The Incident Margot Robbie Calls the Most Embarrassing of Her Career

Margot Robbie has become a symbol of modern Hollywood stardom, but her ascent from Australian soap opera regular to industry mogul was a journey marked by both nerves and unexpected humility.

After rising to prominence in the late 2000s alongside fellow Neighbours alumni like Guy Pearce and Natalie Imbruglia, Robbie’s career shifted into high gear in 2013. While the romantic comedy About Time provided a charming introduction to global audiences, it was her electric performance as Naomi Lapaglia in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street that truly cemented her as a formidable talent.

Stepping onto a Scorsese set as a relatively unknown actress was a daunting experience for Robbie, who found herself surrounded by seasoned veterans. She famously admitted to needing a bit of “liquid courage” to get through her first major scene with Leonardo DiCaprio, revealing that she had a couple of shots of tequila to calm her intense nerves.

Despite her apprehension and the belief that no one was going to notice her in such a massive production, her performance became the film’s breakout turn, launching a trajectory that eventually led to her becoming the star and producer of the billion-dollar Barbie phenomenon.

However, even a two-time Oscar nominee isn’t immune to the occasional professional embarrassment. During a press tour for Barbie with Ryan Gosling, Robbie reflected on her most “ridiculous” onscreen moment, which dates back to her three-year stint on the Australian soap Neighbours.

She recalled a particularly cringeworthy public service announcement where she was forced to wear a giant cigarette suit. Looking back at the clip, she joked that the costume was a far cry from her high-fashion roles, despite its well-meaning message about the dangers of smoking.

As of this year, Robbie’s professional momentum is stronger than ever as she transitions from the pink hues of Barbie Land to the moody Yorkshire moors. Her latest film, a provocative adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, hit theaters on February 13.

Directed by Emerald Fennell—who previously worked with Robbie on Promising Young Woman and Saltburn—the film features Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw alongside Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. The project has already become a major box office draw, earning over $92 million in its opening week despite polarizing critics with its “modernized” and gritty take on the classic romance.

Looking ahead, Robbie is set to continue her collaboration with A24 in the upcoming romantic drama A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which also stars Colin Farrell. Furthermore, her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, is currently developing a live-action The Sims movie, a project that has already generated significant buzz across the internet.

Robbie is also rumored to be in talks for a high-stakes heist film alongside Cillian Murphy, a “Barbenheimer” reunion that fans have been clamoring for since their joint press tours in 2023. Between her high-profile acting roles and her growing influence as a producer, Robbie remains one of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry.

Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.