Orlando Bloom: From Dreaming Actor to Hollywood Star

Orlando Bloom, known for his roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Lord of the Rings,” has become a household name in Hollywood. However, his journey to stardom wasn’t always glamorous, and his salary has seen a significant change over the years.

The Rise of Legolas

Bloom, an English actor who is currently married to singer Katy Perry, first gained recognition in 2001 when he played the iconic role of Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” This character captivated audiences with his epic fight scenes and unmatched archery skills.

Unlike the character in JRR Tolkien’s novels, director Peter Jackson made alterations to the role, making Legolas even more beloved by fans. The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy became a massive success both critically and at the box office.

A Surprising Paycheck

Despite the trilogy’s massive success, Bloom did not receive the salary one would expect for such a significant role. In an interview with Howard Stern, Bloom revealed that he was paid a mere $175,000 for 18 months of filming. This equates to just over $58,000 per film.

While the paycheck may seem small compared to the trilogy’s financial success, Bloom has no regrets. He considers the role of Legolas to be the greatest gift of his life and would be willing to do it again for even less money.

The Role That Was Meant to Be

Interestingly, Bloom originally auditioned for a different role in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. He initially tried out for the character of Faramir, the brother of Boromir. However, the role went to David Wenham, and Bloom was offered the part of Legolas instead.

Bloom’s portrayal of Legolas catapulted his career and opened doors for future opportunities. Despite the modest paycheck, he remains grateful for the role that launched him to fame.

Orlando Bloom’s journey from a young aspiring actor to a Hollywood star is a testament to his talent and perseverance. His iconic role as Legolas will forever be remembered, regardless of the number of zeros on his paycheck.