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Where is 'Love Actually' cast now? Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and others reunite for TV special 20 years later

According to ABC, 'The special will look at how the film became a beloved Christmas tradition and a global sensation'
UPDATED NOV 28, 2022
The special will bring together Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy, among others (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictured, Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix, Kate Gree/Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images)
The special will bring together Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy, among others (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictured, Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix, Kate Gree/Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images)

Cast members of the beloved modern Christmas classic 'Love Actually' are set to reunite for a TV special to air on ABC, the network has announced. This would mark 20 years of the popular 2003 romantic comedy. 'The Laughter & Secrets of 'Love Actually,' 20 Years Later' will premiere on Tuesday, November 29.

ABC shared a promotional clip on Twitter, with the caption, "Now, more than ever, we all need some love…actually. "The Laughter & Secrets of 'Love Actually,' 20 Years Later: A @DianeSawyer Special" premieres Tuesday, Nov. 29th at 8/7c on @ABC." 

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According to ABC, "The special will look at how the film became a beloved Christmas tradition and a global sensation, with new insight into behind-the-scenes secrets and iconic scenes. The special will also examine how the COVID-19 pandemic refocused the ways we love and connect and the omnipresent acts of kindness inside our families and communities."



 

The special will bring together Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, among others. 20 years later, here is where the 'Love Actually' cast members are:

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant (The Prime Minister in 'Love Actually') had already appeared in films like 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Notting Hill' and 'Bridget Jones's Diary' before the 2003 release of 'Love Actually'. He can be seen in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery' currently. 

Hugh Grant in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at a red carpet at San Diego Comic-Con on July 21, 2022 in San Diego, California (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures )
Hugh Grant in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at a red carpet at San Diego Comic-Con on July 21, 2022 in San Diego, California (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures )

Martine McCutcheon

Martine McCutcheon (Natalie in 'Love Actually') also starred in 'Elf: The Christmas Spectacular' later. She recreated her special 'Love Actually' scene, where she is seen jumping into Grant's arms at arrivals, in 2017, by greeting travelers at London's Heathrow Airport. "It was one of my all-time favorite scenes to film," she said in a press release. "Even now I get so excited every time I'm at Heathrow — welcoming someone home is such a great feeling that never gets old!"

Martine McCutcheon in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in 2022 (Instagram/@martinemccutcheon)
Martine McCutcheon in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in 2022 (Instagram/@martinemccutcheon)

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley (Juliet in 'Love Actually') was only 17 when she starred in 'Love Actually'. That same year, she made her debut as Elizabeth Swann in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. She starred in all five films of the franchise, with the most recent coming in 2017.

Keira Knightley in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the
Keira Knightley in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the 'Charlotte' film screening at The Curzon Mayfair on November 15, 2022 in London, England (Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images)

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor, who played the unsuspecting husband Peter in 'Love Actually', was later seen in small parts in films like 'Inside Man' and 'Children of Men', and anchoring indies like 'Dirty Pretty Things' and 'Kinky Boots'. He was later seen in '12 Years a Slave', and in 2016, he joined the Marvel Universe as Doctor Strange's Mordo.

Chiwetel Ejiofor in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at the Paramount+ UK launch at Outernet London on June 20, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images for Paramount+)
Chiwetel Ejiofor in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at the Paramount+ UK launch at Outernet London on June 20, 2022 in London, England (Joe Maher/Getty Images for Paramount+)

Andrew Lincoln

Andrew Lincoln (Mark in 'Love Actually') later starred in the zombie apocalypse TV series 'The Walking Dead' as the main character since 2010. However, he confirmed that he was departing from the series in July 2018.

Andrew Lincoln in  ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor from a post on his 49th birthday in September 2022 (Instagram/@andrewjjlincoln)
Andrew Lincoln in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor from a post on his 49th birthday in September 2022 (Instagram/@andrewjjlincoln)

Colin Firth

Colin Firth (Jamie Bennett in 'Love Actually') starred in hits like 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' and 'Mary Poppins Returns' after his 'Love Actually' days. In 2017, it was revealed that Firth almost switched roles with Hugh Grant in the film, but it eventually did not materialize. 

Colin Firth in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at  Netflix's Operation Mincemeat Special Screening with Q&A at Paris Theatre on May 05, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Netflix)
Colin Firth in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at Netflix's Operation Mincemeat Special Screening with Q&A at Paris Theatre on May 05, 2022 in New York City (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Netflix)

Lúcia Moniz

Lúcia Moniz (Aurelia in 'Love Actually') plays Colin Firth's love interest and only speaks Portuguese in the film. The Portuguese actress, who is also a singer, participated in Eurovision's singing contest in 1996. She has released as many as four albums. Moniz now mostly stars in international films and TV shows.

