10 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Love Actually’

By Katie Colley. 7 Nov 2018 10:17 AM

The 2003 hit romantic comedy “Love Actually” remains a holiday staple, and if you haven’t caught the film yet this season, it will surely make an appearance on TV at some point in December. Here are 10 things you might not “actually” know about the holiday staple.

Universal Pictures

The Airport Footage Featured Real People

Universal Pictures

Olivia Olson Was Offered Record Deals After The Movie

Universal Pictures

Thomas Brodie-Sangster Learned To Play The Drums For His Role

Universal Pictures

Universal Studios

Universal Studios

The Lake That Jamie And Aurelia Dove Into Was Only 45 Centimetres Deep

Universal Pictures

Aurelia’s Underwear Choice Was A Major Debate

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Four Plots Were Cut From The Film
Universal Pictures
Writer-director Richard Curtis originally intended for 14 separate love stories but it was cut down to 10. Two of the cut storylines were already filmed, involving an African and lesbian couple. The other two were cut before production.
The Airport Footage Featured Real People
Universal Pictures
The footage of loved ones greeting one another in the opening and closing scenes of the film was made possible with hidden cameras at Heathrow Airport. When something worth using was caught on camera, the crew would run over and have the individuals sign a waiver.
Olivia Olson Was Offered Record Deals After The Movie
Universal Pictures
The girl who played Joanna and sang a jaw-dropping version of “All I Want For Christmas” was offered record deals – at the age of 10! Olson blew away the casting team and got the role over 200 girls who auditioned. The director had the editors make her voice sound more childlike as her actual voice was just too unbelievable.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster Learned To Play The Drums For His Role
Universal Pictures
Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who plays the adorable boy in love with Joanna, had no idea how to play the drums when he was cast. The actor, who was more recently seen in “Game of Thrones”, learned from his dad and continues to play the drums today!
Kris Marshall Wanted To Work For Free
Universal Studios
The actor who played Colin Frissell (a.k.a the self-proclaimed ladies’ man) returned his paycheque following the scene where he was seduced by three American girls. He had such a good time being undressed by Elisha Cuthbert, January Jones, and Ivana Milicevic that he was willing to do it free of charge!
Hugh Grant Did Not Want To Dance
Universal Studios
The famous dance scene of the British prime minister dancing to “Jump For My Love” was not well received by Hugh Grant. Although it seems the actor enjoyed shooting the scene, he disagreed on how the prime minister should be played and refused to rehearse the whimsical number.
The Lake That Jamie And Aurelia Dove Into Was Only 45 Centimetres Deep
Universal Pictures
When Colin Firth and Lucia Moniz dove into the lake to save the pages of his unfinished novel, they were only pretending to swim. Firth and his Portuguese love interest bobbed around on their knees in 45 centimetres of water, while also being attacked by mosquitoes.
Aurelia’s Underwear Choice Was A Major Debate
Universal Pictures
It took over 45 minutes for the production team to determine what underwear Aurelia would wear for her strip-down lake scene. She tried on 20 different sets of lingerie before the producers chose a light blue matching set.
Emma Thompson Wore A Fat Suit
Universal Studios
“Love Fatually”! The director wanted to make Emma Thompson’s character appear heavier so the actress looks a little larger than usual, rocking a fat suit.
It Wasn’t Meant To Be A Christmas Movie
Universal Studios
According to writer-director Richard Curtis, the movie was not “actually” intended to take place around Christmas, which leads to so many questions. How would the prime minister know to run after Natalie if it wasn’t for the Christmas card? Where would Sarah and Karl be dancing if it wasn’t for the Christmas party? It's safe to say, we are grateful it became a Christmas movie as it would not be the same set around a different holiday.

10 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Love Actually’

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