When you think about the Titanic, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Probably, it’s Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio’s characters and the ship itself, of course. However, a little boy played a small role in that movie and he is still earning money for that role. So, let’s find out more about what it means to have a small role in such a classic movie.
Reece Thompson and Titanic
When Reece Thompson was a child, he appeared in Titanic as a small Irish boy on board. He had a very short but memorable line that has become a source of residual income for him.
Maybe you’ve heard about residual income if you are into the acting world? In case you have no clue what this is, it means that every time a movie is on TV, sold on DVD, or streamed online, actors like Reece can earn extra money. In his case, he earns about $100 per year, and sometimes that amount can reach $250 (depending on how often the film is broadcast or released in new editions).
This might seem like a small amount, but it’s impressive considering that the movie was made more than 25 years ago. I’m sure many people would like to have a single line in a film that continues to provide them with a steady, long-term benefit. I mean, who wouldn’t?
Worth taking the risk
At that time, Reece and his mother had to decide whether to act in Titanic or accept another offer, a commercial. It wasn’t an easy decision because nobody knew Titanic would be that successful.
As everybody knows now, the movie became a massive worldwide success, earning more than $2.2 billion at the box office. James Cameron became a legendary director, and even actors with minor roles, like Reece, benefited from the film’s success. This shows that even small decisions in life can have big, long-lasting effects.
Small roles are not that bad
There’s something nice we can learn from Reece Thompson’s story because it’s a clear example of how tiny roles in major films can have long-term benefits. We tend to think that main actors are the only way to be successful, but supporting or minor roles can also create unexpected rewards through residual income.
Sure, if we ask people about Reece and Leonardo DiCaprio or Kate Winslet, most people would know DiCaprio and Winslet and would have no idea who Reece is. But, all those actors trying to has a spot in the acting world should remember that sometimes, small opportunities can create lifelong benefits.
What’s more, not everybody can say they are part of the Titanic cast. I mean, that’s a big deal! That must have been such an incredible and fun experience.
Life after Titanic
Today, Reece Thompson is 30 years old and has stopped making movies in Hollywood. Now, he works in digital marketing, a career that gives him more stability outside the film industry.
Despite leaving acting, he still feels a special connection to Titanic. It marked his childhood and remains a memorable part of his life. Reece’s experience shows that even a brief moment in a famous film can leave a lasting impression, both personally and financially.
So…
Every small choice, every brief role, every tiny effort could become something far bigger than you imagine. So next time you face what seems like a minor opportunity, think of Reece and Titanic. Would his life have been different if he had chosen the commercial instead of the Titanic? We don’t know, but that’s life. Who knows if your “small line” might just be your big break?