Aubrey Plaza’s “Really Dirty” Audition Was So Wild It Changed Her Career Forever

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Aubrey Plaza is now famous for her dramatic and sophisticated roles, but a particularly memorable moment early in her career came from a surprisingly bold audition. Before she gained recognition for serious acting, she demonstrated a willingness to fully commit to comedy, even if it meant pushing the boundaries and making those in charge a little uneasy.

Eva Plaza is gaining recognition for her work in bigger projects, like Francis Ford Coppola’s film Megalopolis, where she’s showcasing a more refined and intense acting style. However, she first made a name for herself in Hollywood through fearless comedy and unconventional roles. A prime example of this was her 2016 appearance in the comedy Dirty Grandpa with Robert De Niro.

The film features Robert De Niro as a free-spirited grandfather who takes a chaotic road trip with his reserved grandson, played by Zac Efron. Aubrey Plaza portrays Lenore, a boldly flirtatious and self-assured woman who develops a strong infatuation with De Niro’s character. It was a very over-the-top role, and Plaza realized she needed to take a risk with her audition to capture its essence.

Aubrey Plaza shared the story in a 2016 interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers. She immediately recognized how special the chance to work with Robert De Niro was. As she explained, “I thought, when am I ever going to get to play his love interest? I had to do it!”

Plaza was wrapping up her work on Parks and Recreation when she auditioned for the role. She playfully mentioned asking the show’s makeup artists for a little help with her appearance. “I actually had the Parks and Rec makeup department put makeup on my… well, to make sure my rear looked good,” she joked, remembering the experience.

During an audition, Aubrey Plaza famously tossed the script aside and fully immersed herself in the role. As she explained to Seth Meyers, she simply sat down, looked directly into the camera, and improvised a series of shocking lines, then playfully exposed herself before leaving the room. Surprisingly, this bold approach landed her the part and became a memorable story from her career.

Taking that chance paid off for Plaza. She landed the part, and her performance solidified her image as a bold comedian willing to go the extra mile. The story has become well-known, frequently appearing in interviews and being shared by fans and media outlets.

By early 2026, Plaza is enjoying a career high. She recently received critical acclaim for her performance in Ethan Coen’s dark comedy, Honey Don’t!, alongside Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans. She’s also starring in Animal Friends, a new movie combining live-action and animation, due out in June with Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa.

Aubrey Plaza has forged a unique career path, moving effortlessly between quirky comedic performances and dramatic roles in big-budget films. She’s known for her unconventional approach, consistently making bold choices and staying true to herself, whether she’s surprising casting directors or sharing the screen with established stars.

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2026-01-25 20:44