Ryan Gosling is probably Canada’s finest export after maple syrup. From pumping up our adrenaline in films like Blade Runner 2049 to robbing our hearts in The Notebook and being the man we all deserve in Barbie, Ryan Gosling has done it all. On top of it all, the man sings. Of course, he does. Over the years, he has proven time and time again that he is wholeheartedly committed to his craft, even if it means doing a film for the story despite a low paycheck.
In 2006, Ryan Gosling starred in the Oscar-nominated film, Half Nelson, along with Anthony Mackie. While the former’s salary was low, the latter’s was somehow even lower, but it looks like he doesn’t mind it at all. After all, being a “working actor” means much more to him than cashing in checks.
How much did Anthony Mackie make for Half Nelson?
Half Nelson is the story of a troubled middle-school teacher, Dan (Ryan Gosling). The film revolves around him and his friendship with a student who discovers his drug habit. Anthony Mackie plays the role of Frank, a local drug dealer.
During his appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Mackie opened up about two types of actors – one who wants to be a celebrity and one who wants to be a working actor.
For those who fall in the former category, the Captain America: Brave New World actor has a piece of advice – go to Los Angeles and find a famous lady to date. As for the others, they must power through even if the paycheck doesn’t look too enticing.
Mackie said,
That’s what I always tell young actors. The question is whether you want to be a working actor or a celebrity. If you want to be a celebrity, go to LA and be a f*cking celebrity. Date a Kardashian, have a great time
Things might be a little different for “working actors” though. According to Mackie, a paycheck should be the last thing young actors worry about. He even recalled how he got paid $65 a day for Half Nelson.
Mackie said, “…But if you want to be a working actor that’s a different thing. When I did ‘Half Nelson,’ Ryan [Gosling] got nominated for an Oscar, I got paid $65 a day to do that movie.” And how much did his co-star make?
Ryan Gosling’s paycheck for Half Nelson
Despite being the lead actor of the film, Gosling didn’t receive a hefty check for his work as Dan.
Half Nelson was made on a production budget of a mere $700,000, and the film went on to make almost $5 million at the box office (via The Numbers). While Mackie made $65 a day for playing Frank, Gosling’s reported salary was somewhere between $1000 to $1280 per week, according to MoneySense and News.com.au.
Apparently, the film wrapped up in just 23 days, which means Gosling was paid somewhere around $3,200 or so for it. Despite the low income, the role sure paid off in unimaginable ways, earning Gosling his very first Oscar nomination.
Talking to The List about the film, Gosling revealed that it allowed him to relate to the characters’ struggle, even if not directly.
You know how in movies people realize stuff about themselves and are able to implement it into their lives. Well, I’ve never been able to do that and I don’t think I’m alone in that. What I felt about ‘Half Nelson’ was that I could relate to the day to day struggles of the characters, even if the specifics are different from my own struggles
$65 or $1000, it is clear that both Mackie and Gosling felt something after reading the script and decided to give it a green light, even if they would be getting pocket change for their work. And if this isn’t what Mackie meant by wanting to be a working actor, we don’t know what is.
Passion project or a wild ride they couldn’t resist, both actors saw something special in it – money be damned!
Half Nelson is available to watch on Peacock Premium.
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