Acclaimed actress Emma Thompson has shared a delightfully candid behind-the-scenes story from the set of Love Actually as she revisits the film in a new GQ interview, reflecting on one of her most enduring roles and her long-standing working relationship with Hugh Grant.
The beloved British actress, whose career spans Oscar-winning turns in films such as Howards End and Sense and Sensibility, told GQ that she has worked with Grant more times than almost any other actor.
“I’ve worked with Hugh Grant so many times. He’s been my brother, my lover, my sort of husband, somebody I’ve served as servant in Remains of the Day,” Thompson explained. “We’ve done so many things together. I think I’ve worked with him more than anyone, more than Alan Rickman, anyone! And it’s always been a completely different relationship.”
It was her anecdote from the Love Actually premiere that stole the spotlight. Thompson revealed that at the film’s first screening, Grant turned to her and couldn’t help blurting out the now-memorable line: “Is this the most psychotic thing we’ve ever made?”
The remark has since become a humorous footnote in the legacy of the film, perfectly capturing the unpredictable and exuberant nature of its multi-layered production and its subsequent cultural reception. Thompson’s relationship with Grant, characterized by professional admiration and on-set familiarity, clearly allowed for this kind of candid, lighthearted assessment of the sprawling romantic comedy.
Released in 2003, Love Actually has transcended its genre to become one of the most iconic Christmas romantic comedies of the 21st century, both commercially and culturally.
The ensemble film — featuring not just Thompson and Grant, but also Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, and Bill Nighy — was written and directed by Richard Curtis. It instantly embraced audiences with its interwoven stories of love, loss, and connection, all set against the backdrop of the holiday season.
The film's financial success was notable. On a modest production budget of approximately $40 million, it went on to gross more than $250 million worldwide, making it one of the significant global box-office successes of its time and securing its place as a perennial favourite during the festive period.
The film’s enduring popularity has cemented it as a holiday staple in the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, with many viewers returning to it every December as part of their seasonal traditions. It also continues to perform strongly on streaming platforms, where its mix of romance, comedy, and festive sentiment generates significant engagement year after year — a testament to its status as a modern classic and an essential component of holiday viewing.
In the interview, Thompson also touched on the profound emotional depth of some of her scenes, particularly the heart-wrenching moment in Love Actually when her character, Karen, discovers her husband (played by the late Alan Rickman) had betrayed her. “There’s no woman who doesn’t know what that’s like, especially if they’ve got kids,” she said, acknowledging the universal resonance of that storyline.
The movie's ability to blend broad humour (such as Grant's infamous dancing scene) with genuine, painful emotional stakes is a key part of what has made Love Actually such a cultural touchstone. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release, audiences universally warmed to its stellar ensemble cast and heartfelt narratives—a combination that helped it achieve box-office longevity and become the film many now associate with the festive season.
The film’s place in Christmas culture has only grown over the years. Alongside undisputed classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone, Love Actually is regularly included on lists of the most watched and loved holiday films, even as debate persists among some critics about its overall merits. Its successful blend of humour, immense star power, and festive warmth has ensured that it remains a fixture of seasonal programming for millions of viewers across the globe.
For Thompson, revisiting one of her most celebrated roles has been a chance to reflect on a career that has spanned decades and multiple genres. Her reflections on Love Actually—from the laughter and chaos behind the scenes to the poignant moments that stay with audiences two decades later—offer fans a deeper look at why the film continues to resonate so powerfully.
Whether regarded as a quintessential Christmas rom-com or a global cultural phenomenon that simply won’t fade away, Love Actually continues to be a defining piece of early-21st-century cinema—and Thompson’s latest interview only adds to its rich, complicated, and beloved legacy.
