Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (2024)

ENTERTAINMENT

December 24, 23

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Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (1)

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (2)

By stefan armitage

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In 2003, Love Actually swept audiences off their feet, becoming an instant Christmas classic that many of us rewatch every year.

Over the years, many members of the ensemble cast have gone on to successful Hollywood careers - such as Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor - but some have taken a more low-key path.

One such star is Heike Makatsch, known for her role as Mia, the seductive mistress of Alan Rickman's character. In the film, Mia sports a short, choppy black bob that perfectly captures her character's allure.

One of the film's memorable scenes features Makatsch's Mia and Rickman's character, Harry, at a Christmas party, where she dons a skimpy dress and devil horns in an attempt to seduce him.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (3)

Mia has become one of the most hated characters in the movie. Credit: Universal Pictures

In fact, because Makatsch's character lures Harry to cheat on his wife, Karen (played by Emma Thompson), Mia quickly became one of the most detested characters in the entire movie.

In fact, people are still mad at Alan Rickman for making Emma Thompson cry - even though the movie came out 20 years ago.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and Heike Makatsch - now 52 - looks strikingly different from her on-screen persona in Love Actually. These days, she sports a longer, blonde hairdo that can make it challenging for fans to recognize her as the captivating Mia.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (4)

Heike Makatsch looks very different nowadays. Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

Despite her appearance in the beloved Christmas classic, Heike Makatsch has managed to keep a relatively low profile - despite continuing her career in the entertainment industry.

Since her role in Love Actually, she has appeared in several hit movies, including 2013's The Book Thief. Additionally, Makatsch is a singer who has released successful tracks like 'Stand by Your Man' and This Girl Was Made for Loving'. Since 2012, she has also been a spokesmodel for cosmetics company L'Oréal.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (5)

The actress is also an accomplished singer. Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

Off-screen, Makatsch's romantic history includes a relationship with James Bond star Daniel Craig from 1996 until 2004. Currently, she is dating actor Trystan Pütte, and she has three daughters from previous relationships.

Recently, Love Actually stars Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant reunited to discuss the film's enduring legacy in an event titled "The Laughter & Secrets of 'Love Actually': 20 Years Later – A Diane Sawyer Special." During the event, Thompson humorously recalled a conversation with Grant while they were shooting the movie.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (6)

Heike Makatsch also had a lengthy relationship with Daniel Craig. Credit: Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

"Hugh came up behind me as we were walking out and said, 'Is that the most psychotic thing we've ever been in?'" Thompson shared. Grant jokingly responded, "Did I say that?"

Thompson went on to explain the enduring appeal of the beloved film, saying: "[It's about] love and all its messiness and its unexpectedness in that you'll find love in the weirdest places."

And while we're on the subject, did you know there was a Love Actually 2?

Featured image credit: Universal Pictures

ENTERTAINMENT

December 24, 23

Save

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (7)

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (8)

By stefan armitage

Article saved!Article saved!

In 2003, Love Actually swept audiences off their feet, becoming an instant Christmas classic that many of us rewatch every year.

Over the years, many members of the ensemble cast have gone on to successful Hollywood careers - such as Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor - but some have taken a more low-key path.

One such star is Heike Makatsch, known for her role as Mia, the seductive mistress of Alan Rickman's character. In the film, Mia sports a short, choppy black bob that perfectly captures her character's allure.

One of the film's memorable scenes features Makatsch's Mia and Rickman's character, Harry, at a Christmas party, where she dons a skimpy dress and devil horns in an attempt to seduce him.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (9)

Mia has become one of the most hated characters in the movie. Credit: Universal Pictures

In fact, because Makatsch's character lures Harry to cheat on his wife, Karen (played by Emma Thompson), Mia quickly became one of the most detested characters in the entire movie.

In fact, people are still mad at Alan Rickman for making Emma Thompson cry - even though the movie came out 20 years ago.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and Heike Makatsch - now 52 - looks strikingly different from her on-screen persona in Love Actually. These days, she sports a longer, blonde hairdo that can make it challenging for fans to recognize her as the captivating Mia.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (10)

Heike Makatsch looks very different nowadays. Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

Despite her appearance in the beloved Christmas classic, Heike Makatsch has managed to keep a relatively low profile - despite continuing her career in the entertainment industry.

Since her role in Love Actually, she has appeared in several hit movies, including 2013's The Book Thief. Additionally, Makatsch is a singer who has released successful tracks like 'Stand by Your Man' and This Girl Was Made for Loving'. Since 2012, she has also been a spokesmodel for cosmetics company L'Oréal.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (11)

The actress is also an accomplished singer. Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

Off-screen, Makatsch's romantic history includes a relationship with James Bond star Daniel Craig from 1996 until 2004. Currently, she is dating actor Trystan Pütte, and she has three daughters from previous relationships.

Recently, Love Actually stars Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant reunited to discuss the film's enduring legacy in an event titled "The Laughter & Secrets of 'Love Actually': 20 Years Later – A Diane Sawyer Special." During the event, Thompson humorously recalled a conversation with Grant while they were shooting the movie.

Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (12)

Heike Makatsch also had a lengthy relationship with Daniel Craig. Credit: Credit: Tristar Media / Getty

"Hugh came up behind me as we were walking out and said, 'Is that the most psychotic thing we've ever been in?'" Thompson shared. Grant jokingly responded, "Did I say that?"

Thompson went on to explain the enduring appeal of the beloved film, saying: "[It's about] love and all its messiness and its unexpectedness in that you'll find love in the weirdest places."

And while we're on the subject, did you know there was a Love Actually 2?

Featured image credit: Universal Pictures
Mia From 'Love Actually' Is Unrecognizable 20 Years After Movie's Release (2024)
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