Lucia Moniz in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in 2021 sporting a new haircut (Instagram/@luciamoniz)
Lucia Moniz in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in 2021 sporting a new haircut (Instagram/@luciamoniz)

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson (Daniel in 'Love Actually') faced a tragedy when actress wife Natasha Richardson died in 2019 after hitting her head during a skiing lesson at a resort in Québec, Canada. Neeson, however, has appeared in several films since. "It's [the film] 14 years ago now and we've all lived lives," he said of 'Love Actually' in a 2017 interview with Entertainment Weekly. "Some of us have died. Oh, my dear old friend Alan Rickman, God rest him. Some have gotten divorced. I've lost my wife. And, oh, sure, plenty of times I've thought about this film and my own life. Love Actually, that's the way it is. That's the tapestry of life."

Liam Neeson in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb)  and the actor at the premiere of ‘Marlowe’ on September 25, 2022 in Zurich, Switzerland (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images for ZFF)
Liam Neeson in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at the premiere of ‘Marlowe’ on September 25, 2022 in Zurich, Switzerland (Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images for ZFF)

Thomas Brodie-Sangster

Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Sam in 'Love Actually') is now all grown-up, and has appeared in 'Phineas and Ferb', 'Game of Thrones' and 'The Maze Runner' franchise. He starred as chess pro Benny Watts in Netflix's 'The Queen's Gambit' most recently.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster as child actor in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 and the star at the premiere of ‘Pistol’ at The Metrograph on May 18, 2022 in New York City (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as child actor in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 and the star at the premiere of ‘Pistol’ at The Metrograph on May 18, 2022 in New York City (Ilya S Savenok/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman (Harry in 'Love Actually') died aged 69 from cancer in 2016. Before the rom-com, he was seen in iconic roles in 'Die Hard', 'Sense and Sensibility' and the 'Harry Potter' franchise. The final project he worked on before his death was the film 'Alice Through the Looking Glass'.

Alan Rickman in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the late actor at the Qatar Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse on July 29, 2015 in Chichester, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Qatar Goodwood Festival)
Alan Rickman in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the late actor at the Qatar Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse on July 29, 2015 in Chichester, England (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Qatar Goodwood Festival)

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson (Karen in 'Love Actually') has become a Dame since her 'Love Actually' days. She co-wrote the holiday romance movie 'Last Christmas', and was seen as Mrs Potts in 'Beauty and the Beast', PL Travers in 'Saving Mr Banks' and Professor Sybill Trelawney in the 'Harry Potter' series.

Emma Thompson in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the UK Gala Screening of ‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Curzon Mayfair on November 21, 2022 in London, England (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Emma Thompson in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the UK Gala Screening of ‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Curzon Mayfair on November 21, 2022 in London, England (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Heike Makatsch

A German actress, Heike Makatsch (Mia in 'Love Actually') is best known for her role in the rom-com. She also starred in 'The Resident' in 2002 and 'The Book Thief' in 2013. 

Heike Makatsch as Mia in 'Love Actually' (L), and Heike Makatsch attends the Berlin Fashion Week Opening & Firesidechat at Borchardt Restaurant on September 5, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Gerald Matzka/Getty Images for Fashion Council Germany e. V.)
Heike Makatsch as Mia (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Heike Makatsch attends the Berlin Fashion Week Opening & Firesidechat at Borchardt Restaurant on September 5, 2022 in Berlin, Germany (Gerald Matzka/Getty Images for Fashion Council Germany e. V.)

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy (Billy Mack in 'Love Actually') has appeared in various roles after his 'Love Actually' days. He has voiced characters in popular video games like 'The Elder Scrolls Online' and 'Destiny 2', and played Davy Jones in 'The Pirates of the Caribbean'. He guest-starred in 'Doctor Who'. Nighy was recently seen in the Jane Austen adaptation 'Emma'.

Andrew Lincoln in  ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor from a post on his 49th birthday in September 2022 (Instagram/@andrewjjlincoln)
Bill Nighy then and now (IMDB/JC Olivera/Getty Images)

Laura Linney

After 'Love Actually', Laura Linney (Sarah in 'Love Actually') has appeared in more than 25 films and 10 TV series. She has won four Emmys for her TV performances in shows like 'Frasier' and Showtime's 'The Big C'.  She has also won two Golden Globes.

