Margot Robbie personal life struggles have remained largely shielded from the public eye despite her rising star in Hollywood. From a challenging childhood in Australia to the overwhelming effects of fame and industry battles, Robbie‘s journey reveals a complex life behind the glitz and glamor.
Early Family Life Marked by Parental Separation
Margot Robbie‘s childhood was shaped by significant hardship as her parents divorced when she was only five years old. Raised alongside her three siblings on a farm in Australia’s Gold Coast by their mother, Sarie Kessler, the actress experienced the emotional and practical complexities that come with growing up in a single-parent household. Unlike many children of divorce who split their time between parents, Robbie and her siblings remained with their mother after their father, Doug Robbie, left the family in 1995.
Reflecting on her strained relationship with her father, Robbie once explained,
Just because it’s hard to briefly mention without it sounding like ‘My dad’s awful’ and … that whole thing.
—Margot Robbie
Her mother Kessler’s strength was crucial in holding the family together through turbulent times. Robbie has often praised her, acknowledging the difficulties they posed:
‘[My siblings and I] didn’t make life easy for her. We were always fighting and my mom had to be a very strong woman to hold things together,
she said. She‘s an amazing woman.
While many assumed Robbie was estranged from her father, contrary claims from Doug’s brother surfaced in 2023, suggesting a present relationship. Nevertheless, Robbie herself keeps the details of this connection limited, emphasizing their differences with
None. Nothing. I’m not like him at all.
—Margot Robbie
From Humble Beginnings to Sudden Stardom and Doubts
Robbie’s acting career began modestly on Australian television, including a steady role on Neighbours at age 17. Her move to the United States came after landing a part on the series Pan Am, a breakthrough that caught the attention of famed director Martin Scorsese. She was cast in the critically acclaimed 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, but the instant fame it brought was far from easy.
She openly revealed how overwhelming the early stages were, stating:
Something was happening in those early stages and it was all pretty awful, and I remember saying to my mom, ‘I don’t think I want to do this,’
—Margot Robbie. When her mother responded with
Darling, I think it’s too late not to,
Robbie realized she had to push forward.
That’s when I realized the only way was forward,
she added.
Having learned to handle intrusive fame, Robbie described her ability to navigate paparazzi and maintain personal boundaries more recently:
I know how to go through airports, and now I know who’s trying to f*** me over in what ways,
—Margot Robbie
Controversy Sparked by Rumors Involving Will Smith
While filming Focus in 2013, Robbie and co-star Will Smith sparked tabloid rumors of an affair following playful photoshoots on set. The images, which showed Robbie and Smith lifting their shirts for a photo booth, ignited gossip about a potential scandal, casting Robbie in the role of a perceived home-wrecker despite her committed relationship with then-boyfriend Tom Ackerley.
Robbie quickly addressed these falsehoods in a November 2013 X post:
Been working non-stop, just catching my breath. There’s absolutely no truth to the ridiculous rumor,
—Margot Robbie. She added,
It’s disappointing that goofing around on set could be taken so out of context.
Despite the rumors, Robbie and Smith later reunited professionally in Suicide Squad in 2016, though whispers about their chemistry remained among some observers.
Facing Sexism in Media Coverage
Robbie’s rise attracted significant media attention, including a July 2016 Vanity Fair profile that drew criticism for its patronizing and sexist tone. Writer Rich Cohen emphasized her physical attributes over her talent, describing her beauty with unusual length and framing her characterizations in a condescending manner.
Cohen portrayed Australia in outdated stereotypes, remarking that
Australia is America 50 years ago, sunny and slow, a throwback, which is why you go there for throwback people,
which also sparked backlash.
Robbie discussed the experience during an Australian talk show, The Project, reflecting on the discomfort the profile caused:
I remember thinking, that was a really odd interview. I don’t know how that’s going to come out,
she recalled.
And then when I read it. I was like … the tone of this is really weird. Like, I don’t really know what he’s trying to get at.’
—Margot Robbie
Harley Quinn Role Brought Fame and Personal Threats
Margot Robbie‘s portrayal of Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad marked a pivotal moment that earned her immense recognition but also unleashed a darker side of fame. The film’s poor critical reception contrasted with the cult status her character gained, leading to Robbie reprising the role twice more.
However, with this visibility came serious challenges. Robbie told The Hollywood Reporter she wished her representatives had prepared her better, saying,
You’re about to be in a comic book film; now here’s the worst-case scenario of how big and scary it can get,
—Margot Robbie.
Following death threats and stalking incidents, she was forced to hire personal security and conduct background checks on threatening individuals.
There’s just all this stuff you learn along the way,
she explained.
have a security team do a background check on whoever sent them to see if there is any past history of violence.
—Margot Robbie
Physical Toll While Preparing for ‘I, Tonya’
In preparation for her role as figure skater Tonya Harding in the 2017 biographical film I, Tonya, Robbie committed to intense training under choreographer Sarah Kawahara. The role demanded new skills and physical endurance, which came at a cost.
Despite previous ice hockey experience, Robbie found skating far more challenging:
I thought I wasn’t too bad at ice skating — I used to play ice hockey,
she said.
I soon realized that I’d just been running on ice, and now there was no padding. My alarm would go off at 5:30 a.m. and I’d want to cry.
—Margot Robbie
Robbie suffered a herniated disc in her neck during training but only recognized its severity weeks later when she experienced numbness in her arms. Reflecting on her mindset, she said,
When you’re a kid, you’re fearless, but starting at 26 years old, I had a lot of fear,
highlighting the physical and emotional stress of the process.
Exhaustion from Filming ‘Babylon’
In 2022, Margot Robbie starred alongside Brad Pitt and Diego Calva in Damien Chazelle’s Hollywood-set drama Babylon. Her character, Nellie LaRoy, was described by Robbie as relentless and forceful, qualities that drained the actress physically and emotionally throughout filming.
