Jennifer Lawrence Reveals She Was Deemed “Not Pretty Enough” for Sharon Tate Role
SYDNEY, 17 January 2026 – Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence has disclosed that she believes online criticism about her appearance cost her the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed 2019 film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The part ultimately went to Australian actress Margot Robbie. Lawrence’s revelation has sparked renewed discussion about the legacy of Tate, the promising actress whose brutal murder in 1969 by members of the Manson Family remains one of Hollywood’s most infamous tragedies.
The Lost Role and Online Backlash
In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Oscar-winning actor reflected on the missed opportunity. “And then everybody was like, ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate…And then they didn’t,” Lawrence stated. She added, “No, but I’m pretty sure that happened. Or he just was never considering me for the part, and the internet just like went out of its way to call me ugly.”
The film, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, featured Margot Robbie as the ill-fated Tate. It presented an alternate history where Tate and her friends survived the attack. The role was widely praised, contributing to the film’s ten Academy Award nominations and two wins.
Sharon Tate: A Legacy Cut Short
The renewed attention on the casting highlights the enduring fascination with Sharon Tate’s life and death. Tate was a rising star in the late 1960s, known for her roles in films like Valley of the Dolls and The Fearless Vampire Killers. She was married to acclaimed director Roman Polanski and was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when she was murdered.
Her death, along with four others at her Los Angeles home on 9 August 1969, was orchestrated by cult leader Charles Manson. The horrific crime sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the world, marking a symbolic end to the idealism of the 1960s.
Key Facts: The Sharon Tate Case
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Murder | 9 August 1969 |
| Location | 10050 Cielo Drive, Los Angeles, California |
| Perpetrators | Members of the “Manson Family” cult (Charles “Tex” Watson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian) |
| Motive | Part of a series of murders orchestrated by cult leader Charles Manson to incite a race war he called “Helter Skelter”. |
| Notable Film Portrayal | Margot Robbie in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) |
| Cultural Impact | The case remains a cornerstone of true crime discourse and symbolised the end of the 1960s “peace and love” era. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sharon Tate?
Sharon Tate was an American actress and model who appeared in several films and television shows in the 1960s. She was considered a rising star and a prominent figure in Hollywood’s social scene before her murder.
What was the motive for the murders?
Charles Manson, a failed musician and cult leader, ordered his followers to commit the murders in an attempt to spark a apocalyptic race war he referred to as “Helter Skelter,” inspired by The Beatles’ song of the same name.
How is Sharon Tate remembered today?
Tate is remembered both as a talented actress whose life was tragically cut short and as the most famous victim of the Manson Family murders. Her death is frequently examined in true crime documentaries, books, and podcasts, and her style and image continue to influence popular culture.