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5 Shocking Secrets Sydney Sweeney Revealed About Her 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' Role

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Sydney Sweeney’s rise to superstardom has been meteoric, driven by her acclaimed roles in hit series like Euphoria and The White Lotus. However, a pivotal, often-overlooked stepping stone in her career was her brief but impactful appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 masterpiece, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (OUATIH). As of today, December 21, 2025, fans are still fascinated by the behind-the-scenes stories of how she secured the role and what it was like working with the legendary director.

Her portrayal of a member of the infamous Manson Family, a character known as "Snake," required a level of commitment and "extra credit" preparation that few actors attempt. This deep dive reveals the surprising details of her audition, the real-life figure her character was based on, and the crucial advice she gained from the experience that propelled her career forward.

Sydney Sweeney: Complete Profile and Biography

Sydney Bernice Sweeney is an American actress and producer who has quickly become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents. Her work spans critically acclaimed television series and major motion pictures, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.

  • Full Name: Sydney Bernice Sweeney
  • Date of Birth: September 12, 1997
  • Place of Birth: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
  • Parents: Steven Sweeney (Father) and Lisa Mudd Sweeney (Mother)
  • Sibling: Trent Sweeney (Younger Brother)
  • Occupation: Actress, Producer
  • Breakthrough Roles: Cassie Howard in Euphoria and Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus
  • Significant Film Roles: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Reality, Anyone But You, and Immaculate

The Chilling 'Extra Credit' That Secured Her Role as 'Snake'

Sydney Sweeney's audition for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was far from conventional. She was cast as "Snake," one of the Manson Family members living at the decrepit Spahn Ranch, alongside other breakout stars like Margaret Qualley (Pussycat) and Austin Butler (Tex).

1. The Shocking 'Love Letter' to Charles Manson

To truly embody the mind of a devoted Manson Family follower, Sweeney went above and beyond the typical audition process. She revealed that she submitted "extra credit" to director Quentin Tarantino, which involved writing a fictional love letter to Charles Manson from the perspective of her character, Snake.

This bold move was a massive risk, but it paid off immediately. Tarantino was reportedly so impressed by the chilling insight and commitment to the character that he asked to keep the letter.

2. The Real-Life Figure Behind 'Snake'

Sweeney's character, Snake, is based on a real-life member of the Manson Family: Dianne "Snake" Lake.

Dianne Lake was one of the youngest members of the cult, having joined at the age of 14. She later became a key witness for the prosecution in the trials against Charles Manson and his followers. Sweeney's preparation involved researching the complex and tragic history of the real Dianne Lake to understand the psychological landscape of the Manson girls.

3. Working with Quentin Tarantino Was an 'Absolute Dream'

Despite the intense subject matter, Sweeney has consistently described her experience on the OUATIH set as highly positive. She called Quentin Tarantino "an absolute dream to work with."

Tarantino is known for his immersive and detail-oriented sets, where cell phones are famously banned to maintain focus and authenticity. Sweeney credited the director and his crew for their meticulous attention to detail, which helped her fully immerse herself in the 1969 setting and her character.

The Career Launchpad: From Spahn Ranch to Global Stardom

While her role as Snake was relatively small, appearing mostly in the extended sequence at Spahn Ranch with Brad Pitt's character, Cliff Booth, it was a crucial moment in her career trajectory.

4. A Key Transition Role Before 'Euphoria' Fame

When Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was released in 2019, Sydney Sweeney was already gaining recognition from roles in Everything Sucks!, The Handmaid's Tale, and Sharp Objects. However, the film marked her first major exposure in a high-profile, Oscar-winning motion picture directed by a cinematic legend.

The film's release coincided with her breakout performance as Cassie Howard in HBO's Euphoria, which premiered the same year. The combined visibility from a major Tarantino film and a hit HBO show cemented her status as a rising star and a Gen Z icon.

5. The Unforgettable Lesson Learned on Set

The experience of working on a set with Hollywood heavyweights like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie, under the guidance of Tarantino, provided Sweeney with invaluable lessons. She has shared that one of the key takeaways for young actors is the importance of preparation and taking risks, a lesson she learned firsthand with her "extra credit" audition.

The film's massive ensemble cast also included other future stars who played Manson Family members, such as Dakota Fanning (Squeaky Fromme), Mikey Madison (Sadie), and Maya Hawke (Flower Child), making it a true incubator for the next generation of Hollywood talent.

Sydney Sweeney’s journey from a dedicated actress writing chilling character letters to a global producer and leading lady is a testament to her work ethic. Her time on the set of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, though brief, remains a fascinating and foundational chapter in her ongoing success story, proving that sometimes, the most memorable roles are the ones you fight for with an unforgettable "extra credit."

sydney sweeney once upon a time in hollywood
sydney sweeney once upon a time in hollywood

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