Aubrey Plaza says she ‘freaked out’ Robert De Niro filming Dirty Grandpa: ‘I did some questionable things’
‘At first, I think I came on really strong,’ says Plaza
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Aubrey Plaza described her on-set relationship with Robert De Niro while filming their sex comedy Dirty Grandpa, admitting that she “freaked” him out.
The Parks and Recreation actor starred in the 2016 comedy as Lenore whose singular goal is to have sex with De Niro’s grandfather character.
“By the time he’d show up, I’m in character,” Plaza explained during a recent London Film Festival ScreenTalk session, as reported by Variety. “I was acting totally insane as the character because we were about to shoot.”
She added: “I don’t think he understood that wasn’t me. You’d think he would because he’s an actor and an amazing one.”
Plaza, 38, said that one of her agents had “heard Bob’s a little freaked out”. At a cast and crew lunch hosted by De Niro, the Emmy-winning actor didn’t recognise Plaza when she was out of character.
“I showed up and he’s like, ‘Who are you sweetheart?’ and after that he was normal. At first, I think I came on really strong. I did some questionable things I wouldn’t do anymore,” she said.
Plaza, who stars in the forthcoming second season of The White Lotus, went on to discuss her “weird” behaviour on talk shows.
“Every time I tell myself [to] just be normal this time. Do it and get out. I see Tom Hanks doing it and I’m like, ‘He’s smiling, he’s doing great.’ I’d rather have an uncomfortable time because it feels more real, but it’s not on purpose,” she said.
“I wouldn’t want to make someone feel uncomfortable. It’s my defence mechanism put on display. I try to do it right every time and f*** it up every time.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments