Highlights
- Hugh Grant’s iconic dance scene in Love Actually was initially met with resistance from the actor, who believed it would be excruciating to film.
- Grant went to great lengths to avoid filming the scene, making excuses and even faking an ankle injury, but ultimately had to complete it.
- Despite his initial reservations, Grant’s dance scene became one of the most memorable and beloved moments in his career.
Working in Hollywood means doing things that you’re not necessarily fond of. Leonardo DiCaprio refused to read lines during an audition, and other stars have said “no” to other things on set.
High Grant has been in Hollywood for decades, and he’s been known to have an attitude about particular things. While filming the holiday hit, Love Actually, Grant was penned to film a dancing scene. Scenes like this are nothing new in movies, of course, but Grant was against the idea.
Over the years, stories have come out about the making of the film, and it has been revealed that Grant was so against the scene, that he went to some extreme lengths to get out of filming it.
Hugh Grant Didn’t Want To Do His Iconic Dance Scene, And Faked An Injury
Hugh Grant, someone not known for being fleet of foot, knew deep down that his dancing scene in Love Actually was going to be “excruciating.”
“I thought, that’s going to be excruciating, and it has the power to be the most excruciating scene ever committed to celluloid,” the star said.
A bit dramatic, but Grant is no dancer.
Separately, Grant had talked to Diane Sawyer about the experience, and he was adamant that he was not going to do it.
“I saw it in the script and I thought, ‘Well, I’ll hate doing that.’ I didn’t fancy doing the dance at all, let alone rehearsing it” the actor revealed.
Grant was so against doing the scene, that he was using everything in his power to get out of it, save for flat-out refusing and causing a problem behind the scenes. Hugh Grant recalled his hatred of learning the Love Actually dance.
According to Smooth Radio, “Love Actually’s writer and director Richard Curtis added that Hugh kept making excuses during each day of filming to delay shooting the iconic dancing prime minister scene. Hugh had a long list of things that stopped him from filming – these include a fake ankle injury and making claims that he needed extra time to learn his lines.”
Curtis also noted that, “I think he was hoping I’d get ill or something and we’d say, ‘Oh, well, what a shame, we’ll have to lose that dancing sequence,” per Deadline.
Grant, of course, ultimately filmed the scene, but he has spoken out about what it was like. If his words have any truth to them, then we almost have to feel bad for the actor.
“Imagine you’re a grumpy 40-year-old Englishman, it’s 7 o’clock in the morning and you’re stone-cold sober…it’s absolute hell,” the star said.
Co-star, Colin Firth, confirmed that Grant wasn’t excited about filming the scene.
“I do remember him making a terrible fuss about the dance,” Firth said.
The best part of it all? The scene is nothing short of iconic, and Grant turned in an overall brilliant performance.
Love Actually Turned Out To Be A Major Hit, While Hugh Grant’s Dancing Scene Was Praised
Hugh Grant’s charismatic portrayal as the British Prime Minister, particularly his iconic dance scene to the tune of “Jump (For My Love)” by the Pointer Sisters, became an enduring moment in cinematic history. The sequence showcased Grant’s charm and comedic timing, leaving a lasting impression on audiences, often mentioned as one of the film’s standout scenes.
Released in 2003, Love Actually is a heartwarming romantic comedy film directed and written by Richard Curtis. Set in London, the movie weaves together the interconnected stories of various characters dealing with love and its many facets during the Christmas season.
The film was widely embraced by audiences and critics alike. It became a box office hit, grossing over $246 million worldwide against a budget that was relatively manageable. Its success can be attributed to the stellar cast, the touching portrayal of interconnected relationships, and the delightful holiday setting that resonated with viewers across various demographics.
In terms of reception, Love Actually garnered a generally positive response from critics. Many praised the film for its ensemble cast, multiple storylines, and the overall feel-good factor it exuded. The intertwining narratives, while diverse in nature, collectively painted a picture of the complexities of love, ranging from unrequited feelings and forbidden love to the warmth of friendship and family bonds.
The film’s legacy remains significant. Its enduring popularity, especially during the holiday season, has solidified its place as a beloved classic among romantic comedies. It’s frequently revisited by audiences, becoming a staple for those seeking a heartwarming and entertaining experience.
Hugh Grant might have hated every moment of prep and filming for his iconic dance scene, but there is no denying that it was completely worth it. He was able to get it done, and it became one of the most recognizable moments of his entire career. He even dusted off his dancing shoes for some of his work in Music and Lyrics with Drew Barrymore. That scene, however, it not as iconic as the one that he was so against doing.
Source: NewsFinale
