Those who didn’t know how to pronounce Margot Robbie’s name are not alone. The 32-year-old actress was at a premiere in Sydney for her new movie “Babylon.” She was getting interviewed about the film when a childhood friend called her attention by yelling, “Hey, Maggot!” Of course, the nickname needed some explanation, so Margot told how she got the unusual name.
According to her, they had a stand-in teacher in elementary who misread and mispronounced her name as “maggot.” The mistake was entirely unintended and was understandable, especially if you didn’t know the “t” at the end was silent. The actress said she hoped her classmates would forget the nickname at the end of the day. But alas, over twenty years later, she is still being called “maggot” and on the premiere of her film, nonetheless. The interviewer posted a Tiktok video of the interaction and Robbie’s reaction. Robbie is widely known for her friendly personality and quirkiness anyway, and the actress took what happened in good stride.
The incident happened at the premiere of “Babylon” in Sydney, where Robbie plays a worldly silent movie star who indulges in different vices. It has some controversial scenes, Robbie said. She told the interviewer on premiere night that she wasn’t even sure if some raunchy scenes would be allowed for audiences when she read the script. However, Robbie is not new to playing controversial roles. A former film of hers that might compare to Babylon is The Wolf of Wall Street, where she plays the socialite wife of Leonardo di Caprio’s character. There were some racy scenes in that movie too, but nothing like Babylon’s, based on Robbie’s statement.
Robbie’s acting prowess nominated her twice to the Oscars. She also has numerous Golden Globes and BAFTAs, among other accolades. She is widely renowned for her stellar performance as figure skater Tonya Harding in the biopic “I, Tonya.” Robbie also had a chance to act in a period film when she played opposite Saoirse Ronan in “Mary, Queen of Scots.” And, of course, she portrayed the live-action version of the iconic DC Comics character Harlequin in the Suicide Squad films. Her Harlequin performance was outstanding that she got her own movie “Birds of Prey.” In the latest news, she is playing Barbie in the film of the same name. It seems like a live-action adaptation of the quintessential Barbie doll. The film is set to be released this year and her fans couldn’t wait.
Aside from her acting credentials, Robbie is also outspoken about her advocacies. She has been vocal in her support of women’s rights and gender equality. She is also a widely known ally of the LGBT community, calling out for equal rights for minority groups.
All these considered, Margot Robbie has certainly done so much with her career and contributions to the community. So, although she might be fondly called “maggot” by her childhood friends, she can’t be far enough from the nickname in real life. But, in true Margot Robbie fashion, she just laughs it off.