In a serendipitous twist reminiscent of Shakespearean irony, British actor Tom Hollander stumbled upon an unexpected revelation: the profound significance of a name, particularly when it comes to monetary matters. Hollander, renowned for his memorable portrayals such as Mr. Collins in “Pride and Prejudice” and Quentin in “The White Lotus,” shared an amusing anecdote during his appearance on the Wednesday edition of Late Night with Seth Meyers.

Recalling the incident with a blend of bemusement and good humor, Hollander recounted how he inadvertently found himself in possession of fellow actor Tom Holland’s paycheck for a box-office bonus related to “The Avengers.” This mix-up, he revealed, is not an uncommon occurrence in the entertainment industry.

“I’m introduced to somebody’s very, very excited, then confused, then disappointed, children,” Hollander quipped, reflecting on the reactions he often encounters in such situations.

The confusion stemmed from a mishap at Hollander’s talent agency, which mistakenly attributed the bonus payment to him instead of Holland, both of whom were represented by the same agency at the time. Upon receiving an email notifying him of the windfall, Hollander found himself momentarily incredulous, considering his absence from “The Avengers” ensemble.

“And I thought, ‘I don’t think I’m in The Avengers. It was an astonishing amount of money,” Hollander recounted, marveling at the unexpected magnitude of the sum.

Although tempted by the allure of the “seven-figure sum,” Hollander maintained his composure, refraining from disclosing the exact figure of the windfall. The revelation came hot on the heels of his modest earnings from hosting a BBC show, a juxtaposition that swiftly dispelled any feelings of smugness.

“My feeling of smugness disappeared very quickly,” Hollander admitted with characteristic humility.

Embracing the fluctuating fortunes of life with equanimity, Hollander philosophized, “It’s up, it’s down. It’s hero, it’s zero.”

Amidst the amusing anecdote, Hollander’s current venture in the FX anthology, “Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans,” where he embodies the role of writer Truman Capote, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring resilience and adaptability of actors in the ever-evolving landscape of showbiz.