Jennifer Lawrence recently shared her experience of missing out on the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, stating that she was made to feel “not pretty enough” for the part. During a live recording of the podcast Happy Sad Confused with host Josh Horowitz, the 35-year-old actress reflected on the impact of beauty standards in Hollywood.
Lawrence revealed that she had previously turned down a role in Tarantino’s Western thriller, The Hateful Eight. This opportunity was for the character of Daisy Domergue, which ultimately went to Jennifer Jason Leigh. When Horowitz suggested that Tarantino had been eager to collaborate with her, Lawrence responded, “I don’t know about that.”
She confirmed that she indeed turned down the part in The Hateful Eight, admitting, “I should not have done.” When discussing her potential involvement in Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, she noted, “Well, he did want me, and then everybody was like: ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate,’ and then they didn’t.”
This remark led to a candid discussion about the pressures actresses face regarding their appearances. When questioned about the truth of her statement, Lawrence said, “I’m pretty sure it is true. Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling this story this way for so long that I believe it.” She added that it could also be the case that Tarantino never seriously considered her for the role and that “the internet just went out of their way to call me ugly.”
The role of Sharon Tate ultimately went to Margot Robbie, who portrayed the iconic actress who tragically lost her life in 1969. Tarantino has expressed admiration for Lawrence in the past, stating in a 2015 interview with Entertainment Weekly that he is a “huge Jennifer Lawrence fan.” He noted, however, that she was preoccupied with her commitments to the Hunger Games franchise.
In a 2021 appearance on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast, Tarantino mentioned that he had considered Lawrence for the role of Squeaky, another character connected to Charles Manson in the same film. That part eventually went to Dakota Fanning.
Prior to the release of Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, Tate’s sister, Debra Tate, publicly expressed her preference for Robbie over Lawrence to portray Sharon, citing Robbie’s “physical beauty and the way she carries herself.” Debra Tate acknowledged that her comments may be harsh but stated, “I have my standards.”
Lawrence’s candid remarks have sparked discussions about the values placed on physical appearance in the film industry, underscoring the pressures many actresses face. As the conversation continues, it highlights the broader challenges within Hollywood regarding beauty standards and representation.