She explained,
She’s like a tornado and she’s not going to let anyone stand in her way,
adding,
I love her so much but she’s so exhausting. She took everything from me, physically and emotionally.
—Margot Robbie
Robbie remembered telling her husband early in production,
This is the hardest I have ever worked,
which he met with surprise given her consistent work ethic.
But this was something else because Damien expects so much of you as an actor.
Despite the high expectations, Babylon underperformed both commercially and critically, leaving Robbie to reflect on its reception during a 2024 podcast:
I don’t get it either.
She speculated,
I often wonder if in 20 years people are going to be like, ‘Wait, Babylon didn’t do well at the time? That’s crazy!’
—Margot Robbie
Struggles with Confidence Before Taking On Barbie
Playing Barbie, a globally recognized icon, came with unexpected insecurities for Robbie. Despite her success, she has openly admitted to battling imposter syndrome throughout her career.
She confided in Vogue,
After 10 years of going to red carpet events … I had major imposter syndrome,
explaining her fear that others would eventually realize she didn’t belong.
I was like, ‘I can’t believe they’ve let me in. Someone’s gonna notice that I don’t belong here, and they’re gonna kick me outta Hollywood.’
—Margot Robbie
When the Barbie project advanced from producer role to lead actress, her anxiety intensified. She revealed to the Los Angeles Times:
I went to Greta [Gerwig]’s house and had that crisis,
describing a meltdown fueled by pressure and self-doubt.
I’d spent years trying to get this movie going. And suddenly we’re going to shoot the thing. And I was like, ‘Oh, my God, I dunno how to do this.’
Robbie called the experience palpable and debilitating, highlighting the emotional toll the role took on her.
Oscar Snub Despite Critical Success
Though Barbie was a blockbuster hit, the film‘s awards season did not fully recognize its key players. Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera received Oscar nominations for their supporting roles, and the movie itself was up for Best Picture, but Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were both overlooked.
Gosling publicly acknowledged Robbie and Gerwig’s essential contributions, stating,
[T]here is no ‘Barbie’ movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie. … [They are] the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally celebrated film,
—Ryan Gosling
Despite having previous nominations, including Best Actress for I, Tonya and Best Supporting Actress for Bombshell, Robbie did not let the snub dampen her spirit. At a 2024 Screen Actors Guild panel, she said:
There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed.
Also praising Gerwig, she added,
[W]hat she did is a once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime thing, what she pulled off,
affirming her hope that Gerwig would eventually receive an Oscar.
Maintaining Distance from Her Father
Robbie’s relationship with her father remains one of the most guarded aspects of her personal life. Despite conflicting reports, she indicates that their connection is distant and strained. Speaking to Harper‘s Bazaar in 2016, she stated her contact with Doug Robbie is limited and bluntly remarked,
None. Nothing. I’m not like him at all.
—Margot Robbie
Her father’s brother, Wayne, painted a different picture in 2023, denying estrangement and asserting that Doug is proud of his daughter and maintains a relationship with her. Yet Robbie herself has not confirmed this perspective, suggesting the matter remains private.
Taking a Step Back from Acting Post-Barbie
Following the extensive promotion and cultural impact of Barbie, Robbie recognized the need for a break from the constant public spotlight, especially as 2024 and 2025 have seen a decrease in her on-screen appearances.
In a conversation with Deadline, she joked about public perception of her career downtime, explaining,
Everyone’s like, ‘Are you having a break?’ And I’m like, ‘You do know I’m a producer, right? We don’t get a break.’
—Margot Robbie
While continuing to produce multiple projects, Robbie acknowledged she might step away from acting for a while, lightheartedly adding,
I also think everyone’s probably sick of the sight of me for now. I should probably disappear from screens for a while,
and,
If I did another movie too soon, people would say, ‘Her again? We just did a whole summer with her. We’re over it,’
expressing a careful awareness of public fatigue.
Margot Robbie’s Enduring Fight for Success Amid Personal and Professional Challenges
Throughout her career, Margot Robbie has navigated a series of difficult personal and professional experiences that have tested her resilience. From a fractured childhood and a strained familial relationship to the pressures and dangers that accompany fame, the actress has faced many obstacles. Despite these adversities, she has maintained her position as a leading figure in Hollywood, proving her dedication and perseverance.
Robbie‘s struggles with self-confidence, public scrutiny, and intense work demands illustrate a complex reality behind the star’s achievements. Her story offers insight into the costs of celebrity and the determination required to sustain a career in the entertainment industry. As she continues to balance production and acting projects, the industry and fans alike anticipate where her journey will lead next, hopeful for her continued growth and recognition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Margot Robbie a millionaire?
A. By 2024, Margot Robbie’s net worth is around $60 million. This is reportedly $20 million higher than last year. Her increase in wealth is likely due to the rumored $50 million she earned from her leading role in Barbie, where she worked both as an actor and behind the scenes.
Q. What makes Margot Robbie special?
A. By playing Harley Quinn, she established herself as a top actress in Hollywood and showed that she could handle complex roles.
Besides acting, Margot Robbie has also started working in film production.
Q. What syndrome does Margot Robbie have?
A. Listen to Margot Robbie as she shares her experiences in Hollywood, talks about dealing with imposter syndrome, and discovers her role in the film industry.
Q. Is Margot Robbie a natural blonde?
A. Here’s some unexpected information about the famous celebrity known for her blonde hair: she’s actually naturally brunette. In 2016, during an episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Jimmy Kimmel revealed her original hair color. He showed an old photo from when she was 13, featuring her with glasses and braces, looking quite different.
