“Love Actually” Cast: What We Know About Hugh Grant’s Salary for Richard Curtis’ Timeless Classic
- 'Love Actually' compensated its actors in surprising ways.
- Some actors earned millions, while others received a modest sum.
- But every role contributed to making the movie unforgettable.
Love Actually is a Christmas classic we can’t stop watching. Made on a $45 million budget, it earned $246 million worldwide, making it one of the top 10 highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time.
From Hugh Grant dancing as the Prime Minister to Claudia Schiffer’s brief but unforgettable cameo, this film has something for everyone. But have you ever wondered how much the cast earned?
Some actors made millions, while others got surprisingly modest paychecks. Let’s dive into the numbers and see who cashed in big and who didn’t.
Hugh Grant’s million dollar salary for Love Actually
Hugh Grant was already a romantic comedy legend by the time he joined Love Actually. Playing the charming and slightly awkward British Prime Minister, David, his performance added heart and humor to the film.
Who can forget his iconic dance scene to The Pointer Sisters’ Jump? Embarrassing, maybe. Iconic, absolutely (check it out on YouTube). According to multiple reports, for this role, Hugh Grant reportedly earned $5 million for playing the Prime Minister in this timeless classic.
His chemistry with Martine McCutcheon, who played his love interest Natalie, was a highlight of the movie. It’s safe to say his paycheck was well-earned, and his role remains one of the most memorable parts of the film.
Emma Thompson’s powerful role in Love Actually
Emma Thompson gave a powerful performance as Karen, a wife who discovers her husband’s infidelity. However, despite being a two-time Academy Award winner, Thompson didn’t earn a huge paycheck for this movie. She revealed during an interview on The Tonight Show that her pay was modest. The actress told Jimmy Fallon:
That was 20 years ago. I don’t think I was very well paid for that. There was that terrible trailer with the loo that really stank and had that sort of… That’s the things you remember, not the good ones.
Even though Love Actually was a low-budget project for her, Thompson’s role added incredible depth and emotion to the film.
Claudia Schiffer’s massive salary revealed
Claudia Schiffer didn’t have much screen time, but her role left an impression. Playing the love interest of Liam Neeson’s character, she appeared for just 60 seconds. But her paycheck? According to FandomWire, it’s a whopping $350,000 for that brief cameo.
Schiffer’s role hit at the perfect time, adding a touch of hope and joy to Neeson’s grieving character. It shows how even small roles can leave a big mark. For Schiffer, it was a paycheck that proved supermodels don’t settle for small earnings.
Bill Nighy’s breathtaking performance in Love Actually
Bill Nighy stole the show as Billy Mack, the washed-up rock star with no filter. His hilarious and heartfelt performance turned him into a fan favorite. His character’s cheesy but catchy song, Christmas Is All Around, became a comedic highlight of the film.
While Nighy’s paycheck for Love Actually wasn’t massive, the movie completely changed his career. He won a BAFTA for his performance and revealed in an interview with The i that his salary quintupled after the film’s release. He also shared that he no longer had to audition for roles, which is a dream come true for any actor. Here’s what he said.
The biggest developments were that what I was paid for a job quintupled and I never had to audition again. If you asked any actor what their top five things to wish for, one of them would be, ‘Please don’t let me have to audition any more.
Billy Mack’s charm and humor really lit up the movie. Whether he was swearing on live radio or giving heartwarming advice, Nighy made him a character you’ll never forget.
Love Actually is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video!
