Why Did Margot Robbie Almost Quit Acting?
Exploring the challenging moments in Margot Robbie’s career that almost led her to leave the industry
(By Jim Webb)
The Early Struggles of Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie’s rise to fame is often seen as a fairytale success story. After breaking out with her role in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Robbie quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. However, despite the outward appearance of success, Robbie faced several personal and professional challenges early in her career that made her question whether acting was the right path.
Before her breakthrough role, Robbie spent years working in Australian television and film. She had several minor roles, including appearances on popular TV shows like Neighbours, but her career wasn’t progressing as quickly as she had hoped. She described feeling stuck and unsure about her future in the industry during these early years.
In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2017, Robbie said:
“I was just trying to make a living. I didn’t think acting would be something I would do forever. There were so many moments when I was ready to pack it in.”
Her feelings of doubt were amplified by the intense competition in the entertainment industry and the pressure to succeed. Despite her hard work, Robbie felt the weight of rejection, which led her to question whether she had made the right choice in pursuing acting.
The Struggles of Fame: A Double-Edged Sword
When Robbie landed her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street, she found herself in the public eye, but the attention wasn’t always as glamorous as it seemed. While many fans and critics praised her performance as Naomi Lapaglia, the wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, the pressure of being thrust into stardom took its toll on her.
As Robbie explained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2018:
“You think, ‘Wow, this is it, I’m finally getting what I wanted,’ and then you realize that it’s all-consuming. It’s exhausting, and you can lose yourself in it.”
Her experience with fame was overwhelming. She was constantly under scrutiny, with her every move analyzed by the media. The pressure to maintain a certain image and continue to land high-profile roles began to take a mental and emotional toll on her.
The contrast between her private life and public persona made it difficult for her to enjoy the success she had achieved. At one point, the weight of it all made Robbie seriously contemplate walking away from the industry altogether.
The Turning Point: Finding Balance and Renewed Passion
Margot Robbie almost quit acting after feeling disillusioned with the business. But what changed her mind was her decision to take more control over her career and life. Instead of simply waiting for the next big role to come her way, she began seeking out opportunities that aligned more closely with her interests and values.
One of the pivotal moments that helped Robbie regain her passion for acting came when she worked on I, Tonya (2017), a film in which she portrayed the infamous figure skater Tonya Harding. This role allowed Robbie to tap into her creative side, and she not only starred in the film but also produced it.
In a conversation with Collider, Robbie spoke about how she felt about taking on the role:
“When I first read the script, I was like, ‘I have to play this part. I’ve never read a script like this before. This is different.’ It felt like an opportunity to really showcase something I’ve been trying to do for a while.”
The success of I, Tonya was a game-changer for Robbie. Not only did the film receive critical acclaim, but it also earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The experience gave her a sense of purpose and direction, reminding her why she fell in love with acting in the first place.
Striking Out on Her Own: Becoming a Producer
Another key factor that helped Robbie regain her love for acting was her decision to start producing films. In 2014, she co-founded the production company LuckyChap Entertainment with her husband, Tom Ackerley, and a few of her closest friends. The goal was to create more diverse, empowering roles for women in Hollywood, especially in an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of opportunities for female actors.
Robbie said in an interview with The New York Times:
“There’s only so long you can be a part of something and feel like you’re not contributing. I wanted to be involved in the process more, in a way that wasn’t just showing up and doing the acting part.”
By stepping behind the scenes, Robbie found a way to regain control over her career and contribute in a meaningful way. Producing films like Birds of Prey (2020) and Promising Young Woman (2020) has allowed her to bring stories to life that resonate with her on a deeper level.
The Pressure to Be Perfect: Struggling with Expectations
While Robbie’s career may seem like a story of triumph, the pressures that come with success continue to be a struggle. The intense expectations placed on women in Hollywood—particularly in terms of beauty, age, and image—have contributed to the actress’ inner battles.
She’s spoken candidly about the toll of trying to meet these standards, especially in an industry where youth and appearance often overshadow talent.
In an interview with Elle magazine, Robbie shared:
“It’s hard. Everyone has an opinion on how you look, how you act. I’m constantly trying to meet these expectations, and that can be exhausting. It’s a part of the job, but it’s not easy.”
Robbie’s frankness about her struggles reflects a larger issue in Hollywood, where actresses are often judged more harshly for their appearance than their male counterparts. This contributed to her decision to focus more on roles that allow her to show off her range and not be boxed into a certain image.
The Decision to Keep Going: Margot’s Return to Acting
Despite the setbacks and challenges she faced, Margot Robbie never truly gave up on acting. While she took time off from big productions to focus on her own projects, she continued to return to the screen when the right opportunities came along.
She reprised her role as Harley Quinn in The Suicide Squad (2021), which allowed her to further develop a character she had already made iconic. The film’s success reaffirmed her place in Hollywood as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation.
Robbie spoke to Entertainment Weekly about her decision to return to the role:
“I had a blast with Harley Quinn in the last one, and I didn’t want to let her go. She’s a really fun character to play. There’s a lot of freedom in her, and I think that’s one of the things that makes her so great.”
Her ability to balance roles that push her boundaries with those that provide a sense of fun and creativity reflects Robbie’s growth as an actress. She has found a balance between following her passion for acting while also contributing to the industry in a way that aligns with her values.
Conclusion: Why Margot Robbie Chose to Keep Going
Margot Robbie’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Despite facing doubts, challenges, and the overwhelming pressures of fame, Robbie has found ways to stay true to herself and her career. By taking control of her path through producing, choosing meaningful roles, and maintaining a sense of authenticity, she has proven that it’s possible to navigate the ups and downs of Hollywood without losing your sense of self.
Her decision to continue acting—despite considering quitting at various points—shows a determination to not only succeed but to do so on her own terms.
Margot Robbie’s journey continues to inspire those in the industry and beyond, showing that even in the face of adversity, perseverance can lead to greater success and personal fulfillment.
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