In an interview on 'Sunday Sitdown With Willie Geist', the 'Star Trek actor reflects on how his role in 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement' transformed his life and career.
- May 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - From the moment Chris Pine received a life-changing phone call on his tiny Verizon flip phone, his journey from financial insecurity to Hollywood stardom began to unfold. Speaking on the May 5 episode of "Sunday Sitdown With Willie Geist", Pine shared the pivotal moment that not only ushered in a significant upturn in his career but also in his financial status.
The job in question was his role as Nicholas Devereaux in the 2004 hit film, "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement", a sequel to Anne Hathaway's breakthrough movie, which brought the realities of Genovian royalty into the hearts of its audience.
Pine humorously recalled pulling over to the side of the freeway, overwhelmed by the news of his $65,000 paycheck for the role, a figure that seemed astronomical at the time. "It was like they had just told me I'd made $50 million. It was absolutely earth-shattering,” he expressed.
However, the journey to this moment wasn't devoid of its challenges. Before his casting in "Princess Diaries 2", Pine's career consisted primarily of commercials and minor appearances in shows like "ER", "The Guardian" and "CSI: Miami".
Despite the original sum dwindling to around $15,000 after various deductions, this payday was crucial for Pine at a time when his finances were deeply in the red, to the extent of having an overdrafted bank account. "I had an overdraft in my bank account, it was like $400 over. I was gonna have to ask my parents for money," Pine shared, illustrating the dire financial straits he found himself in before his big break.
Chris Pine's recount of his career milestone emphasizes not just a significant personal achievement but also underscores the unpredictable nature of success in the acting world. Today, Chris Pine is better recognized for his roles in major franchises and films such as "Wonder Woman", "Into the Woods", and "Star Trek". With his directorial debut "Poolman" also making waves, Pine's journey from struggling actor to Hollywood mainstay is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, opportunities, and the unexpected turns life can take.
As young people, often facing our crossroads, Pine’s narrative serves not just as an entertainment anecdote but as a beacon of hope, reminding us that sometimes, our life-changing moment is just a phone call away.
