The Chilling Secret Behind 'Snake' In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood: How Sydney Sweeney Landed The Role

The minor role of "Snake" in Quentin Tarantino's 2019 masterpiece, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has taken on a life of its own in the years since the film's release. As of December 2025, the character is now primarily viewed through the lens of the actress who played her: Sydney Sweeney, who has since become one of the most recognizable and bankable stars in the industry. While her screen time was limited, the chilling intensity of the character and the unique, dark preparation Sweeney undertook for the audition cemented "Snake" as a pivotal, if brief, moment in her career, offering a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of 1969 Los Angeles.

The character is a crucial entity in the film's second half, a young, unsettling member of the infamous Manson Family cult who resides at the dilapidated Spahn Movie Ranch. Her encounter with Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) is a tense, pivotal scene that perfectly encapsulates the sinister atmosphere surrounding the cult. This deep dive uncovers the real-life inspiration, the secret audition technique, and the lasting legacy of the actress behind the haunting face of "Snake."

Sydney Sweeney: Complete Biography and Profile

Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of "Snake" came just before her major breakout roles, making her involvement in the Tarantino film a significant early career highlight. Her commitment to character, even for a small part, is evident in the detailed preparation she undertook for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Sydney Bernice Sweeney
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1997
• Place of Birth: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Attended the University of Southern California (USC) for a time, majoring in entrepreneurship.
• Notable Early Roles: Emaline Addario in Everything Sucks! (2018), Alice in Sharp Objects (2018).
• Breakout Roles: Cassie Howard in Euphoria (2019–present), Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus (2021).
• Major Recent Films (2023-2025): Bea in Anyone But You (2023), and the titular role in Madame Web (2024).
• Awards & Nominations: Multiple Emmy Award nominations for her work in both Euphoria and The White Lotus.
• Entity Keywords: Sydney Sweeney, Cassie Howard, Euphoria, The White Lotus, Anyone But You, Madame Web, HBO, Quentin Tarantino.

The Chilling True Story: Who Was 'Snake' Based On?

The brilliance of Tarantino's film lies in its blend of fact and fiction, and the character of Snake is firmly rooted in the dark reality of the Manson Family. "Snake," whose real name in the film is Dianne Lake, is based on a real person.

The character is a fictionalized representation of Dianne Lake, who was indeed the youngest member of the Manson Family cult.

Dianne Lake: The Real-Life 'Snake'

Dianne Lake joined Charles Manson's cult when she was just 14 years old, making her the youngest girl under his control. Her nickname, "Snake," was reportedly earned because she would roll around in the grass, pretending to be a snake.

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In the film, Snake is seen at the dilapidated Spahn Movie Ranch, the real-life headquarters of the cult where they lived in squalor under the influence of Manson. Lake's real-life story is a harrowing tale of abuse and manipulation, but she eventually became a key witness for the prosecution in the trials that led to Charles Manson's life sentence. This connection adds a layer of disturbing authenticity to Sydney Sweeney's performance, as she had to embody a girl who was a victim of one of the most notorious cult leaders in American history.

The Audition Secret: Writing a Letter to Charles Manson

One of the most fascinating and widely discussed details about Sydney Sweeney's preparation for the role of "Snake" is the extraordinary length she went to in order to impress Quentin Tarantino. This detail highlights the commitment that has since defined her career.

During the audition process for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Sweeney decided to go above and beyond the standard script reading. For "extra credit," she wrote a letter to Charles Manson in character as Snake.

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This method acting exercise was a testament to her dedication, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the mindset of a young, indoctrinated member of the Manson Family. While Tarantino's reaction to the letter is not fully documented, the unique and chilling commitment clearly secured her the part. This intense preparation is indicative of the seriousness with which the entire cast approached their roles in this highly sensitive film about the 1969 murders.

The Spahn Ranch Encounter: Snake's Pivotal Scene

Snake's primary interaction is with Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) when he visits the ranch to check on his friend, the nearly blind owner George Spahn (played by Bruce Dern). Snake is one of the first Manson girls to confront Cliff, embodying the unsettling, defensive nature of the cult members. The scene is crucial because it serves as the first major confrontation between the outside world (Cliff Booth) and the insular, dangerous world of the Manson Family.

Sweeney's subtle performance conveys a deep sense of brainwashing and loyalty to Manson, even in the face of Cliff's casual authority. This scene is a masterclass in tension, and "Snake's" presence is a key ingredient in building the palpable sense of dread that permeates the ranch sequence.

Topical Authority: The Manson Family Actors Who Became Hollywood Stars

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is now recognized as a launching pad for a generation of young actors, many of whom played the Manson Family members. The film's ensemble cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, was anchored by these then-emerging talents.

The success of Sydney Sweeney is mirrored by several of her co-stars who portrayed other cult members. This collection of actors now represents some of the biggest names in Hollywood, making the film a fascinating historical document of future stardom.

Other Notable Manson Family Actors in the Film:

• Margaret Qualley (Pussycat): Has since starred in films like Maid and Poor Things, becoming a critically acclaimed actress.
• Austin Butler (Tex): Went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in Elvis, cementing his status as a major leading man.
• Dakota Fanning (Squeaky Fromme): Already established, her chilling portrayal of Squeaky was a highlight.
• Mikey Madison (Sadie): Known for her role in the Scream franchise and other horror films.
• Madisen Beaty (Katie): A recurring presence in various TV and film projects.
• Maya Hawke (Flower Child): Gained massive recognition for her role as Robin Buckley in Stranger Things.

The collective success of this group of "Manson Girls" and "Family" members is an incredible Hollywood anomaly. It solidifies Once Upon a Time in Hollywood not just as a Tarantino film, but as a pivotal moment in the careers of a new generation of stars, with Sydney Sweeney's "Snake" being a key part of that legacy. The film serves as a snapshot of a time when these actors were on the cusp of global fame, adding an unexpected layer of history to the movie's title.

The Lasting Impact of 'Snake' on Sydney Sweeney's Career

While "Snake" was a small role, it was a major stepping stone for Sydney Sweeney. It demonstrated her range and willingness to tackle dark, complex characters, a trait she carried into her acclaimed performances in Euphoria and The White Lotus.

The role allowed her to work directly with a legendary director and an A-list cast, providing invaluable experience and exposure. The story of her intense preparation—the in-character letter to Charles Manson—continues to be a popular anecdote, illustrating her commitment to the craft. Today, as Sweeney headlines major studio films and romantic comedies, her brief, unsettling turn as the Manson girl "Snake" remains a testament to her early ambition and the depth of talent that Hollywood was quick to recognize.