Hugh Grant’s unexpected admission about his motivations for entering the film industry has left fans and peers surprised. During a recent conversation, the renowned actor confessed that he chose acting purely
“to be famous and make a lot of money,”
which has since sparked widespread reactions and discussions about the realities behind celebrity careers and the notion of passion in creative fields. This revelation brings the Hugh Grant acting confession sharply into focus for both his audience and colleagues.
Actors Taken Aback by Grant’s Honest Words
The revelation emerged when Justice Smith, who starred alongside Hugh Grant in
“Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,”
recounted their candid behind-the-scenes interaction. Justice Smith revealed that he was taken aback by Grant’s unfiltered honesty, saying the confession left him uncertain if Grant was being serious—a confusion perhaps fueled by Grant’s well-known dry British humor.
During an episode of the “What Are We Even Doing?” podcast, hosted by Kyle MacLachlan, Smith shared his impression of working with Grant. When asked about Grant’s enthusiasm for acting, Smith recalled:
“I did. Oh, I love Hugh. When I worked with him, I was like, ‘Hugh, you know, do you still love what you do? Do you still love this?’ And he was just like, ‘No.’ He said, ‘I’ve never loved it.’ He’s like, ‘I just wanted to be famous and make a lot of money.’ And I said, ‘Really?’ He said, ‘Yeah’.”
—Justice Smith, Actor
The star’s bold admission appeared to be delivered with complete sincerity, and Justice Smith reflected on how Grant’s humor in real life made it even harder to tell if he was joking or genuinely disinterested in the craft of acting.

Colleagues Weigh In, Fans Question Grant’s Sincerity
Still perplexed by the Hugh Grant acting confession, Justice Smith brought up the conversation with Rosamund Pike—his co-star during the filming of
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.”
Seeking her opinion on whether Grant’s words were meant to be taken at face value or simply as a manifestation of his characteristic British wit, Smith recalled:
“She’s like, ‘No, I’m pretty sure he’s just British.’ I’m like, ‘Are you sure?’ I think ’cause it stuck with me. I was like, ‘Oh, I guess you can be a really good actor and just want to like just do it for the fame and money’,”
—Justice Smith, Actor
The conversation illustrates the ambiguity of Grant’s confession, as even those close to him are unsure about the intention behind his statements, especially when dry British humor is involved.
Grant’s Craftsmanship: Effort and Perfectionism Recognized
While Grant’s words may have sounded dismissive of the art, both Smith and podcast host Kyle MacLachlan recognized the veteran actor’s commitment to his work. They agreed that, regardless of his stated motivations, Grant is a perfectionist who demands a high standard of himself on set. MacLachlan offered his perspective, suggesting that Grant’s connection to his work might be more complicated than what his words suggest:
“I feel like it’s the torture of that experience as opposed to kind of letting it all go and just, you know, doing what he does. But I got to believe that he finds joy in it,”
—Kyle MacLachlan, Actor
Justice Smith added his own observations to the discussion, highlighting Grant’s dedication even when the project seemed lighthearted:
“I would hope that he was joking, but also that British humour is so dry and like sometimes hard to permeate that I don’t know ’cause he was so sincere. Then I watch him…he does the work, he puts a lot of effort into what he does. We were working on a silly comedy together, and you could tell he really cares about it. He’s such a good actor, he’ll make you believe that he doesn’t,”
—Justice Smith, Actor
Significance of Grant’s Remark and the Ongoing Debate
Hugh Grant’s surprising admission has quickly become a focal point for discussions about authenticity in the film industry. With his Hugh Grant acting confession resonating widely, peers such as Rosamund Pike, Justice Smith, and Kyle MacLachlan are left reflecting on whether such stark honesty is a reflection of British humor, genuine disillusionment, or simply another facet of Grant’s layered persona. The reaction highlights how even stars at the top of their field can approach fame and artistry from unique, sometimes unexpected angles, fueling conversations about what truly drives people in the world of entertainment.
