Margot Robbie left a lasting impression on the set when she auditioned for her memorable role in The Wolf of Wall Street.
The Australian actress shared her unique approach to standing out during the audition process for the character of Naomi Lapaglia, the wife of stockbroker Jordan Belfort.
The 2013 movie launched Margot Robbie into the Hollywood spotlight, bringing her critical acclaim and increased recognition. Prior to this, she had featured in smaller roles on TV and in films such as Pan Am and About Time.
During her audition for the key female role, Robbie performed a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio, who had already been confirmed for his lead role with his close friend and director Martin Scorsese.
While performing a scene involving a heated argument with DiCaprio, Robbie decided to improvise, as Scorsese later recounted to Time Magazine for the 100 Most Influential People issue in 2017.
When asked about his perception of the actress, Scorsese said: “She clinched her part in The Wolf of Wall Street during our first meeting—by hauling off and giving Leonardo DiCaprio a thunderclap of a slap on the face.
“[It was] an improvisation that stunned us all.”
Robbie has also recounted the moment she caught her co-star off guard, as she explained to Harper’s Bazaar in 2015: “In my head I was like, ‘You have literally 30 seconds left in this room and if you don’t do something impressive, nothing will ever come of it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, just take it.’
“And so I start screaming at him and he’s yelling back at me. And he’s really scary. I can barely keep up.”
She added: “And he [Leonardo DiCaprio] ends it saying, ‘You should be happy to have a husband like me, now get over here and kiss me.’
“So I walk up really close to his face and then I’m like, ‘Maybe I should kiss him. When else am I ever going to get a chance to kiss Leo DiCaprio, ever?'”
She concluded: “But another part of my brain clicks and I just go, Whack! I hit him in the face. And then I scream, ‘F*** you!’
“And that’s not in the script at all. The room just went dead silent and I froze.”
Things turned out well for Robbie, as after the initial shock subsided, both DiCaprio and Scorsese found humor in the moment, with DiCaprio even requesting a second slap.
This bold move did not prevent her from being cast in the pivotal role, as she learned a week after the audition that she had secured the lead role opposite the renowned actor.
This role marked the beginning of Robbie’s successful career, leading to numerous award nominations.