Jennifer Lawrence Sharon Tate Casting Refusal: 'Not Pretty Enough' for the Role

She just wasn't pretty enough—at least according to the critics. Jennifer Lawrence has finally opened up about missing out on the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, citing harsh industry beauty standards as a primary factor.

The Jennifer Lawrence Sharon Tate Casting Controversy

Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast on January 16, 2026, the Oscar-winning actress recalled the conversations surrounding the 2019 film. Lawrence claimed that while Tarantino was interested in her, the general consensus—and the internet—was that she lacked the specific physical beauty required to portray the late Sharon Tate. The role ultimately went to Margot Robbie.

The sentiment was echoed by Tate's own sister, Debra Tate, who stated back in 2017 that Robbie was her top pick due to her physical similarity to Sharon. "She's just... she's not pretty enough to play Sharon," Debra told TMZ at the time, referring to Lawrence. Lawrence sarcastically addressed these comments, noting how the internet can be particularly cruel regarding an actor's appearance.

Missed Connections and Tarantino's Original Vision

Interestingly, Quentin Tarantino later revealed he had actually "flirted around" with the idea of Lawrence playing Squeaky Fromme rather than Tate. Lawrence also admitted to turning down a lead role in Tarantino's 2015 film, The Hateful Eight, a decision she now acknowledges was a mistake. Despite the casting shuffle, the film went on to massive success, with Robbie's performance moving Debra Tate to tears.