Which Ride or Die cast member played Billy Mack in Love Actually?

Bill Nighy played Billy Mack in Love Actually.

Released in 2003, Love Actually is a British ensemble romantic comedy written and directed by Richard Curtis. Nighy plays Billy Mack, an aging rock star who records a Christmas-themed remake of “Love Is All Around,” retitled “Christmas Is All Around.” The character’s shameless interviews and comic enthusiasm made him one of the film’s most memorable figures.

The role was a major career moment for Nighy, who had already built a respected stage and screen career. His performance earned him the 2004 BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. A common mix-up is to identify Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, or Liam Neeson because they are also central members of the film’s large cast, but Billy Mack’s storyline belongs exclusively to Nighy.

Nighy returned to the role in the 2017 charity short Red Nose Day Actually. The song and character also helped establish the film’s recurring idea that Christmas pop culture can be both ridiculous and emotionally sincere.