13 cases when actors received unusually small fees for their roles (16 photos)

In the world of cinema, actors' fees often become the subject of widespread discussion and attention. How else? After all, it is a real wonder when an actor or actress receives a multimillion-dollar profit even for minor efforts. However, there are many cases where popular stars agreed to incredibly small salaries for quite complex and outstanding acting work.



These unique situations demonstrate not only their dedication to the art, but also their willingness to invest in a role for the sake of creative challenge or the importance of the story. Today we will look at several iconic examples where actors, despite their fame, chose to work on a project solely for its creative value, ignoring the possibility of high earnings.

"The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013)



Performer: Jonah Hill

Fee: 60 thousand dollars

By the way, Leonardo DiCaprio's salary was $10 million.

"Half Nelson" (2006)





Performer: Ryan Gosling

Fee: 25 thousand dollars

The actor received only a thousand dollars a week for filming.

"Star Wars. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)



Performer: Harrison Ford

Fee: 10 thousand dollars

"Rushmore Academy" (1998)



Performed by: Bill Murray

Fee: 9 thousand dollars

"Thelma and Louise" (1991)



Performer: Brad Pitt

Fee: 6 thousand dollars

Of course, the more important roles went to Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. However, Pitt’s merits should not be underestimated.

"Winter's Bone" (2010)



Performer: Jennifer Lawrence

Fee: 3 thousand dollars

At the beginning of her career, Jennifer Lawrence agreed to extremely modest fees. The role of Debra Granik, for which she was paid very little, opened the door to large-scale and multimillion-dollar projects. Surely the actress does not regret anything.

"Canyons" (2013)



Played by: Lindsay Lohan

Fee: $2300

Lindsay Lohan was reportedly paid just $100 a day. Filming lasted 23 days.

"Napoleon Dynamite" (2004)



Performed by: Jon Heder

Fee: $1000

However, after the film became a box office hit, the actor successfully negotiated a percentage of the profits.

"Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974)



Performed by: Gunnar Hansen

Fee: $800

Gunnar Hansen played the villain nicknamed "Leatherface".

"Home Alone" (1990)



Performer: John Candy

Fee: $414

Yes, Candy's role was very small. And this despite the fact that the film's budget was as much as $18 million.

"Halloween" (1978)



Performed by: Nick Castle

Fee: $525

Nick Castle received $25 a day for his role as Michael Myers. Filming was completed in 21 days.

"Good Night and Good Luck" (2005)



Performer: George Clooney

Fee: $3

The actor not only played the main role, but also acted as a screenwriter and director of his own project. He asked for $1 for each position. George Clooney had to mortgage his own house to cover all the expenses of filming. Of course, after the success of the film, George Clooney was able to receive more than $120 thousand.

"Hustlers" (2019)



Performer: Jennifer Lopez

Fee: Free

Jennifer also produced this film.

I do all these things because I love them. I didn't get paid a ton of money for Hustlers. I produced it and starred absolutely for free. I always rely only on myself and do what I want and love.

"Always Say Yes" (2008)



Performer: Jim Carrey

Fee: Free

Yes, Kerry was not paid for filming. However, he hedged his bets and instead asked for 36.2 percent of box office receipts after all production and advertising costs were recouped.

"The Wicker Man" (1973)



Performed by: Christopher Lee

Fee: Free

The actor called this role one of the greatest in his career.