Quentin Tarantino refuses to give his mother a dime

Published By Alexandra Heilbron on Aug 11, 2021

Quentin Tarantino on the set of Grindhouse © 2007 Dimension FilmsDespite being one of the wealthiest and most successul directors in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino said on a recent podcast that when he was a kid, his mother once yelled at him about not focusing on his school work, so he decided that when he became rich and famous, he wouldn't share his wealth with her.

He admitted, "I was really bad in my studies in school," adding that he "was officially known as the dumb kid in class." He revealed that he excelled at the things he cared about, but barely squeaked by on the rest. "When it came to school, there was very, very, very little I cared about. I didn't want to be there."

When his school called to talk to his mother about Quentin writing scripts during class hours instead of focusing on the subject being taught, she became frustrated with her son.

"She was bitching at me about that,” Tarantino said, “and then, in the middle of her little tirade, she said, 'Oh and by the way, this little writing career?' — with the finger quotes — 'this little writing career that you’re doing? That shit is fucking over!'" He explained, "She just meant don’t do it in class when you’re supposed to be doing something else."

However, Tarantino took her words hard. “When she said that to me in that sarcastic way, I was in my head and I go: ‘OK, lady. When I become a successful writer, you will never see penny one from my success. There will be no house for you. There’s no vacation for you; no Elvis Cadillac for mommy. You get nothing because you said that.”

Brian Koppelman, the host of the podcast The Moment, sounded surprised by this, saying, "Buy her a f***ing house!" He reasoned that Tarantino's mother's words "drove you to prove it. It's time to do the house!"

Tarantino revealed that although he'd once helped his mother get out of a jam with the IRS, he was sticking firm to not buying her a house or car, adding, "There are consequences for your words!"  ~Alexandra Heilbron


Comments & Discussion

  1. Frank MacPhee • 8/12/2021 9:39:58 AM

    He is a whiny little bitch asshole.

  2. Tamara • 8/12/2021 9:54:44 AM

    Not impressed. Who gave birth to him, made sure he was clothed and fed and went to school? Almost all parents want their kids to have a stable career. He’s one of the few lucky ones who made it in the entertainment world. It’s not like he was neglected or abused as a child, he’s so ungrateful. I doubt she expects anything in return but what a jerk.

  3. Dierdre • 8/12/2021 10:01:09 AM

    Could have been way worse she could of beat the crap out of him everytime he didn't do well. So suck it up dude when you were born you didn't come with a manual and as a parent we do the best we can. Clearly you still need to grow up

  4. Jake • 8/12/2021 10:06:18 AM

    He knew Harvey Weinstein was harrassing, manipulating and even raping not only the actresses in his films, but his girlfriend. When Brad Pitt found out Weinstein tried to grope his girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad confronted him. Tarantino did nothing. So if you want to talk about consequences, this guy doesn't deserve to have a career after being that much of a candy ass. All the guys who molested, threatened, intimidated women who just wanted a career, and also men like Tarantino, who stood there and did nothing, should no longer have careers.

  5. Dorothy • 8/12/2021 10:11:18 AM

    What's astonishing is the sheer hypocrisy. Surely he doesn't believe he never said anything hurtful to his mother!? Was she then entitled to cut him off - not feed or house him - because “There are consequences for your words!” ?? Sad how some people never really do grow up.

  6. ricky pretty • 8/12/2021 10:11:51 AM

    yeah what a child, still!

  7. Jo • 8/12/2021 10:36:11 AM

    Well, he’s not very forgiving is he? Hmmm maybe those words will keep people from giving him money for tickets to his movies. There are consequences for your words you know :)

  8. Carrol • 8/12/2021 10:49:25 AM

    You don't know why people feel as they do about their mothers. The foul mouth she spoke to him with for example maybe reveals just a hint of how she spoke to & treated him. Not many mothers talk to their children like that -- think about it. It's HIS money that HE earned & he's entitled to do with it whatever he pleases & sees fit. I was raised by a mother who hated me so I can empathize with him completely.

  9. Val • 8/12/2021 10:50:26 AM

    words have power, as we can see how long he held those words in being said to him.. But,he needs to grow out of it and forgive .

  10. Kay • 8/12/2021 10:58:06 AM

    What a disrespectful human being, there is a lot worse things that his mom could have done. People make mistakes. So I guess if he every did anything wrong. No one should forgive him and stop watching his films. I’m good I don’t need to watch anything he makes.

  11. R • 8/12/2021 11:29:39 AM

    I almost wish I liked this turd before so I can dislike him now, but, nah, I hate most of his work, and I'm indifferent to most of the rest (I just like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, but as good movies, nothing extraordinary). He is the example of how far connections can take you if you are willing to be a suck up. Too bad that mother wasted her efforts on this dumb kid.

  12. Reign • 8/12/2021 11:34:21 AM

    Gosh ,what a giant baby ! Most mothers would try to get their child to excel or at least try to do well in school and her saying what she did probably was a spur of the moment comment because she was frustrated with him. Maybe not the best words to say to a child but for gosh sakes what the heck is wrong with him? I guess he's never said the wrong thing .

