In a revealing conversation for Variety's Actors on Actors series, acclaimed Hollywood actress Jennifer Lawrence opened up about the surprisingly humble and unexpected beginnings of her acting career. The chat, featuring fellow Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio, offered a glimpse into the early struggles and formative experiences that shaped Lawrence into the global star she is today.
From MTV Promo to Hollywood Stardom
The 35-year-old actress disclosed that one of her very first professional jobs was not in a film or a prestigious play, but in a promotional commercial for MTV's reality television show, My Super Sweet 16. Lawrence described playing a fictional wealthy teenager at an extravagant birthday party. "I'm being carried on a chaise lounge, and then they drop me," she recalled, painting a vivid picture of the quirky role. When DiCaprio inquired if she had actually been on the show itself, Lawrence clarified with a touch of humour, "No, I didn't have the money. It was a promo for the show."
Lawrence, who began pursuing acting at the age of 14 in New York, later landed a significant break with a lead role on the television sitcom The Bill Engvall Show. Her true breakthrough, however, came with the critically acclaimed 2010 independent film Winter's Bone, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She subsequently achieved worldwide fame and recognition as the fearless heroine Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games film series.
Directors, Habits, and High-Pressure Scenes
During the wide-ranging discussion, Lawrence credited director David O. Russell for significantly refining her craft. Russell directed her in two major films: Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and American Hustle (2013). She acknowledged his intense, direct approach, stating, "He can be really, really hard on people... but I never felt like he was yelling at me." Reflecting on her experience filming Silver Linings Playbook at age 21, she said, "it felt alive."
The actress also confessed to what she herself labels a "bad habit" in her acting process: waiting until the very day of filming to fully prepare and memorise her scenes. "It's great for my life. It makes me not go crazy, but the next morning is hell," she admitted. She shared a nerve-wracking example from Silver Linings Playbook, where she had to recite detailed sports statistics to veteran actor Robert De Niro without having rehearsed it beforehand. "I'm not going to waste Robert De Niro's time. So that's an example of a really bad thing to do," Lawrence remarked.
Reflections on the Path to Success
Together, Lawrence and DiCaprio reflected on the common challenges and stepping stones of their early careers. They highlighted the importance of those initial commercials and minor roles that served as crucial training grounds and paved the way for their eventual success in the competitive landscape of Hollywood. The conversation underscored that even the most celebrated actors often start with modest, unconventional gigs, building their skills and resilience one role at a time.
The Actors on Actors series continues to provide a unique platform for Hollywood's biggest names to share authentic stories, offering fans and aspiring actors alike a rare look behind the glamorous curtain of the film industry.
