Hilary Swank is a talented actress who has won numerous awards in her career. Some of her best performances can be seen in films such as Million Dollar Baby, Freedom Writers, Boys Don’t Cry, and I Am Mother.
The 48-year-old actress realized she wanted to be an actress from an early age. Her initial days in show business were rough, but she did not give up and survived. During an interview, The Core actress said that the film for which she received an Oscar did not pay her well.
Hilary Swank was only paid $3000 for Boy’s Don’t Cry
Boy’s Don’t Cry was released in the year 1999. In the romantic drama movie, Hilary Swank played the character of Brandon Teena. Along with the 48-year-old actress, Chloe Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, and Brendan Sexton III also starred in the movie. In the year 2000, The Hunt actress won the Oscar for best actress for the romantic drama. The actress received lots of appreciation for the amazing portrayal of her character. During an interview, the 55 Steps actress disclosed surprising news related to the movie. Swank stated that she wasn’t paid well for the movie that won her an Academy Award. The 48-year-old actress said,
“So when I did Boys Don’t Cry, I was 24 years old. I made $3,000. In order to have health insurance, you have to make $5,000. So I didn’t even know that I didn’t have health insurance until I went and tried to get a prescription filled.”
She further added,
“They said, ‘That’s $160.’ I went, ‘Um, did you try my insurance?’ They said, ‘Mmm-hmm.’ I had an Academy Award, no health insurance. Then I win my second Academy Award, and the next couple movies later, I get offered a movie. But the male hadn’t had any kind of critical success, but had been in a movie where he was hot. And he got offered $10 million, and I got offered $500,000. That’s the truth. The truth.”
Many Swank fans were stunned to know that the actress wasn’t paid well for the movie she received so much appreciation for. This movie also became a turning point in the actress’s life.
Hilary Swank explained what Boy’s Don’t Cry meant for her
For the Logan Lucky actress, the movie Boy’s Don’t Cry holds a very special place in her heart. Not just because she won an Oscar for that movie but also because of the storyline of the film. The movie touched many hearts because of the relatable plot of the movie as well. While talking about the story of the romantic drama, Swank said,
“I play a lot of real people because I am drawn to these stories of people who have really persevered or people who are living their life unapologetically. Those are the type of people who inspire me.”
During an interview, the actress also mentioned that it is important for the viewers to know such stories. Swank rose to prominence after Boy’s Don’t Cry and is now considered one of the greatest actresses in the Industry.
Source: Cheatsheet; The Hollywood Reporter