Quentin Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood features an extensive ensemble of actors that blends established stars with emerging talent poised for significant breakthroughs. Several performers portraying members of the Manson family in the film were on the cusp of becoming household names. For instance, Austin Butler garnered an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Elvis Presley, while Mikey Madison received an Oscar for her compelling performance in the titular role of Anora.
While the film showcases an impressive cast, it also serves as a reminder of the remarkable television series many of these actors have appeared in. With a diverse range of shows—from iconic beloved 90s teen dramas to contemporary streaming hits—now is an ideal time to explore these series, especially in anticipation of the upcoming quasi-sequel involving Brad Pitt, David Fincher, and Netflix tied to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
12 Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000)
Luke Perry As Dylan McKay
Beverly Hills, 90210 was a transformative series that redefined teen dramas throughout the 1990s, masterfully weaving together soap opera-style narratives with pressing real-world issues. Luke Perry’s portrayal of Dylan McKay became a central element of the show, embodying the archetypal brooding bad boy while infusing the series with profound emotional layers, particularly evident in many of his standout episodes.
Years later, Perry’s appearance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a heartfelt tribute to his storied career. In the role of Wayne Maunder, Perry brought warmth and charisma, aptly mirroring his own evolution from teen heartthrob to respected character actor. The film stands as a moving homage to his legacy, reminding audiences of his enduring impact on both television and cinema.
11 The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)
Austin Butler As Sebastian Kydd
The Carrie Diaries attempted to delve into the formative years of the beloved character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Although the series didn’t reach the heightened cultural status of its predecessor, it still showcased a charming narrative and compelling performances from its young cast. Austin Butler portrayed Sebastian Kydd, a quintessential teen heartthrob that ultimately foreshadowed his eventual rise to prominence in more critically acclaimed roles.
Butler’s notable part as Tex in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to showcase a broader range that eventually led to leading roles in significant films such as Elvis and Dune: Part 2.
10 The First Lady (2022)
Dakota Fanning As Susan Ford
Showtime’s historical drama The First Lady sought to illuminate the lives of influential First Ladies throughout history, employing a narrative style reminiscent of This Is Us. Despite its high-caliber cast, the series struggled to capture a substantial audience and was unfortunately canceled after one season. Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Susan Ford stood out, showcasing her ability to convey poise and depth in her character.
This role contrasted sharply with her brief but gripping appearance as the menacing Manson cult member Squeaky Fromme in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Fanning’s remarkable versatility continues to elevate each project she joins, exemplifying her growth as an actress.
9 Pan Am (2011-2012)
Margot Robbie As Pan Am Stewardess Laura Cameron
Pan Am was a stylish yet short-lived drama that followed the glamorous lives of stewardesses during the 1960s, a period marked by both sophistication in air travel and limitations on women’s roles in society. Margot Robbie took the spotlight as Laura Cameron, a beauty queen seeking independence and purpose, marking one of her initial significant roles in the United States.
Interestingly, she revisited her stewardess persona in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where she played Sharon Tate, adding layers of complexity with her performance that captivated audiences and left a memorable impression thanks to her remarkable depth beyond her captivating appearance.
8 Better Things (2016-2022)
Mikey Madison As Max Fox
Better Things, a cutting-edge dramedy created by Pamela Adlon, redefined television storytelling with its raw and personal narrative. Following a single mother raising her daughters in Los Angeles, the show intertwined humor with emotional realism, earning critical acclaim and a Peabody Award in 2016.
Mikey Madison portrayed the passionate and rebellious Max, delivering a performance filled with authenticity. Madison’s character traits later informed her role as Sadie, a member of the Manson Family, showcasing her ability to infuse nuance and depth into each character she portrays.
7 Euphoria (2019-present)
Sydney Sweeney As Cassie Howard
Euphoria achieved cultural significance by candidly depicting the complexities of modern teen life with striking visuals and heartfelt storytelling. The series contributed to the rise of new talent, including Sydney Sweeney, whose performance as Cassie Howard showcased her depth as an actress.
Simultaneously, Sweeney appeared as a Manson Family member in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, adding another layer to her burgeoning career. Her versatility continues to shine, especially with her powerful role in the acclaimed series The White Lotus just two years later.
6 Maid (2021)
Margaret Qualley As Alex Russell
Maid became a significant success for Netflix, both critically and culturally, offering an unflinching look at poverty and resilience as depicted in Stephanie Land’s memoir. The series resonated with audiences, quickly becoming one of the platform’s most-watched limited series.
Margaret Qualley shifted from a minor role as a Manson girl in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to a leading role in Maid, where she displayed her range and emotional depth while tackling complex themes.
5 Billions (2016-2023)
Damian Lewis As Bobby Axelrod
Billions emerged as a significant player in the realm of prestige television, recognized for its intricate storytelling and morally nuanced characters. Damian Lewis portrayed Bobby Axelrod, a hedge fund king, weaving a narrative filled with power struggles and ethical dilemmas alongside Paul Giamatti’s unyielding district attorney.
The exploration of ambition and loyalty in Billions showcased Lewis’s commanding screen presence, a trait that seamlessly transitioned into his portrayal of the charismatic Steve McQueen in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
4 Girls (2012-2017)
Lena Dunham As Hannah Horvath
Girls was a transformative series that provided an unfiltered perspective on millennial womanhood, created and starring Lena Dunham. Running for six seasons, the show tackled pressing societal topics, candidly airing the struggles of flawed characters while launching the careers of several young actors.
Dunham’s role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as a Manson Family member exemplified Tarantino’s ability to cast outside the expected, utilizing unconventional actors to transform his narrative landscape.
3 Deadwood (2004-2006)
Timothy Olyphant As Sheriff Seth Bullock
Deadwood is renowned for its gritty, eloquent depiction of life in the American frontier, earning critical acclaim and a remarkable eight Emmy Awards. Olyphant’s portrayal of Sheriff Seth Bullock brought moral depth to the chaotic environment, establishing him as a principled figure among a cast of morally ambiguous characters.
His transition from a rugged lawman in Deadwood to the role of actor James Stacy in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood showcases Olyphant’s range and versatility.
2 The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)
Victoria Pedretti As Nell Crain
The Haunting of Hill House marked a milestone for Netflix, demonstrating that horror rooted in auteur storytelling could achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim.
Victoria Pedretti’s pivotal role in Hill House led to her being cast in the subsequent installment, The Haunting of Bly Manor, before her appearance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, where her chilling portrayal of a Manson Family member added an eerie layer to her burgeoning film résumé.
1 Stranger Things (2016-present)
Maya Hawke As Robin Buckley
Stranger Things has turned into a cultural sensation, artfully merging 1980s nostalgia with spine-chilling narratives. Originally planned as an anthology series, it quickly ascended to Netflix’s flagship status due to its memorable storytelling and character-driven plots.
Maya Hawke’s role as Robin Buckley in Season 3 was a standout, showcasing her sharp wit and charm. Coincidentally, she also appeared in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as a member of the Manson Family, solidifying her connection to narratives steeped in retro horror and intrigue.