Laura Linney in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at Netflix TV Celebration: Cocktails + Conversation on November 17, 2022 in New York City (ImdPhoto by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix)
Laura Linney in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 and the actress at Netflix TV Celebration: Cocktails + Conversation on November 17, 2022 in New York City (IMDB/Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix)

Rodrigo Santoro

Before appearing in the rom-com, Rodrigo Santoro (Karl in 'Love Actually'), appeared in 'Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle'. After 2003, he has appeared in various films, including as Jennifer Lopez's on-screen hubby in 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'. He starred in HBO's sci-fi hit 'Westworld' most recently. 

Rodrigo Santoro as Karl (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Rodrigo Santoro attends the photocall of
Rodrigo Santoro as Karl (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and attending the photocall of '7 Prisoners' during the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 07, 2021 in Venice, Italy (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images for Netflix)

Billy Bob Thornton

Billy Bob Thornton (The US President in 'Love Actually') began his acting career as many as 17 years before he starred in the rom-com. He was recently seen in the series 'Goliath' and in the Ryan Gosling/Chris Evans film 'The Gray Man'. He is married to Connie Angland, his sixth spouse, who is mother to his teen daughter Bella.

Billy Bob Thornton as the US President (L) in 'Love Actually (IMDB), and Billy Bob Thornton attends the world premiere of
Billy Bob Thornton as the US President (L) in 'Love Actually (IMDB), and Billy Bob Thornton attends the world premiere of "1883" at the Encore Beach Club at Encore Las Vegas on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada (Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for Paramount+)

Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson (Rufus in 'Love Actually') is best known as Mr Bean, a beloved character created in 1990 for a sitcom. He was seen in numerous movies, shorts and has voiced an animated series as the character. He returned as Johnny English in 'Johnny English Strikes Again' in 2018.

Rowan Atkinson in  ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at a special screening of
Rowan Atkinson in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at a special screening of "Johnny English Strikes Again" at The Curzon Mayfair on October 3, 2018 in London, England (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Olivia Olson

Olivia Olson (Joanna Anderson in 'Love Actually') is known for her memorable scene where she was seen singing 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' at 10 years old. She was invited on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tracy Morgan Show. Since 'Love Actually', she has mostly done voice acting, including for the animated series 'Phineas & Ferb' and 'Adventure Time'.

Olivia Olson as Joanna Anderson (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Olivia Olson attends the 9th Annual New Media Film Festival at James Bridges Theater on June 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Olivia Olson as Joanna Anderson (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Olivia Olson attends the 9th Annual New Media Film Festival at James Bridges Theater on June 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman (John in 'Love Actually') starred in the UK's comedy hit 'The Office' from 2001 to 2003. He later starred in TV series and films like 'The Hobbit trilogy', 'Sherlock' (TV show), and 'Black Panther'. 

Martin Freeman in ‘Love Actually’ in 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ European Premiere on November 03, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Martin Freeman in ‘Love Actually’ in 2003 (IMDb) and the actor at the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ European Premiere on November 03, 2022 in London, England (John Phillips/Getty Images)

Joanna Page

Joanna Page (Just Judy in 'Love Actually') became famous for her lead role in the British sitcom 'Gavin & Stacey'. She also starred as Queen Elizabeth I in a 50th-anniversary episode of 'Doctor Who'. 

Joanna Page in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in summer selfie posted in August 2021 (nstagram/@iamjoannapage)
Joanna Page in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress in summer selfie posted in August 2021 (nstagram/@iamjoannapage)

Kris Marshall

Kris Marshall (Colin Frissell in 'Love Actually') starred in several TV series after 'Love Actually', including the British show 'Borderline', 'Death in Paradise' and PBS Masterpiece's 'Sanditon'.

Kris Marshall as Colin Frissel (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Kris Marshall attends the
Kris Marshall as Colin Frissel (L) in 'Love Actually' (IMDB), and Kris Marshall attends the "Sanditon" Jane Austen Drama photocall at The Soho Hotel on July 26, 2019 in London, England (Eamonn M McCormack/Getty Images)

January Jones

January Jones (Jeannie in 'Love Actually') just has a cameo in the rom-com. She was later seen as Betty Draper on TV's 'Mad Men', and went on to join the 'X-Men' franchise. Most recently, Jones appeared alongside Will Forte and Kristen Schaal in the post-apocalyptic comedy 'The Last Man on Earth'.

January Jones in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the FARFETCH Beauty Launch Party on May 10, 2022 in West Hollywood, California (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for FARFETCH)
January Jones in ‘Love Actually’ 2003 (IMDb) and the actress at the FARFETCH Beauty Launch Party on May 10, 2022 in West Hollywood, California (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for FARFETCH)
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