How Aubrey Plaza Made Robert De Niro Uncomfortable On Set
From what we have learned about Aubrey Plaza's life and career, we know she's not afraid to freak people out a little bit, so much so that even seasoned actor Robert De Niro wasn't immune to the actor's on-set shenanigans.
As most fans of "Parks and Recreation" are undoubtedly aware, Plaza has gained quite the reputation for her morose, awkward, and dry sense of humor. So much so that others are often left unsure if the actor is being serious or not. She approaches acting with that same sort of fervent commitment, revealing to W that she learned the ins and outs of committing credit card fraud to portray a scammer in 2022's "Emily the Criminal." After production wrapped up for "Ingrid Goes West," she explained to the LA Times that she found it difficult to "[shake] off roles" when the camera stopped rolling.
Her awkward monotone delivery has even fooled a few famous faces. During an interview with Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb of "Today," the actor and her "White Lotus" co-star Adam DiMarco arrived on set donning the type of hat you might find on a witch or warlock — and offered no explanation. "Are y'all acting right now? What's happening," Kotb asked. She even managed to fool actor Robert De Niro when they crossed paths on set, making him uncomfortable in the process.
Aubrey was so in-character that Robert was 'a little freaked out'
2016's "Dirty Grandpa" starred Robert De Niro alongside a post-"High School Musical" Zac Efron as a grandfather and grandson duo on their way to celebrate spring break in Boca Raton, Florida. Along the way, the two meet Aubrey Plaza's character, Lenore, who makes it her mission to seduce De Niro. At the 2022 London Film Festival (via Variety), Plaza discussed how she and the legendary actor never really found time outside of shooting their scenes to get to know each other.
"By the time he'd show up, I'm in character. My character had one goal: To have sex with him. I was acting totally insane as the character because we were about to shoot," she explained. "I don't think he understood that wasn't me. You'd think he would because he's an actor and an amazing one." De Niro is certainly famous for his method acting and utilized the technique in 1976's "Taxi Driver," per IMDb.
Even though Plaza's agent "heard Bob's a little freaked out," De Niro finally saw the real Plaza when he invited the "Dirty Grandpa" crew to lunch. "I showed up and he's like, 'Who are you sweetheart?' and after that he was normal," she laughed. "At first, I think I came on really strong. I did some questionable things I wouldn't do anymore." While she may have stopped these "questionable things," Plaza is still known for being the on-set prankster.
Aubrey is the ultimate practical joker
What's set life without some on-set pranks? Aubrey Plaza recently spoke about the joke she played on her "White Lotus" costars while filming Season 2. Per her interview with GQ, the cast stayed at the same hotel they were filming in, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace. Plaza decided to sneak into costar Adam DiMarco's dressing room to position the hotel's reed diffusers — which are used as air fresheners in the luxury hotel — into a "Blair Witch-style symbol." She also wrote notes that read, "Here lies...," and slipped them underneath people's doors. DiMarco said the gag had him "definitely questioning [his] reality" before discovering Plaza's trickery.
She also fooled the cast of 2022's "Spin Me Round," which included Alison Brie, Debby Ryan, Molly Shannon, and Fred Armisen. While filming in Italy, Plaza convinced her costars that it was an Italian tradition to smash a pie in your face after filming wrapped.
"I really committed to that. And I orchestrated basically a pie for every actor," she revealed in an interview with People in August 2022. "We have 11 or 12 actors in the movie and it didn't matter how long the day was, how tired they were. They all got a f****** pie in their face." It sounds like actors who get cast alongside Plaza should stay on edge.