Margot Robbie has revealed she was able to embody Sharon Tate in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood by wearing some of the late actresses' jewellery during filming.
The upcoming Quentin Tarantino movie tells the story of Hollywood in 1969, focusing on a 'has-been' actor, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his stunt double - portrayed by Brad Pitt.
Robbie takes on the role of Tate - who is not fictional - but in the film lives next door to DiCaprio's character.
Tate was an actress in the 1960s, married to director Roman Polanski, who was tragically murdered when she was eight months pregnant by the Manson Family cult at her home in Los Angeles. Four others were also killed at the scene.
'Whenever I'd heard her name I really only thought of her death,' Robbie explained to Today. 'I was never really exposed to the parts of her life when she was alive and that was a beautiful part of taking on this role; really appreciating her life.'
To get into the character and feel more connected to who she was as a person, Robbie was loaned some of Tate's personal jewellery by the late actresses' sister Debra. She had given her blessing for the film and also spent time with Tarantino discussing how best to keep the memory of Sharon alive.
'That was an amazing opportunity that if it wasn't for Debra would not have been possible,' Robbie said. 'It was sometimes very sad to be that closely connected with real life Sharon.
'Suddenly the tragedy of all would hit you at moments and you'd be tremendously sad but other times she made me feel so happy because I know she was so happy and wonderful from the way people spoke about her. For the most part, she was an absolute joy but yes there were moments where it was very sad.'
Since the crew and cast wrapped filming on the hugely anticipated movie, Robbie has paid tribute to Tate in subtle ways. While premiering the film at this year's Cannes Film Festival, she re-created Tate's loose plait hairstyle she wore at the very same festival in 1968.
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood lands in cinemas 14 August.
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