Jennifer Lawrence Reflects on Past Criticism Over ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Casting
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Jennifer Lawrence recently revisited a difficult chapter in her career when she recalled the public criticism she faced over her appearance while being considered for a role in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film, which depicts the tragic story of actress Sharon Tate, sparked controversy years ago when Lawrence was reportedly in contention for the lead role that ultimately went to Margot Robbie.
Back in 2017, reports surfaced that Lawrence was among the actresses considered to portray Tate, who was murdered in a 1969 home invasion. However, Sharon Tate’s younger sister, Debra Tate, publicly expressed her opinion that Lawrence was “not pretty enough” to play her late sister, a remark that many found harsh and uncalled for. Debra Tate told TMZ at the time, “I don’t think as much about Jennifer Lawrence. Not that I have anything against her but she just — I don’t know — she’s not pretty enough to play Sharon. That’s a horrible thing to say, but you know, I have my standards.”
Years later, Tarantino clarified that Lawrence had actually been considered for the role of Squeaky Fromme, another character in the film, which eventually went to Dakota Fanning. Yet the narrative about Lawrence’s appearance persisted in public discourse.
During a recent candid conversation with Josh Horowitz, Lawrence addressed the criticism head-on. When asked if Tarantino had been trying to work with her, she responded with a hint of skepticism. Upon further questioning about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Lawrence recounted, “He did, and then everybody was like, ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate.’” She added, “I’m pretty sure it is true. Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling the story this way for so long that I believe it.”
Lawrence also acknowledged the possibility that the internet may have exaggerated the narrative, saying, “Or he just never was considering me for the part, and the internet just went out of their way to call me ugly.”
The actress’s remarks have reignited conversations about the pressures and scrutiny women face in Hollywood regarding their appearance. Social media users have revisited Debra Tate’s comments, many condemning them as unfair and damaging. One user commented, “Sharon Tate’s sister calling Jennifer Lawrence ‘not pretty enough’ in the press was so uncalled for. And false.” Another reflected on the broader impact, noting, “It’s a shame it got back to her. And people wonder why so many celebrities end up getting plastic surgery.”
Lawrence’s experience underscores ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry, where casting decisions and public perception often intertwine with subjective standards of beauty. The incident also highlights how familial voices connected to historical figures can influence public narratives.
For more on the complexities of casting in Hollywood and the pressures faced by actresses, see resources from the Film Independent and insights on media representation from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additionally, the Library of Congress provides extensive archives on film history and cultural impact.
Jennifer Lawrence’s full conversation with Josh Horowitz is available online, offering a deeper look into her perspective on the film industry and her personal journey amid public scrutiny.
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