Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Her First Acting Job Was an MTV Super Sweet 16 Promo
Jennifer Lawrence has never been shy about sharing the real and often funny truth behind her rise to fame. In a recent conversation, the Oscar-winning actress looked back on her earliest acting days and revealed that one of her very first jobs was not a blockbuster film or a prestige drama.
Instead, it was a memorable commercial for MTV’s My Super Sweet 16, where she played a fictional rich girl with an over-the-top birthday party. The story is classic Jennifer Lawrence, and fans cannot get enough of it.
From an MTV promo to Oscar-winning roles—read on to see Jennifer Lawrence’s wild and funny early acting journey!
Jennifer Lawrence’s Unexpected First Commercial Gig
While appearing on Variety’s Actors on Actors series alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence reflected on the humble and surprising start to her acting career. She shared that one of her first bookings was a promo for MTV’s hit reality show My Super Sweet 16, which was hugely popular in the early 2000s.
“I did an MTV promo for My Super Sweet 16,” Lawrence recalled. “I’m being carried on a chaise lounge, and then they drop me.”
@varietymagazine #JenniferLawrence tells #LeonardoDiCaprio that her first acting role was in a “promo for MTV’s Super Sweet Sixteen,” recalling how she was “acting like I had money.” Watch Variety and @CNN’s #ActorsOnActors ♬ original sound – Variety
The image alone feels like something straight out of the show. It perfectly captured the exaggerated luxury and drama that made My Super Sweet 16 such a cultural phenomenon at the time.
DiCaprio, clearly curious, asked if she had actually appeared on the show itself. Lawrence quickly shut that down with her signature honesty and humor.“No, I didn’t have the money. It was a promo for the show, playing a fictional rich girl having aover-the-topop birthday party.”
Starting Young and Chasing the Dream in New York
Jennifer Lawrence began acting when she was just 14 years old after moving to New York. Like many young performers, she took on whatever work she could find to gain experience and exposure. Commercials and promos were part of that journey, even if they came with unusual moments like being dropped from a chaise lounge on camera.
Her determination paid off when she landed her first major television role on The Bill Engvall Show. The sitcom gave her consistent work and helped her develop confidence as a performer. Just two years later, everything changed when she booked her breakout role in the indie drama Winter’s Bone.
That performance introduced her to critics and audiences alike and put her firmly on Hollywood’s radar.
Leonardo DiCaprio Shared a Similar Early Career Path
During the conversation, Leonardo DiCaprio opened up about his own early acting days, which mirrored Lawrence’s experience in many ways. He revealed that he started acting at the age of 12 and appeared in commercials before landing bigger roles.
DiCaprio shared that one of his early gigs included a Matchbox car commercial where he “played a gangster with slicked back hair.” Like Lawrence, he got his start through television, appearing on Growing Pains before his breakthrough in the 1993 film This Boy’s Life.
Their shared experiences highlighted how even the biggest stars often begin with small, sometimes awkward roles before finding their footing.
The Breakthrough That Changed Everything
For Jennifer Lawrence, worldwide fame arrived with The Hunger Games franchise. Her portrayal of Katniss Everdeen turned her into a global star almost overnight. Still, Lawrence credits much of her growth as an actor to director David O.
Russell, who worked with her on Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.“He taught me how to act, really,” she said during the interview. Lawrence acknowledged that Russell has a reputation for being tough on actors, but she explained that his approach worked well for her personality and background.
“I want to be sensitive to the other actors who’ve worked with him. I know he’s tough,” she shared. “He can be really, really hard on people.”
Why David O. Russell’s Tough Style Worked for Her
Jennifer Lawrence compared Russell’s directing style to that of a strict coach, something she felt comfortable with due to her experience playing sports growing up.“For me, I don’t know if it was because I grew up doing sports, and so I felt like he was just a stern coach,” she explained.
She recalled his blunt instructions on set, which included phrases like “Do it loud,” “Do it quieter,” and “That was bad.” Rather than feeling discouraged, Lawrence found the honesty refreshing.“I really don’t like being tiptoed around, like I’m an emotional landmine. I hate that,” she said.
At just 21 years old during the filming of Silver Linings Playbook, she felt energized and alive on set. Never interpreting Russell’s direction as yelling or personal criticism.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Acting Habit She Calls a Mistake
Lawrence also admitted to having an acting habit she considers a flaw. She described her tendency to fully let go at the end of each workday instead of preparing for upcoming scenes.“It’s great for my life. It makes me not go crazy, but the next morning is hell,” she joked.
She shared a specific example from Silver Linings Playbook involving a challenging scene with Robert De Niro. The scene required her to shout rapid-fire sports statistics, something she had not prepared for in advance.“I didn’t know that I had to do that until the day of, and it’s Robert De Niro and I’m like, ‘I’m not going to f—— waste Robert De Niro’s time,’” she said.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence for Variety’s Actors on Actors pic.twitter.com/5Y2q5IhL7Z
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) December 3, 2025
From MTV Promo to Hollywood Icon
Jennifer Lawrence’s journey from a fictional rich girl in an MTV promo to one of the most respected actors of her generation is a reminder that every career has an unexpected beginning. Her willingness to laugh at herself, reflect honestly, and stay grounded is a big part of why fans continue to connect with her.
Whether she is recalling early commercial mishaps or discussing intense film sets, Lawrence remains refreshingly real. And that authenticity continues to be one of her greatest strengths both on screen and off.
Summary:
- Jennifer Lawrence revealed her first acting job was a promo for MTV’s My Super Sweet 16, playing a fictional rich girl.
- In the commercial, she was humorously carried on a chaise lounge and dropped on camera.
- Lawrence began acting at 14 in New York and landed her first major role on The Bill Engvall Show.
- She got her breakout role in the 2010 indie drama Winter’s Bone.
- Leonardo DiCaprio shared a similar early career path, including commercials and TV roles.
- Lawrence credits director David O. Russell for teaching her how to act, praising his tough but effective coaching style.
- She admits to a “bad habit” of not preparing for scenes until the day of filming, including challenging scenes with Robert De Niro.
- Jennifer’s journey highlights her growth from small, comedic roles to international stardom and a grounded, authentic persona.
