Kate Hudson, the renowned A-list actor, recently made a surprising revelation on her podcast, Sibling Revelry: she still receives 10-cent residual checks for her uncredited role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. This nostalgic tidbit offers a glimpse into the world of residual payments and the enduring impact of classic films.
Hudson’s role in Home Alone 2 was a small, early-career cameo as a chorus girl, a fact that even she had seemingly forgotten until recently. Despite the brevity of her appearance, Hudson continues to receive these tiny checks, a testament to the enduring popularity of the beloved ’90s sequel.
Residual payments, once a significant source of income for actors, have evolved over the years, particularly with the rise of streaming platforms. While traditional factors like role size and production budget still play a role in determining residuals, the shift to streaming has introduced new challenges, as viewer numbers are often kept secret, resulting in smaller residual payouts.
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Despite the minimal amounts, Hudson and fellow actor Joey Lawrence, who also discussed his experiences with residual payments on the podcast, appreciate the fairness and honesty of the system. Lawrence, known for his roles in Gimmie a Break and Blossom, humorously remarked on receiving similarly tiny checks, sometimes as low as 2 cents.
This peek behind the scenes of the entertainment industry sheds light on the intricacies of residual payments and the ongoing impact of classic films like Home Alone 2. Hudson’s story serves as a reminder of the lasting influence of these timeless movies and the unexpected ways in which they continue to touch the lives of those involved in their creation.