Seann William Scott, who brought to life the unforgettable character Steve Stifler in the hit comedy American Pie, recently shocked fans by revealing how little he was paid for the role that skyrocketed his career. Despite the movie becoming a massive box office success and a cultural phenomenon, Scott’s paycheck was far from what you’d expect for such an iconic performance.
In an interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Scott disclosed that he earned just $8,000 for his role as the wild and crass Stifler in the first American Pie film, which was released in 1999. The revelation is particularly astonishing considering that the movie went on to gross over $235 million worldwide.
A Modest Start to Stardom:
Filming for American Pie took place between July and September 1998, but Scott, despite landing a role that would define his early career, wasn’t swimming in money. To make ends meet before the movie’s release, he picked up an odd job at the Los Angeles Zoo, selling churros to visitors.
“I think [that’s right], yeah, because I remember afterwards I bought a used Thunderbird for like $5,000, maybe $6,000,” Scott recalled with a laugh during the interview. “I don’t know what happened to the other two grand.” The actor, reflecting on his humble beginnings, added, “At the time, $8,000 was a lot of money for me. I didn’t care—I would’ve done it for free.”
American Pie: A Box Office Juggernaut
When American Pie finally hit theaters in 1999, it became an instant success, earning more than $235 million on a modest budget of just $10 million. The raunchy teen comedy, which delved into the awkward and hilarious misadventures of high school seniors, quickly became a defining film for a generation.
Despite the movie’s monumental success, Scott’s small paycheck reflects the reality of many breakout roles—where newcomers often earn far less than established stars. But the role of Stifler, known for his crude humor and outrageous antics, was life-changing for Scott. It propelled him into Hollywood stardom and set the stage for more lucrative roles in the future.
The Paycheck Evolution:
Fast forward to 2012, and the American Pie franchise was still going strong. For his role in American Reunion, Scott reportedly earned a whopping $5 million—a far cry from his initial earnings. Co-stars like Alyson Hannigan and Eugene Levy also saw significant pay increases, earning around $3 million each, while other members of the cast took home between $500,000 and $750,000.
By that point, the American Pie franchise had built a legacy, and the actors were finally getting the paychecks they deserved. For Scott, the success of the franchise opened doors to bigger roles, with notable appearances in films like Dude, Where’s My Car? and The Dukes of Hazzard.
Fans React to the Humble Paycheck:
Scott’s revelation has left fans both shocked and amused. Social media users were quick to comment on how such a small paycheck contrasts with the massive success of the movie. One fan joked, “Imagine getting paid less than a used car for a role that everyone remembers 20 years later,” while another quipped, “He earned more selling churros than playing Stifler!”
While Scott’s first paycheck was modest, his role in American Pie cemented his place in pop culture. Stifler remains one of the most iconic comedic characters of the late ’90s and early 2000s, making his breakout performance priceless in hindsight.
