The film industry in Hollywood is incredibly challenging; even renowned actresses who are noted for their beauty and talent can sometimes be deemed ‘not pretty enough’ for certain roles.
This may have been the case for Jennifer Lawrence missing out on a coveted role in Quentin Tarantino’s film, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019). This movie delves into the historical context surrounding the Sharon Tate murders, executed by the notorious Manson family.
During the casting process for Sharon Tate—a role that required capturing the essence of a rising star tragically murdered at age 26, known for her work in films like Valley of the Dolls (1967) and The Wrecking Crew (1968)—Tarantino sought the ideal actress to portray this cinematic icon.
According to a report by the Daily Mail in 2017, Tarantino was contemplating either Lawrence or Margot Robbie for the part, fueling fan speculation. However, it was reportedly Tate’s sister, Debra, who dismissed the idea of Lawrence playing the former pageant queen and model, suggesting that Robbie was a more fitting choice for her late sister.
Lawrence later remarked that Debra commented she was ‘not pretty enough’ for the role of Sharon. Consequently, Tarantino cast Robbie alongside prominent actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt in the nearly three-hour film.
Lawrence, now 35, expressed her disappointment at not securing the role during a recent 92NY event. She shared that she was repeatedly told: “She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate.”
Despite skepticism from her interviewer, Lawrence continued: “I’m pretty sure it is true, or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling that story this way for so long that I believe it, but I’m pretty sure that happened.”
She contemplated whether Tarantino made the remark, or if the criticism originated from elsewhere, adding: “Or he just never was considering me for the part and the internet just went out of their way to call me ugly.”
After Robbie was cast, Debra reportedly approved of the choice, fueling speculation that she influenced the casting decision. She later told Vanity Fair that Robbie’s portrayal of her sister, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her death, was so authentic that it brought her to tears.
Tarantino has not publicly confirmed whether Lawrence was considered for the role of Tate. However, he has mentioned contemplating her for a different role in the film, which he considers his favorite work.
Lawrence was reportedly considered for the role of ‘Squeaky’ Fromme, a Manson family member who, in the film, assumes a leadership position and manipulates an elderly blind man, George Spahn, to gain control of the ranch where the cult resided.
Tarantino shared this in a 2021 episode of Marc Maron’s podcast, WTF, mentioning that Lawrence visited his home to read the script, but it ultimately did not materialize. “She read it, and afterward, we talked about it a little bit. She was interested in doing it, but something didn’t work out,” he noted.