In a recent interview, actor Chris Pine recalled how landing a role in the 2004 movie “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” was a major turning point in his career.
Pine shared that he was driving and got a call from his agents telling him he had booked the part of Nicholas Devereaux in the film, which was a sequel to the 2001 hit “The Princess Diaries” starring Anne Hathaway.
“I pulled over and they said ‘You’re getting paid $65,000,'” Pine recounted. “It felt like they told me I’d made $50 million. It was absolutely earth-shattering.”
In the movie, Pine played one of Princess Mia’s potential suitors who falls for her. Though a supporting role, it was pivotal for the then-unknown actor.
“I just knew in that moment my life had changed somehow,” he said of hearing about his $65,000 payday, which ultimately amounted to around $15,000 after taxes.
Prior to “Princess Diaries 2,” Pine had only booked some commercials and a small part on the TV show “ER.” But this was his first major movie job that made him feel like a working actor.
The sizeable paycheck was especially meaningful as Pine said he only had around $400 in his bank account at the time and had considered asking his parents for financial help.
“That money lasted no time at all,” he laughed. “But that feeling was wild. I’ll never forget it.”
The role kicked off Pine’s rise in Hollywood, leading to starring roles in blockbusters like the “Star Trek” and “Wonder Woman” films in later years.