Armie Hammer’s acting career came to a standstill after allegations of sexual abuse and assault became public over the last few years, and now the Call Me by Your Name actor is pursuing a completely new (and low-profile) path to making money. Per Variety, the onetime star is currently selling timeshares in the Cayman Islands, at the luxe Morritt’s Resort.
“He is working at the resort and selling timeshares. He is working at a cubicle,” a source told Variety. “The reality is he’s totally broke, and is trying to fill the days and earn money to support his family.”
When this factoid first bubbled up on the Internet a week ago, it was quickly swatted down as nothing more than an out-there rumor, sparked by TV writer-producer Muna Mire sharing a flier depicting Hammer as the concierge at a resort where their friend’s parents were staying. “I am your personal concierge and am here to help you get the very best from your vacation,” was written next to a photo of Hammer; the flier also touted discount vouchers for swimming with dolphins and deep sea fishing.
Ironically, it was Variety that first officially debunked the news, writing that Hammer was actually a guest at that hotel and the flier had been made as a prank by a staffer who became friendly with the actor. Andrew Brettler, a lawyer for Hammer, also said the flier wasn’t real.
But on July 9, TMZ reported that Hammer was, in fact, selling timeshares. The actor has been in the Cayman Islands for much of the COVID-19 pandemic, initially taking up residence with his wife and children, and has remained there despite the pair filing for divorce in July 2020.
And then Variety re-bunked their debunked story: Their source further explained that Hammer had previously managed an apartment complex nearby, and stayed in the area so that he could be close to his kids, who continue to reside in the Cayman Islands with their mother. Per Variety, one source at the hotel who initially denied Hammer was working there later recanted and said that he is selling timeshares, but that the hotel was trying to protect its controversial employee.
Hammer has a long history with the area. He spent several years of his childhood in the Cayman Islands and attended the Grace Christian Academy before ultimately returning to California. According to a Hollywood Reporter profile, Hammer’s father moved the family there for its tax benefits after seeing the Tom Cruise legal thriller The Firm, which was shot on location on Grand Cayman. As the grandson of Armand Hammer, Armie comes from significant wealth, but Variety reported that he “is not on the family payroll,” and needs to support himself financially, hence the timeshare gig.
Since the news of his abuse allegations, as well as bizarre stories about his aggressive sexual fantasies and apparent cannibalism fetish, the 35-year-old star’s screen career has hit a wall. This year, he appeared in Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile remake, though its trailer went out of its way to avoid highlighting that fact. (Production was completed before Hammer’s scandals broke.) He was dropped by Hollywood agency WME in February 2021, lost multiple film jobs, and was replaced by Noah Reid in a prominent Broadway role last fall.