Andrew Keegan Discusses the Tiny Residual Checks From ’10 Things I Hate About You’
Andrew Keegan is candidly sharing his experiences regarding residual earnings from his iconic 1990s roles. The star of ’10 Things I Hate About You’ revealed that some of his residual checks are so minuscule that they can sometimes amount to just one cent.
During an appearance on The McBride Rewind podcast hosted by Josh McBride on May 7, Keegan discussed his career and whether he still receives significant payments from older projects that are still aired or streamed today.
When asked about his earnings from these roles, Keegan noted that the reality is far less glamorous than many might assume. He humorously remarked, “I think it’s really funny, cause I’ll get, different shows obviously, but I’ll get one cent checks.”
He highlighted the oddities of the system, mentioning that sometimes the cost of processing and mailing the check exceeds the payment itself. He joked that it can be more expensive to send the check than its actual value.
Due to the small amounts, Keegan often skips checking which project the payment is for, stating that the one-cent checks are simply not worth his time.
Despite the low payments, he does receive occasional larger residual checks. He mentioned that the most consistent earnings come from the 1999 teen film ’10 Things I Hate About You’, which remains the most recognizable project of his career.
In the same podcast interview, he noted that while many of his older TV appearances and films still generate small amounts, the romantic comedy continues to be his strongest source of residual income.
He stated, “10 Things are probably the biggest checks still, but there are still residuals that come from all those shows.” He noted that while some payments can reach around $10 or even $80, they often remain on the lower end.
’10 Things I Hate About You’, released in 1999, became a significant teen classic and continues to be popular today. The film featured Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Keegan, who portrayed Joey Donner, a confident and comedic high school character.
As the film remains a staple on television and streaming platforms, it continues to generate residual payments for the cast. However, Keegan’s remarks underscore the unpredictable nature of these payments, even decades after a film’s release.
In addition to the film, Keegan has appeared in various TV shows, including ‘7th Heaven’, ‘Full House’, and ‘House’, as well as films like ‘The Broken Hearts Club’.
Keegan has previously mentioned how he is still recognized for his role in ’10 Things I Hate About You’ more than any other project. In a past interview with PEOPLE in 2024 at 90s Con, he reflected on his character Joey, noting that there was more depth to him than fans might expect, revealing a softer side to the role.
Years later, Keegan’s story about one-cent checks provides a clearer insight into the long-term effects of Hollywood residuals, where even iconic roles can lead to surprisingly small payments.
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