing Residuals from ‘Josie and the Pussycats’ Amid Support from Fans**
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Singer Kay Hanley, known for her work with the Boston alt-rock band Letters to Cleo, recently spoke out about her quest to recover unpaid residuals from the cult classic film *Josie and the Pussycats*. The 2001 movie featured Hanley’s vocal talents as Josie while Rachael Leigh Cook played the character on-screen, yet the singer claims she has only received a meagre $1,500 for her contributions since its release.
In a candid conversation with *People*, Hanley shared that the absence of residual payments has placed her health insurance on the line. Her concerns were heightened when she posted a tweet on June 18, encouraged by friends, revealing her struggles with missing payments from SAG-AFTRA, the union for screen actors and voice performers. “I really didn’t mean to turn this into a thing,” she reflected, admitting the overwhelming support she received from the community following her statement.
Hanley, now 57, began her journey into the realm of film music when her friend Dave Gibbs, a member of the Gigolo Aunts, recommended her for the role of Josie. Initially, the producers had cast a different singer, but after testing, Hanley was brought in to provide the vocals for the film’s soundtrack, which features original songs from notable artists including Babyface and Fountains of Wayne. The singer noted that, while Cook performed as Josie, it was her voice that drove many of the film’s best-known tracks, such as “3 Small Words” and “Pretend to Be Nice.”
Despite her involvement in the project, Hanley has faced difficulties with incomplete compensation stemming from a reported oversight by the film’s producers. She asserts that her residual payments ceased in 2009, and that she was not rewarded adequately for her extensive vocal work. “I was supposed to get payments through SAG, but they stopped coming,” she declared, revealing that she only discovered this year that she was effectively left behind as SAG had issues with overpayment claims from the producers.
Frustrated with the lack of communication from SAG and the film industry, Hanley initiated discussions with SAG in hopes of finding clarity. She explained her annual earnings are closely tied to her health benefits and pension points, which, without proper residuals, she fears she will not meet. “At the end of 2025, I started doing the math, and I was like, ‘I don’t think I’m going to make it,’” Hanley lamented.
Despite the legal and logistical complexities of her situation, which includes rummaging through mountains of paperwork to establish her claims, Hanley remains determined to resolve the issue. “Everything’s on paper; there’s no digital form of any of this stuff,” she recounted, affirming her experience as a small business owner has prepared her well for such challenges.
In light of the film’s 25th anniversary, Hanley has been heartened by the passionate fanbase surrounding *Josie and the Pussycats*. “It’s kind of unbelievable…People just really care about *Josie and the Pussycats* on a visceral level,” she remarked. Hanley has expressed gratitude for the support received from the community, adding that it has been a source of motivation in her fight for fair treatment.
While she is still navigating the complexities of her claims, Hanley is hopeful about a positive resolution. “I would like people to know that this, for me, is just another week, and I will get it done one phone call at a time, one email at a time,” she stated, conveying her intent to pursue the matter until the situation is resolved.
Representatives from Universal, MGM, and SAG-AFTRA have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Hanley’s situation. As the singer continues her battle for recognition and payment, her story serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked challenges faced by artists in the entertainment industry.