American Pie’s Funniest Actor Got Paid Almost Nothing To Be In The Movie
American Pie actor Seann William Scott says he took home a measly $8,000 for his role as Stifler in the 1999 blockbuster. The film went on to earn $ 235 million at the global box office. The actor made the revelation on The Rich Eisen Show, explaining that it was a lot of money for him at the time, which prompted him to make one big purchase.
Seann William Scott, who portrayed Stifler in American Pie, earned $8000 for his role in the film.
“I remember afterward I bought a used Thunderbird for like $5000 or maybe $6000, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, baby,’” the American Pie actor said via Deadline. “I don’t know what happened to the other $2000 because I ended up having to work at the LA Zoo as a churro guy, so maybe it was even less than $8000,” he added.
However, American Pie was a turning point in Seann William Scott’s career. After portraying spirited lacrosse player Steve Stifler, he remained actively involved in the successful teen comedy franchise. His performance in the 2012 film American Reunion reportedly earned him $5 million. The actor recently reprised the role for a DoorDash commercial alongside Jason Biggs.
Directed by Paul Weitz from a script by Adam Herz, American Pie is often considered one of the most influential teen comedies of its time. The story focuses on a group of high school friends, Jim Levenstein (Jason Biggs), Chris “Oz” Ostreicher (Chris Klein), Kevin Myers (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Paul Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas), and Steve Stifler (Seann William Scott).
“I remember afterward I bought a used Thunderbird for like $5000 or maybe $6000, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, baby.” I don’t know what happened to the other $2000 because I ended up having to work at the LA Zoo as a churro guy, so maybe it was even less than $8000.”
Seann William Scott
As they approach their senior year, they make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. Throughout the film, the characters navigate humorous and awkward situations in their pursuit of sexual experiences. Jim, in particular, has a series of embarrassing encounters, including being caught masturbating by his parents.
Oz tries to impress a girl named Heather (Mena Suvari) by joining the school choir, while Kevin deals with relationship issues with his girlfriend, Vicky (Tara Reid). Finch engages in rumors about his sexual prowess, and Stifler (Seann William Scott) contributes his raunchy, party-loving attitude to the group dynamic.
As the American Pie unfolds, the friends learn valuable lessons about relationships and sex.
American Pie was a box office success, surpassing expectations and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The film was made with a relatively modest budget of around $11 million but went on to gross over $235 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1999. Critical reception was mixed but generally positive.
Some praised American Pie’s humor, heart, and portrayal of teenage sexuality, while others criticized the film for its crude humor and perceived lack of depth. Despite the divided reviews, the movie gained popularity among teenagers and young adults who related to the awkwardness and challenges of adolescence seen in the film.
The success of American Pie led to the creation of several sequels, including American Pie 2, American Wedding, and American Reunion, which continued the adventures of the main characters as they navigated adulthood.
Seann William Scott After American Pie
Seann William Scott went on to star in popular films such as Dude Where’s My Car, Final Destination, and Road Trip, which were all released in 2000. He also appeared in 2001’s Evolution, The Dukes of Hazzard in 2005, Mr. Woodcock in 2007, and Role Models in 2008. He also voiced Crash in four Ice Age animated feature films and two Ice Age television specials.
