Aubrey Plaza 'Weirded Out' Robert De Niro on the Dirty Grandpa Set

The Unconventional Approach

Aubrey Plaza, a renowned Hollywood actor known for her quirky characters, made headlines for her unconventional approach to her role in Dirty Grandpa. Released in 2016, the movie featured Plaza as Lenore, a young woman with a penchant for older men, particularly co-star Robert De Niro's character, Dick. Plaza's dedication to her character took an unexpected turn as she confessed to 'weirding out' De Niro on set. She revealed that to prepare for her role, she would slip into her amorous character even before the cameras started rolling, a method that left De Niro 'freaked out' according to her agents.

Lenore (Aubrey Plaza) in a lace bra and Dick's (De Niro) pants, with a provocative expression in Dirty Grandpa

Plaza's over-the-top portrayal of Lenore led to an amusing incident where De Niro didn't even recognize her at a cast and crew lunch. Despite the initial awkwardness, De Niro's reaction to Plaza's on-set behavior seemed to be one of acceptance, indicating that the unconventional approach did not negatively impact their working relationship. However, Plaza's candid acknowledgment of her questionable actions highlights the ethical considerations that arise when method acting, especially in roles of a highly sexual nature, is employed.

Lenore (Aubrey Plaza) leaning into a car with a cigar in her mouth as Jason (Zac Efron), Dick (Robert De Niro), and Shadia (Zoey Deutch) watch in Dirty Grandpa

Breaking Away from Typecasting

Plaza's determination to break away from typecasting was evident when she revealed that she initially auditioned for a different role in Dirty Grandpa. Instead of vying for the 'female part,' presumably Shadia, the love interest of Zac Efron's character, Plaza expressed her interest in portraying Lenore, the bold and unapologetic character she ultimately embodied. Her decision to take on a role that defied expectations and challenged typical casting norms reflects her desire to surprise and satisfy audiences by playing against type.

The choice to embrace a character like Lenore, with its departure from Plaza's previous roles, showcases her versatility as an actor and her willingness to take creative risks. Plaza's candidness about her motivation to avoid typecasting sheds light on the depth of her commitment to her craft and the unique approach she brings to each role.

The Impact and Beyond

Plaza's portrayal in Dirty Grandpa, while drawing attention for its unconventional methods, contributed to her career's upward trajectory. Her breakout role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation established her as a standout talent, and subsequent appearances in films like Ingrid Goes West, Emily the Criminal, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World further solidified her status in the industry.

The culmination of Plaza's career came with her role as Harper Spiller in the White Lotus season 2, earning her prestigious award nominations, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Despite the critical reception of Dirty Grandpa, Plaza's commitment to her character and her ability to surprise audiences with her diverse performances have solidified her position as a versatile and noteworthy figure in Hollywood.