The Untold Story: 5 Shocking Secrets About Sydney Sweeney’s Role In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Sydney Sweeney’s performance in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 epic Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (OUATIH) is one of the most intriguing and lesser-known chapters of her early career, a pivotal moment that helped launch her into the A-list status she holds today. While the film featured a cast of titans like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, it was Sweeney’s chilling portrayal of one of the notorious "Manson Family" members that captured the attention of both the director and the audience.

As of December 2025, the story behind how Sweeney secured the role of "Snake" remains a fascinating tale of dedication and bold acting choices, revealing a depth to the actress that goes far beyond her more famous roles as Cassie Howard in Euphoria or Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus. Her experience working with a legendary filmmaker like Tarantino was a crucial stepping stone, solidifying her reputation as a serious and committed talent in the industry.

Sydney Sweeney: Complete Biography and Profile

Sydney Bernice Sweeney is an American actress and producer who has rapidly become one of Hollywood's most bankable young stars, known for her versatile roles across film and television.

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• Full Name: Sydney Bernice Sweeney
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1997
• Place of Birth: Spokane, Washington, USA
• Profession: Actress, Producer
• Parents: Steven Sweeney and Lisa Muddry
• Early Career Recognition: Everything Sucks! (2018), The Handmaid's Tale (2018), Sharp Objects (2018)
• Breakthrough Roles: Cassie Howard in HBO's Euphoria (Emmy nomination), Olivia Mossbacher in HBO's The White Lotus (Emmy nomination)
• Notable Recent Projects: The romantic comedy Anyone But You (2023), the horror film Immaculate (2024), and the superhero movie Madame Web (2024)

Sweeney's career trajectory is marked by a willingness to take on complex, often challenging characters, a trait that was evident even in her early, smaller role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

The Audition That Shook Quentin Tarantino: The 'Extra-Credit' Move

The story of how Sydney Sweeney landed the role of "Snake," one of the Manson Family members living at Spahn Ranch, is a masterclass in commitment and preparation, a detail that perfectly captures the director's unique casting process.

The Role of 'Snake' and the Manson Family Connection

In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Sweeney plays "Snake," a young woman deeply entrenched in the cult led by Charles Manson. The film uses the historical backdrop of 1969 Los Angeles, focusing on the dark shadow of the Manson Family murders, which provides a chilling context for Sweeney's character.

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Her scenes, primarily at the dilapidated Spahn Ranch, involved intense interactions, particularly with Brad Pitt’s character, Cliff Booth. Though a supporting role, the intensity and atmosphere of the scenes demanded a performer who could fully embody the unsettling nature of the Manson followers.

The Infamous Letter to Charles Manson

The true standout moment of her casting process—the "extra-credit" element—was a move so bold it immediately set her apart. Sweeney revealed that to fully understand the mindset of her character, a Manson girl, she went above and beyond the standard audition requirements.

Instead of merely studying the script, Sydney Sweeney wrote a letter to Charles Manson, but crucially, she wrote it *as* her character, "Snake."

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This fictional correspondence was a deep dive into the character's psyche, exploring her devotion, her life at the ranch, and her motivations. This level of immersive preparation impressed Quentin Tarantino deeply.

Tarantino was so taken with the authenticity and creativity of the letter that he asked to keep it. This single, unconventional act not only secured her the role but also signaled to the legendary director that he was working with an actress who took her craft with exceptional seriousness.

Working with Quentin Tarantino and Hollywood’s Elite

The experience of filming Once Upon a Time in Hollywood provided Sydney Sweeney with invaluable exposure and the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in the film industry, an experience she has often reflected on positively.

An "Absolute Dream" Collaboration

Despite the dark nature of the subject matter and the intense environment of the Spahn Ranch set, Sweeney described her experience working with Quentin Tarantino as "an absolute dream." Tarantino is known for his hands-on directing style and deep knowledge of cinema, and for a young actress, being part of his ninth film was a monumental opportunity.

The set was a masterclass in filmmaking. She was able to observe the dynamic between seasoned professionals like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, learning how they approached their roles and navigated the demands of a major production.

The Impact of the Role on Her Career Trajectory

While Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a significant credit, it was her subsequent roles that cemented her stardom. The film came out in 2019, just as she was gaining traction from her work in Everything Sucks! and The Handmaid's Tale.

Her appearance in a major, Oscar-nominated film directed by Tarantino gave her career a significant boost in credibility. It proved her range, showing she could move seamlessly from the high school drama of Euphoria to the unsettling historical fiction of the Manson era.

The success of the film, coupled with her Emmy-nominated performances in Euphoria and The White Lotus, transformed her from a talented newcomer into one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation. Her ability to embody complex characters, from the vulnerable Cassie Howard to the unhinged "Snake," is a testament to the dedication she first demonstrated with that "extra-credit" letter to Quentin Tarantino.

Key Entities and Topical Authority in OUATIH

To fully appreciate Sydney Sweeney’s role and the film's context, it’s essential to understand the key people and locations involved, which form the topical core of this historical fiction piece:

• Quentin Tarantino: The visionary writer and director of OUATIH, known for his unique dialogue and non-linear narratives.
• Charles Manson: The infamous cult leader whose "Family" was responsible for the 1969 Tate–LaBianca murders, the historical event central to the film's tension.
• Spahn Ranch: The real-life, dilapidated movie ranch in the Santa Susana Mountains where the Manson Family lived, serving as the primary location for Sweeney's scenes.
• Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt): The character who interacts most directly with Sweeney's "Snake" and the other Manson girls in the film.
• Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio): The fictional star of Western TV shows and the film's main protagonist, whose storyline runs parallel to the Manson events.
• Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie): The real-life actress and victim of the Manson Family, whose presence in the film provides a haunting contrast to the darkness of Spahn Ranch.

Sydney Sweeney’s brief but impactful turn as "Snake" in this ensemble masterpiece is a powerful reminder that even smaller roles in major films can be career-defining. Her commitment to the character, highlighted by her creative audition, is a legendary Hollywood tale that continues to inspire young actors today.