Jennifer Lawrence, one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, revealed that she missed out on a role due to perceptions about her appearance. The 35-year-old star shared this during a recent interview, addressing the claim that she was considered “not pretty enough” to play a specific character. This revelation sheds light on the challenges even top-tier actors can face in the industry.
The Missed Role and Its Context
The part Lawrence discussed was Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood. The movie, which featured a prestigious cast including Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie, was a critical and commercial success. It won several awards, including Oscars for Brad Pitt’s supporting role and Best Production Design, alongside a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film’s box office haul reached $392.1 million globally.
Lawrence’s Account on Casting and the Role of Sharon Tate
During a live recording on the podcast Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz, Lawrence was asked if Tarantino had pursued her for the film. She responded cautiously before confirming the claim about why she was not cast:
“Well, he did, and then everybody was like, ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate,’ and then they didn’t.” – Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
Sharon Tate, a model and actress tragically murdered by the Manson Family in 1969 at the age of 26, was ultimately portrayed by Margot Robbie in the film.
Lawrence Reflects on the Story and Public Reaction
When pressed about the truth behind this casting decision, Lawrence acknowledged some uncertainty but stood by her version of events:
“I’m pretty sure it is true. Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling this story this way for so long that I believe it.” – Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
She further speculated about the nature of the public’s online response to her not being cast:
“No, but I — I’m pretty sure that happened — or, he just never was considering me for the part and the internet just, like, went out of their way to call me ugly,”
reflecting on how internet commentary intensified the situation.
Other Tarantino Roles Lawrence Passed On
In the same interview, Lawrence disclosed she had declined a role in another Tarantino film, The Hateful Eight. She admitted regretting that decision in hindsight. She referred to the character Daisy Domergue, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, whose fugitive role was central to the film’s story:
“I turned it down, which I should not have done,”
Lawrence confessed, suggesting she sees the missed opportunity as a mistake.
Implications and Industry Reflections
Jennifer Lawrence’s candid remarks highlight the pressures actors confront concerning appearance standards, even when they have established successful careers. The public discussion around her missing the Sharon Tate role underscores ongoing debates about casting decisions in Hollywood and how external perceptions can influence them. As Lawrence continues her career, such reflections may prompt broader industry conversations about inclusivity and talent evaluation beyond looks.
