Margot Robbie says co-star once told her eat less
Hollywood star Margot Robbie recently looked back at an awkward moment from the early days of her career. She spoke about a gift she once received from a co actor that left her shocked and uncomfortable.
Robbie shared the story during a video interview with musician Charli xcx for Complex. The two were answering fun and personal questions. One prompt asked about the worst gift they had ever received.
Margot Robbie’s Shocking Early Career Gift: A Co-Star’s Rude Hint to “Eat Less”
Picture this: You’re a young actress, just dipping your toes into the glamorous but cutthroat world of Hollywood. Everything’s new and exciting, but also a bit scary. Then, out of nowhere, a co-star hands you a “gift” that’s basically a passive-aggressive slap in the face. That’s exactly what happened to Margot Robbie early in her career, and she spilled the tea in the most refreshingly honest way during a fun video chat with musician Charli XCX for Complex magazine.
The two powerhouse women were playing a game of rapid-fire questions, the kind that gets you laughing and cringing at the same time. When the prompt hit—”What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?”—Margot didn’t skip a beat. Her eyes widened just a tad, like she was reliving the moment, and she dove right in. “It was super early in my career,” she said, her Aussie accent adding that signature warmth. Green as grass.”
The culprit? A male co-star—whose name she wisely kept under wraps—who gifted her a copy of Why French Women Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano. If you’re not familiar, it’s that 2007 bestseller peddling the idea that French women stay slim by savoring small portions, walking everywhere, and basically eating like birds. Margot nailed it: “It’s just a book telling you to eat less.” The subtext? Crystal clear. “He essentially gave me a book to let me know I should lose weight,” she said, shaking her head with a mix of disbelief and dark humor.
Her reaction back then? Pure gold. “I was like, ‘Whoa, dude!'” she recounted, mimicking her younger self’s shock. Imagine unwrapping that on set, all smiles at first, then the penny dropping. Heart sinks, cheeks flush—it’s the kind of moment that sticks with you, especially when you’re already navigating the industry’s obsession with looks. Margot emphasized how early this was: “Really back in the day.” She has no clue where that actor is now, and honestly, who cares? Good riddance to bad vibes.
Charli XCX, ever the queen of cheeky one-liners, couldn’t resist. Staring straight into the camera with a grin, she quipped, “Your career’s over, babe! It was that perfect mix of lighthearted banter masking a deeper truth. We’ve all been there—getting unsolicited “advice” on our bodies from someone who thinks they’re helping. For women in Hollywood, it’s practically a rite of passage, and Margot’s story hits home because it’s so relatable. It reminds me of those awkward family gatherings where Aunt Karen eyes your plate and mutters, “Just a salad, dear?”
Margot’s no stranger to calling out this nonsense. Over the years, she’s been vocal about the pressures of fame—the constant scrutiny, the impossible standards. From her breakout in The Wolf of Wall Street to powerhouse roles in Barbie and Babylon, she’s owned her space, setting boundaries like a boss. This anecdote feels like a window into her growth: from wide-eyed newbie taking it in stride to confident star who can laugh it off publicly.
The interview, by the way, doubled as promo for their upcoming collab: a fresh take on Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, directed and written by the brilliant Emerald Fennell (Saltburn vibes, anyone?). Margot stars as the fierce Cathy, joined by a killer cast including Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif, Alison Oliver, Martin Clunes, and Ewan Mitchell. Charli, 33 and rocking her signature bold energy, is scoring original music—think moody, synth-driven tracks that scream moors and forbidden love. Their chemistry was electric; you could feel the mutual respect as they geeked out over the project.
Things got even wilder when they swapped fan gift horror stories. Charli dropped a bombshell: a necklace with a tiny jar containing her fan’s mother’s ashes. “I was like, what do I even do with this?” she said, laughing nervously. Margot’s jaw dropped—”No way!”—and they both dissolved into giggles. It’s the kind of bizarre celebrity life hack that makes you glad you’re not famous. (Though, secretly, I’d kill for normal fan mail like cookies.)
They kept the vibes fun, naming ultimate Hollywood heartthrobs. Charli went with the legendary Jack Nicholson—”That devilish charm!”—while Margot swooned over the tragic Montgomery Clift, the brooding icon from the ’50s. “He had this intensity,” she gushed. It’s these personal picks that humanize them, turning stars into people you’d grab drinks with.
Margot’s journey is inspiring stuff. From Queensland beaches to three Oscar nods, four Golden Globe noms, and six BAFTAs, she’s crushed it in blockbusters and indies alike. Now a producer via her LuckyChap banner, she cherry-picks roles that challenge and empower—think Promising Young Woman or I, Tonya. That crappy book? Water under the bridge. “I’ve come a long way,” her tone suggests, and viewers are eating it up. Her candor sparks real talk about body shaming, proving one rude gift can’t dim a star’s shine.
In a town full of facades, moments like this cut through the noise. Margot’s not just surviving Hollywood—she’s rewriting the rules, one honest story at a time. Can’t wait for Wuthering Heights to storm screens.