Jennifer Lawrence, one of Hollywood’s most prominent actresses, revealed that she lost a significant role because she was deemed ‘not pretty enough.’ The 35-year-old star shared this during a discussion about her career, highlighting the challenges she faced despite her success. This revelation centered on the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood.
The Sharon Tate Role and Tarantino’s Casting Decisions
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, became a critical and commercial triumph. The movie earned multiple awards, including two Oscars and a Golden Globe, while grossing over $392 million worldwide. Tate’s character, a real-life actress tragically killed by the Manson Family in 1969, was ultimately portrayed by Margot Robbie instead of Lawrence.
During a live episode of the podcast Happy Sad Confused with Josh Horowitz, Lawrence addressed the host’s claim that Tarantino had persistently sought to collaborate with her on the film. Lawrence responded with uncertainty but then disclosed:
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
When pressed about the validity of this claim, Lawrence admitted,
I’m pretty sure it is true.
— Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
She further reflected on whether her repeated telling of the story might have influenced her belief:
Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling this story this way for so long that I believe it.
— Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
Lawrence speculated that either the decision was genuine or the internet exaggerated by labeling her as unattractive:
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,
— Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
Additional Missed Opportunity in Tarantino’s Filmography
Lawrence also revealed missing another chance to appear in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. She initially turned down the role of Daisy Domergue, ultimately played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, in the 2015 western mystery. Reflecting on that decision, Lawrence remarked:
I turned it down, which I should not have done,
— Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
Implications of Casting Experiences in Hollywood
Jennifer Lawrence’s disclosures shed light on the pressures and perceptions affecting casting decisions in the film industry. Despite her status as an A-list actress with multiple blockbuster hits, she encountered barriers linked to appearance standards. These experiences underline how subjective factors can influence opportunities, even for established stars. As Lawrence continues her career, these candid revelations may contribute to ongoing conversations about inclusivity and casting fairness in Hollywood.
