During her audition for "The Wolf of Wall Street," Margot Robbie took a bold, unscripted leap – she slapped Leonardo DiCaprio. This surprising action occurred during a kissing scene rehearsal, where Robbie felt a slap would be more impactful. Recalling the incident on the "Talking Pictures" podcast, Robbie shared her initial thought process: she contemplated kissing DiCaprio, thinking it would be "awesome" and a great story for her friends. However, she quickly dismissed the idea and went with the slap instead.
Margot Robbie improvised during her audition for "Wolf of Wall Street." (Paramount Pictures, Photo 12/Alamy Stock Photo)
Following the slap, Robbie was consumed with panic, fearing arrest and the end of her career. She questioned her impulsive decision, worried about the legal repercussions and the potential damage to her reputation. The room fell silent for a few tense seconds before DiCaprio and director Martin Scorsese erupted in laughter, praising her unexpected move.
"I was convinced I'd be arrested. I thought, ‘This is assault and battery. My career is over, I'm going to jail.’ I even berated myself for hitting him so hard."
— Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie says she was afraid she'd get arrested after slapping Leonardo DiCaprio during her final audition. (Getty Images)
The role of Naomi Lapaglia catapulted Robbie to fame, but she wasn't prepared for the intense scrutiny that followed. In a 2022 Vanity Fair interview, she confessed to her mother that she wasn't sure she wanted to continue acting. Her mother's response, "Darling, I think it's too late not to," was a turning point, pushing Robbie to embrace her career trajectory.
Margot Robbie wasn't comfortable with her level of fame after her breakout role in "Wolf of Wall Street." (Jim Spellman/WireImage)
Margot Robbie has also starred in "I, Tonya," "Suicide Squad" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK)
Now a seasoned actress, Robbie has learned to navigate the complexities of fame. She's become more resilient and aware of the industry's challenges. Following "The Wolf of Wall Street," she starred in major films like "I, Tonya," "Suicide Squad," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." Her recent success with the blockbuster hit "Barbie" alongside Ryan Gosling solidified her status as a leading actress.
Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie starred in "Barbie." (Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
