Margot Robbie, now recognized as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, attributes a significant part of her success to her role in the 2013 blockbuster “The Wolf of Wall Street.” In this film, she portrayed Naomi Lapaglia, the second wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jordan Belfort. Despite having already appeared in films like 2008’s “City Homicide,” it was her role in “The Wolf of Wall Street” that catapulted her to stardom.
In a candid interview with BAFTA, Robbie reflected on her mindset during the filming of “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She recalled initially believing that she would go unnoticed alongside the likes of DiCaprio and under the direction of the acclaimed Martin Scorsese. Robbie admitted to thinking that her performance might be overshadowed by her more famous co-star and the movie’s grand scale, saying, “I thought, ‘No one’s gonna notice me in this film… I’ll just kind of slip under the radar.’”
However, the reality was quite different. Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi was not only noticed but also widely acclaimed, winning over audiences and critics alike with her compelling screen presence. This role proved to be a turning point in her career, demonstrating her talent and versatility as an actress, she told Vanity Fair.
“The Wolf of Wall Street,” a biographical dark comedy, is based on Jordan Belfort’s memoir of the same name. It delves into Belfort’s life as a stockbroker in New York City, capturing the essence of corporate corruption and his eventual downfall. The film was a major success, both critically and commercially, grossing over $406 million worldwide. It featured a stellar cast, including Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kylie Chandler, Rob Reiner, and Jon Bernthal, and is considered one of DiCaprio’s finest performances.
Margot Robbie’s career trajectory continued its upward trend following “The Wolf of Wall Street.” She went on to star in “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, which became a phenomenal success, grossing $1.434 billion globally. This role further cemented Robbie’s status as a leading figure in the film industry, showcasing her ability to headline major blockbuster films. Her journey from a relatively unknown actress to a prominent Hollywood star highlights her remarkable talent and the diverse range of characters she has brought to life on the big screen.
