As children, many of us feel a sense of gratitude towards our parents for raising and supporting us during our formative years, and it seems only fair to give back when we have the means to do so.
It’s a common story when celebrities or well-known figures achieve success, they often share that success with those close to them. Margot Robbie is a prime example, as she used her earnings from “The Wolf of Wall Street” to pay off her mother’s mortgage.
However, not all famous individuals share this sentiment toward their parents, as evidenced by Quentin Tarantino’s approach.
At 61, Tarantino is one of Hollywood’s most renowned directors, having helmed iconic films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood,” “Django Unchained,” and “Kill Bill.” With such a successful career, it’s no surprise that he has accumulated significant wealth.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Quentin Tarantino’s estate is estimated to be worth $120 million.
With such a fortune, one might assume he would have some to spare for his parents.
However, Tarantino revealed in 2021 that he has never given his mother any financial support.
In an interview on The Moment podcast with Billions co-creator Brian Koppelman, Tarantino explained his reasons, noting that his mother was not always supportive of his writing aspirations.
Despite any improvements in their relationship, he claimed his mother did not encourage his dream of becoming a writer.
He remembered getting reprimanded for writing screenplays during school, and how his mother would ‘b****’ at him, saying, “She said, ‘Oh, and by the way, this little writing career’, with the finger quotes and everything. ‘This little “writing career” that you’re doing? That s*** is f***ing over!'”
He added: “And when she said that to me in that sarcastic way, I was in my head, and I go, ‘OK, lady. When I become a successful writer, you will never see penny one from my success.
“There will be no house for you. There’s no vacation for you, no Elvis Cadillac for mommy. You get nothing. Because you said that.”
Tarantino did mention that he had assisted his mother financially on one occasion, marking the only time he has broken his vow.
While it might seem harsh, Tarantino elaborated on his reasoning.
“There are consequences for your words as you deal with your children,” he stated. “Remember there are consequences for your sarcastic tone about what’s meaningful to them.”
Tarantino’s mother, Connie Zastoupil, addressed the situation in a statement to USA Today, expressing her support for her son and stating that she is ‘proud’ of him.
“Regarding my son Quentin – I support him, I’m proud of him and love him and his growing new family,” she said.
“It gave me great joy to dance at his wedding and receive his news upon the birth of my Grandson Leo.”
She also mentioned how easily comments like Quentin’s can ‘spin and go viral without full context’ and that she does ‘not wish to participate in this salacious transactional media frenzy’.