Credits: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 2.0.
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling won over the world with the success of the film Barbie. Margot, who portrays the heroine with a blend of unabashed kitsch, feminist messaging, and bubblegum-pink glamour, was propelled to the top. An ascent that upended this star with a modest ego.
A Meteoric Rise
Margot Robbie, Hollywood’s new queen, has brought Mattel’s famous doll to life with a very much of-the-moment mix — glamour, irony, and feminism. Her talent and charisma helped turn an iconic figure into a complex, modern character.
An Childhood in Australia
Margot Elise Robbie was born on July 2, 1990, in Dalby, a small town of 10,000 people in Queensland, Australia. Her mother, Sarie Kessler, a physical therapist, raised her four children alone after their father left. The family moved to Gold Coast, a beautiful coastal region, where Margot spent much of her childhood. A determined teenager, she already knew she wanted to become rich and famous, inspired by Australian stars like Nicole Kidman.
As a child, Margot was so passionate about film that she staged shows for her family. She used makeshift props and involved her brothers and sisters in homemade productions.
The Early Days in Hollywood
At 18, Margot left her family for Melbourne with the dream of becoming an actress. Without formal artistic training, she managed to land roles in two little-noticed independent films: Vigilante and I.C.U.. It was her role in the famous Australian soap opera Neighbours that opened the doors to local fame. With her first paychecks, she helped her mother pay off the mortgage on the family home. This gesture reveals her gratitude and generous nature.
On the set of Neighbours, Margot was known for bringing incredible energy. She would sometimes shoot scenes for hours without complaining, earning the respect of the entire crew.
The Move to Hollywood
Margot then moved to the United States, where she landed a role in the series Pan Am. Although the show was canceled after one season, it caught Hollywood’s attention. Her big breakthrough came with Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. For her audition, Margot, determined to stand out, slapped Leonardo DiCaprio during an argument scene. This improvised move impressed the director and the actor.
Margot thought that improvised slap would end her career before it even began. Instead, it did the exact opposite.
From Actress to Producer
After the success of The Wolf of Wall Street, Margot went on to play several more roles. But it was as a producer that she really began to make her mark on Hollywood. In 2014, she co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment, a production company dedicated to promoting films led by women and telling women’s stories. I, Tonya, one of her company’s first projects, was a critical and commercial success.
Margot has said that LuckyChap Entertainment was born out of frustration at the lack of interesting roles for women in Hollywood, and that she then decided to take matters into her own hands to change that dynamic.
The Triumph of Barbie
In 2023, Margot Robbie achieved global acclaim by playing Barbie in the eponymous film directed by Greta Gerwig. The film grossed $1.4 billion at the box office. It succeeded in turning Barbie into a modern feminist icon while preserving her kitschy charm. This performance makes Margot an essential figure in world cinema.
To prepare for the role, Margot spent hours studying the doll’s movements and history. She wanted to bring unexpected authenticity and depth to the character.
A Multifaceted Actress
Alongside her acting career, Margot Robbie continues to make a name for herself as a producer. She left Instagram in 2021, despite her 23 million followers. She wanted to focus on her career and protect her privacy. Her choice to prioritize producing shows her determination to make a lasting contribution to the film industry.
Margot has said that leaving Instagram allowed her to focus more on her work. She can now live each moment to the fullest without constantly worrying about her public image.
Her Nice Little Windfall
According to Forbes, Margot Robbie pocketed $59 million in 2023, ahead of all other female actors. At 33, she is the youngest among the ten highest-paid actors over the past decade.
Today, the undisputed queen of Hollywood, Margot Robbie may soon portray Amanda Lear, Salvador Dalí’s muse, in a biopic. From her humble beginnings in Australian TV series to her acclaimed performances in major films such as Barbie, she has shown a remarkable ability to embody a wide range of roles. Her thriving career and her commitment make her a major figure in the contemporary film industry.