When “Love Actually” hit theaters in 2003, writer-director Richard Curtis brought together a British and international ensemble cast to tell the story of eight very different couples, in a loosely intertwined love story set around Christmas.
The romantic comedy-drama became a seasonal staple, celebrated for its charm, humor, and heartfelt moments.
It featured future stars and established actors portraying everything from a newly elected prime minister falling for his junior staffer to a heartbroken widower helping his stepson with first love.
Two decades on, many cast members have continued flourishing in film and television; others have taken unexpected paths or cemented legacies in the industry.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Then: Brodie-Sangster was just a teenager when he played Sam, the sweet young boy determined to win the heart of his classmate.
Now: Now in his 30s, Brodie-Sangster has built a steady acting career, appearing in “Game of Thrones,” “The Maze Runner” films and the Emmy-winning Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” per IMDb. He stars in Disney+’s “The Artful Dodger” and, in 2024, married actress Talulah Riley.
Olivia Olson
Then: Olson played Joanna, Sam’s crush in the school Christmas play.
Now: Olson, now in her early 30s, balances a career in voice acting and music. She voiced characters in “Phineas and Ferb,” “Adventure Time” and “Steven Universe,” and has pursued music alongside occasional television and competition appearances.
Liam Neeson
Then: Neeson portrayed Daniel, a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate first love.
GettyActor Liam Neeson and wife Natasha Richardson attend the World Premiere of “Love Actually” at the Ziegfeld Theatre November 06, 2003 in New York City.
Now: The acclaimed actor continued his decades-long career with leading roles in the “Taken franchise and other action films.
Neeson also explored varied roles in films such as “Cold Pursuit,” “The Marksman” and “The Ice Road.” In real life, he faced tragedy with the death of his wife Natasha Richardson in 2009 and has since spoken about slowing down and exploring diverse roles.
Hugh Grant
Then: Grant was the charismatic prime minister David, whose dance moves and romance with his assistant became iconic.
Now: Grant remains a beloved figure in British cinema and television. Since “Love Actually,” he’s appeared in the “Paddington” films, HBO’s “The Undoing” and recent projects like “Heretic” (2024). He also returned to the “Bridget Jones” franchise. Off-screen, he is married to Anna Elisabet Eberstein and is a father of three.
GettyAnna Elisabet Eberstein and Hugh Grant
Martine McCutcheon
Then: McCutcheon played Natalie, the cheerful assistant who caught the prime minister’s eye.
GettyMartine McCutcheon poses for photographers during the After Party for The UK Film Premiere of Love Actually November 16, 2003 in London.
Now: After “Love Actually,” McCutcheon continued acting and became a regular panelist on “Loose Women.” She released music and dealt publicly with health challenges, including Lyme disease and ADHD diagnoses. Her last major screen role came in 2018.
Rowan Atkinson
Then: Atkinson provided comic relief as Rufus, the meticulous gift-wrapper in an unforgettable scene.
Now: The legendary comedian continued his film and TV career, starring in the “Johnny English” franchise and appearing in “Wonka.” He is also developing new Mr. Bean projects. Atkinson is a father to three and remains active in entertainment.
Alan Rickman
Then: Rickman appeared as Harry, whose flirtation with his secretary drove one of the film’s most dramatic threads.
Now: Rickman continued to act extensively, most notably as Severus Snape in the “Harry Potter” series. He passed away in 2016 from pancreatic cancer at age 69.
Heike Makatsch
Then: Makatsch was Mia, the secretary whose attention lured Harry.
Now: The German actress and singer continued acting in European and Hollywood films, including “The Book Thief.” She has two children and remains active in television and film projects.
Emma Thompson
Then: Thompson played Karen, the put-upon wife whose emotional journey remains one of the film’s most memorable.
Now: Thompson’s prolific career expanded with roles in “Harry Potter,” “Nanny McPhee,” “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” “Cruella,” and “Matilda the Musical.” She also starred in dramas and continues working in film and television.
Andrew Lincoln
Then: Lincoln was Mark, whose silent love confession to Juliet became one of the film’s most discussed moments.
Now: Lincoln gained international fame as Rick Grimes on “The Walking Dead” and in recent years, returned to British screens in new series like “Coldwater.”
Keira Knightley
Then: Knightley played Juliet, the newlywed caught in a complex love triangle.
Now: Knightley became a major international star, starring in films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement,” and “The Imitation Game.” She also made her Broadway debut and recently starred in TV series like “Black Doves.” She is married with two children.
Kris Marshall
Then: Marshall was Colin Frissell, the lovelorn Brit who sought romance abroad.
Now: Marshall gained recognition in British TV ads before starring as Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman on “Death in Paradise” and its spin-off “Beyond Paradise.” He went on to star in the period drama “Sanditon.”
Bill Nighy
Then: Nighy charmed audiences as ageing rocker Billy Mack, delivering some of the film’s funniest lines.
Now: A respected actor across film and television, Nighy appeared in franchises such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Harry Potter,” “About Time” and critically acclaimed films like “Living” and “Joy.”
Laura Linney
Then: Linney played Sarah, a devoted colleague juggling career and family ties.
Now: Linney has earned Golden Globes and Emmys and been nominated for Academy and Tony Awards. She starred on Netflix’s “Ozark” and continues to be a prominent presence in film and theatre.
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