Seann William Scott, recognized globally for his portrayal of Steve Stifler in the 1999 comedy blockbuster American Pie, has recently revealed his small paycheck from the iconic film during an interview on a TV chat show.
Scott’s surprising disclosure, along with other actors’ experiences shared in light of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, helps to spotlight the glaring pay disparity issues plaguing Hollywood.
Scott recounted that he was paid a mere $8,000 to start work on the movie that turned out to be a tremendous box-office hit, amassing $235 million worldwide, and eventually defining an entire generation of moviegoers. While such a figure may seem paltry compared to the film’s earnings, it was a considerable amount for the then-rising star. Scott recalled spending part of the money on a secondhand Thunderbird car. But the rest of the funds seemed to vanish, Scott quipped, as he later found himself working at the LA Zoo selling churros. The budget, thus, may have been even lower than the stated $8,000.
As this revelation resurfaces amidst the two-pronged Hollywood strike, it reminds us of the meager compensation that the industry pays its actors, even for roles that eventually become breakthrough performances. The seemingly negligible pay that Scott received for his iconic role is a testament to an industry often willing to pay as little as possible, especially for a nascent talent looking for their big break.
Thankfully, the first American Pie wasn’t the end of Scott’s time with the franchise. Despite receiving modest compensation, Scott reprised his role in multiple sequels, starring in American Pie 2, American Wedding, and American Reunion, as well as being an overarching presence that’s often referenced and mentioned in other entries.
It was later reported that Scott and his co-star, Jason Biggs, negotiated their salaries with each new appearance, getting a whopping $5 million each for their roles in American Reunion.
Scott’s narrative paints a vivid picture of Hollywood’s endemic wage disparity. Yet, his humble beginnings are integral to his narrative, a tale that helps humanize one of comedy’s most cherished characters. His story is also a testament to how actors aren’t guaranteed hefty payouts upfront, especially for fresh intellectual properties. Even as Hollywood debates about fair compensation and financial practices, actors like Scott have begun sharing their stories, shedding light on the industry’s often less glamorous reality.
Beyond this, Scott has also hinted at the possibility of a fifth “American Pie” film. He mentioned that discussions had started about a potential storyline featuring Stifler navigating life in his mid-forties, a world significantly transformed since his high school days. Yet, regardless of where this beloved character ends up, it’s essential to remember the journey that began with a used Thunderbird car and a job at the LA Zoo.
Meanwhile, the strikes against major Hollywood productions continue, spotlighting the issue of wage disparity. In addition to Scott, other actors such as Devon Sawa and John Cusack have come forward with their experiences of pay discrepancies, while Orange Is the New Black actress Kimiko Glenn has highlighted the struggles of Netflix cast members still having to maintain second jobs despite starring on a hit series. Even Mandy Moore, one of Hollywood’s biggest superstars, wasn’t spared from the same issues for her starring role in This is Us.
As these narratives unfold, it’s becoming increasingly evident that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often belie financial struggles faced by those who make the magic happen on screen.
As Hollywood grapples with these issues, one can only hope that it will eventually pave the way for a fairer, more equitable industry, where the monetary value of an actor’s contribution is recognized and compensated appropriately, regardless of their career stage. After all, every actor, be it a fledgling star or an industry stalwart, deserves a fair share of the pie.
