Martin Scorsese hired “The Magician,” an Italian man famous for a 30-year career as a pickpocket, to teach Cameron Diaz about the art of picking pockets for her role in “Gangs of New York” (2002).
Diaz was unhappy that her initial six week contract kept getting extended.
She ultimately spent six months working on the film.
However, she said that the role marked the pinnacle of her career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar was originally cast as Jenny.
She backed out because of scheduling complications with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Martin Scorsese chose Sarah Polley for the part, but later cast Diaz after studios insisted he pick a more “bankable star.” Christina Applegate, Kate Beckinsale, Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Heather Graham, Bryce Dallas Howard, Alyssa Milano, Natalie Portman, Christina Ricci, Winona Ryder, and Mena Suvari were considered or auditioned for the role of Jenny. (IMDb)
Happy Birthday, Cameron Diaz!