Andrew Keegan Discusses Residual Checks from Past Roles

Andrew Keegan recently opened up about the surprisingly low residual checks he receives from his work in film and television. On a recent episode of “McBride Rewind,” the 47-year-old actor remarked, “I think it’s really interesting because obviously I’m going to be on a different show, but I’m getting a 1-cent check and it costs about 40 cents to send it,” adding that it’s “Not worth a penny of my time.”

Keegan, known for his role in the beloved 1999 romantic comedy “10 Things I Hate About You,” mentioned that this film has had the most lasting impact on his career. He expressed, “I think 10 Things is the biggest legacy,” explaining that he still sees small residuals from various shows, amounts like $10, $20, $50, or $80.

During his peak, Keegan starred in several notable series and films. He was featured in “Seventh Heaven” from 1997 to 2002 and had a role in “Party of Five” from 1997 to 1998. More recently, he appeared in “CSI: New York” in 2010 and “Related” from 2005-2006. His film credits include “Independence Day” and “The Broken Hearts Club.”

The earnings of celebrities can vary dramatically. Some make millions while others struggle with residual payments. For example, Forbes noted that Ray Romano earned $18 million annually during the run of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Yet, many stars have shared their experiences with paltry residual checks, revealing a darker side to their former success.

Danny Pintauro, known from “Who’s the Boss,” highlighted this phenomenon, sharing his experience of earning just a few cents per episode from his show, saying, “Most people misunderstand what residuals mean.” He explained that, despite numerous airings, his compensation doesn’t change.

Similarly, Jodie Sweetin from “Full House” mentioned on the same show that she recently received a 1-cent check. Sweetin, 44, pointed out, “There’s no syndication anymore because it’s all streaming. Who’s going to get paid for it? Nobody’s going to get paid for it.” Meanwhile, Eve Plumb from “The Brady Bunch” commented in her memoir that even a small slice of rerun earnings could address significant financial issues, but those earnings haven’t reached her.

On a contrasting note, Lisa Kudrow, of “Friends” fame, shared that she continues to enjoy substantial residuals, bringing in about $20 million a year alongside her fellow cast members from the iconic show.