Donald Sutherland, Animal House
Donald Sutherland in "Animal House."
  • Donald Sutherland was instrumental in getting "Animal House" made when he signed on.
  • He did it as a favor to director John Landis but wanted more money instead of points.
  • He went on to regret it as the film made $141 million worldwide against a $3 million budget.

"National Lampoon's Animal House" is one of the greatest comedies ever. Yet, when it was being made, not even one of its stars believed in the potential of a small comedy about toga parties.

That is why when it came down to Donald Sutherland taking a fee of either 2% of the film's gross profits or $35,000, he took the latter. He later recalled it as a mistake that cost him a lot of money.