Leonardo DiCaprio struggled with a fake moustache on the set while filming Quentin Tarantino’s
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,”
causing genuine frustration as he tried to portray Rick Dalton, an actor facing irrelevance in a changing world. The discomfort and irritation from the costume piece pushed DiCaprio to experience a real-life meltdown that echoed his on-screen turmoil.
Working with Renowned Directors and Portraying Challenging Roles
Before becoming Martin Scorsese’s frequent collaborator, Leonardo DiCaprio had already partnered with leading filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Baz Luhrmann, and Alejandro González Iñárritu. In Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” DiCaprio took on the rare role of a villain, playing the infamous plantation owner Calvin Candie. Later, he returned to work with Tarantino to play Rick Dalton, a former TV star struggling to keep his status as Hollywood transitioned in the late 1960s.
Uncomfortable Authenticity While Filming
The film depicted the cultural and stylistic landscape of the sixties with distinct visuals, loud music, and bright fashions. However, behind the scenes, DiCaprio faced challenges that went beyond simply acting. The most persistent issue was the fake moustache required for his role. Unlike a simple disguise, it was thick, wiry, and frequently found its way into DiCaprio’s mouth, causing discomfort, especially during outdoor shoots in the intense heat.
The moustache would stick to his lips or get chewed on whenever DiCaprio delivered his lines, making the task of spitting it out a constant nuisance. This repeated irritation escalated his frustration during filming, so much so that his famed meltdown scene on camera became a reflection of his genuine off-screen emotions.
Intentional Design Adds to the Actor’s Frustration
Makeup artist Siân Grigg, who had a long history of working with DiCaprio including on “The Revenant,” was responsible for crafting Rick Dalton’s appearance. The realistic yet exaggerated style was a deliberate choice to fit the 1970s-era western being filmed within the movie’s narrative, but it made life difficult for DiCaprio. She explained,
“We were copying the style of films shot in that period and also covering Leo’s character up to look different and unrecognisable, which in the movie he’s not used to.”
—Siân Grigg, Makeup Artist.
The moustache was designed not just for period authenticity but also to intentionally conceal DiCaprio’s character, making Rick Dalton seem awkward and nearly hidden beneath his cowboy façade. This creative decision may have enhanced the film’s narrative, but it also tested DiCaprio’s patience and dedication, as the demands of authenticity clashed with personal comfort on set.
The Impact of On-Set Challenges
For an actor like Leonardo DiCaprio, whose reputation rests on immersive performances and screen presence, his struggles with the fake moustache became more than just a minor annoyance. It added a layer of realism to his portrayal of Rick Dalton’s frustrations, underscoring the lengths to which DiCaprio will go in pursuit of his craft. The story of his on-set struggles reveals the often-overlooked difficulties faced by performers as they bring complex characters to life, and shows how even small details can become defining challenges in creating memorable cinema.
