A former child actor who played a minor role in Titanic has revealed that he still receives royalty cheques for his part in the classic film, which was released 25 years ago.
Reece Thompson, 32, appeared in the James Cameron 1997 film when he was just five years old.
The US-born actor had been given the choice to take a small part in a film or star in an advert or a petrol commerical.
His mother thought the film opportunity would be ‘cool’ – and it appears her intuition paid off.
Thompson landed the role of the ‘little Irish boy’ in Titanic, who meets a tragic end alongside his sister and mother as the ship sinks.
Reece Thompson, 32, continues to benefit financially from his brief role at the age of five in James Cameron ‘s 1997 classic, Titanic
Despite his minor role, Thompson’s character left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Titanic, which starred Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet, went on to become one of the most successful films in history, and is still contributing to Thompson’s income.
Although his role consisted of just three scenes and a single line of asking his on-screen mother ‘What are we doing, Mommy?’ he continues to receive residual payments.
‘It’s weird because it’s not present in my mind anymore,’ Thompson told Business Insider. ‘It’s not like, “Oh, when am I going to get a new Titanic check?” When it happens, it’s like, “Oh, cool, an extra $100.”‘
Over the years, Thompson has amassed around $30,000 (£24,000) from his appearance in Titanic.
Initially, the residual checks were more substantial, especially during the movie’s peak popularity following its release.
These days, he typically receives a few hundred dollars annually, though occasionally the checks can be more significant.
Thompson landed the role of the ‘little Irish boy’ in Titanic, who meets a tragic end alongside his sister and mother as the ship sinks
Although his role consisted of just three scenes and a single line of asking his on-screen mother ‘What are we doing, Mommy?’ he continues to receive residual payments
He remarked: ‘There have been a couple of times where it’s been like: “Oh, wow, that’s a $250 check. This movie’s 12 years old. That’s pretty bizarre.”‘
Thompson’s earnings are far from enough to live on, but they serve as a pleasant surprise whenever they arrive.
He now works as a marketing director for a skiing and snowboarding resort in Utah, a role that pays the bills far better than his occasional residuals.
While Thompson doesn’t recall much from his time on the Titanic set, he does remember the challenge of mastering his character’s Irish accent.
His credited role ensures he continues to receive residuals, unlike extras who do not benefit from such payments.
The child actor’s experience highlights the long-lasting financial impact even a minor role in a blockbuster film can have, proving that sometimes, the smallest parts can yield the biggest surprises.
