**Margaret Cho Reflects on Quentin Tarantino’s Meteoric Rise in Hollywood**
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Stand-up comedian Margaret Cho recently shared her experiences dating acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino in the early 1990s, providing a unique perspective on his rise to prominence following the success of *Pulp Fiction*. During a recent episode of the Dinky Podcast, the 57-year-old comedian recalled how she navigated the complexities of their relationship amid the intense adulation Tarantino received from the film industry.
Cho’s memories centre around the overwhelming attention that Tarantino garnered following the 1994 release of *Pulp Fiction*, which catapulted him into the spotlight. Attending various industry events alongside him, Cho described how established figures in Hollywood were eager to pay their respects and seek his approval. “You know what’s so crazy, I’ve never seen that amount of ass-kissing. People would kiss his ass everywhere we went,” Cho remarked, highlighting the surreal nature of the situation during awards season.
The couple’s initial connection blossomed after the release of Tarantino’s earlier film, *Reservoir Dogs*, in 1992. Their mutual passion for cinema brought them together, and they often found themselves engrossed in discussions about classic Hollywood films. Tarantino even made a guest appearance on Cho’s sitcom, *All-American Girl*, showcasing the intertwining of their personal and professional lives.
However, as Cho noted, Tarantino’s fame sometimes overshadowed their relationship. She recalled uncomfortable experiences during outings, such as visits to the historic Hollywood restaurant Musso & Frank, where the director’s entrance would prompt standing ovations from the likes of Billy Wilder and Martin Scorsese. “Everybody would just, like, come and embrace him,” she said, expressing her astonishment at the degree of reverence he commanded. “The amount of ass-kissing, it was really crazy.”
Despite the intense scrutiny and praise that surrounded him, Cho observed that Tarantino managed to remain grounded. “He had a really dented, old, barely drivable Geo Metro, which is the shittiest possible car that you could have in the ‘90s,” she shared. This juxtaposition between Tarantino’s humble day-to-day life and the fervent admiration he inspired in others was something that Cho found both fascinating and disconcerting.
Reflecting on the overwhelming atmosphere, Cho admitted feeling somewhat unsettled. “I was really freaked out by it. Just the level of — nobody should have that much power. Nobody should have it,” she stated, indicating the challenges of maintaining a semblance of normality in a relationship that was under constant external scrutiny.
Though their romance ended before the release of Tarantino’s 1997 film *Jackie Brown*, Cho has continued to express admiration for his artistic contributions. In a previous interview with the Hudson Union Society in 2014, she acknowledged Tarantino’s profound impact on her understanding of cinema: “I think he’s an incredible artist, I think he is one of the greatest American treasures.”
Cho conveyed pride in Tarantino’s work, stating, “I love that his movies are really inspiring and so significant.” Their paths have since diverged, but she fondly remembered their last encounter while he was scouting locations for *Django Unchained*, noting her gratitude for having shared that chapter of her life with him.
Ultimately, Margaret Cho’s reflections on her relationship with Quentin Tarantino shed light not only on the complexities of navigating fame and personal connections but also on the enduring influence of his cinematic artistry. While she experienced the challenges of dating someone at the epicentre of Hollywood’s adoration, her insights reveal a deeper appreciation for the man behind the films, reaffirming Tarantino’s lasting legacy in the film industry.