  13. Debra Wells • 8/12/2021 11:38:02 AM

    What an infantile creature. This is not a grown man's attitude. "Oh poor me--mommy said I wouldn't be a writer" or some such. Grow up, Quentin. I can't believe someone would hang on to a grudge over such a flimsy premise.

  14. J O'Neil • 8/12/2021 11:42:53 AM

    I would have the exact same instinct. My Mother was just as bitchy and demanding trying to conform me to the rest of society and ignore my writing. But if I succeeded I would provide some to her and nothing amazingly rich as she simply doesn’t deserve anything more from me.

  15. Sandra Peers • 8/12/2021 12:00:18 PM

    I have always hated his movies, now I feel vindicated.

  16. lorena • 8/12/2021 12:20:20 PM

    Good for you - I agree - she shouldn't be given the fruits of your labor. Parents shouldn't be degrading and humiliating their children without consequences. I'm glad that you rose above what she did and said to you. You keep your money and do good things with it.

  17. Ken • 8/12/2021 12:27:07 PM

    This does not surprise me at all...QT is an overrated AHole, Weinstein Jr., waste of skin.

  18. Wendy Catalano • 8/12/2021 12:37:01 PM

    Wow! There would be no Quentin Tarantino if not for his mother. I'm not impressed!

  19. Paul Whitsitt • 8/12/2021 1:04:58 PM

    Those comments made by his mother were said in frustration at the behest of his teacher. He owes his very life and existence to his mother so he should be forgiving in his attitude toward his mother. His success is not soley due to his own initiatives but due to many people including his mother, friends, colleagues, and God. You need to be humble Quentin, shed your selfishness and share your good fortune- especially with your mother!

  20. Derek Beaupre • 8/12/2021 1:19:26 PM

    I agree with his choice, it's his money and it sounds like she was horrible to to him. I had the same and worse with both of my parents. So much so that I haven't spoken to either of them for at least 25 years and feel much better for it !!

  21. TD • 8/12/2021 1:30:30 PM

    He reputation for being a real jerk is confirmed!

  22. TD • 8/12/2021 1:38:58 PM

    CORRECTION: It's no surprise QT's reputation for being a real jerk is confirmed!

  23. Steve • 8/12/2021 2:49:56 PM

    I don't see a problem here, he can do whatever he wants to do with HIS money.

  24. GD • 8/12/2021 4:11:25 PM

    Sounds like a total prick. You can see it in his face and the way he speaks to anyone not exclusive to journalists either.

  25. Rick • 8/12/2021 5:38:11 PM

    What a little bitch. I just lost any and all respect that I had for him. I think I’m going to boycott any movie he has any part in from here on out.

  26. Laurie • 8/12/2021 7:57:57 PM

    That's totally shameful. What did he expect his mother to say? "No problem Quentin you do as you please. You don't like school then lets drop it. Who needs an education anyways?". If I let my son follow his dreams at a young age he'd still be waiting to become a superhero. If it wasn't for the way she raised him and the environment he grew up in he would not be the person he is now. Had the stars aligned a slightly different way and she backed him up at the time he may not have been so driven to prove her wrong and changed the direction of his future. Sorry Quentin, you are who you are because of your Mom and the choices she made for you. You should thank her.

  27. anon • 8/12/2021 9:03:07 PM

    Good for you Quentin! I guess none of the people posting crap about you actually know you or your mother. _uck them

  28. anon • 8/12/2021 9:07:28 PM

    (I just like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, but as good movies, nothing extraordinary). Are you on crack?

  29. Nancy Scott • 8/12/2021 9:29:15 PM

    disgusted with him, his mother took care of him and was trying to make sure he got an education, and he said himself he knew she only meant she wanted him just not to do it in his class. This is ridiculous and childish , who raised him so he could have a career at all....I guess he conveniently forgets all that she DID provide him with and chooses to be petty and juvenile so he will not have to take care of her.

  30. Gadgetcrawford • 8/13/2021 11:01:42 AM

    I admit I am one of the very few who can't stand his movies. But his attitude about his Mom makes him a complete sleaze ball. I always thought he was a piece of trash, but this just proves it. I wish I could tell him that in person, not that he would care what I say. But WOW, grow up you POS>

  31. AB • 8/13/2021 3:08:42 PM

    Wow...what an asshole.

  32. Stephen • 8/13/2021 5:55:13 PM

    He is a man of his word. Regardless of what some say. Good for him. Major respect. Why would he cave? Why give to someone who gives no support whatsoever?

  33. Gadgetcrawford • 8/13/2021 7:51:03 PM

    I admit I am one of the very few who can't stand his movies. But his attitude about his Mom makes him a complete sleaze ball. I always thought he was a piece of trash, but this just proves it. I wish I could tell him that in person, not that he would care what I say. But WOW, grow up you POS

  34. ekarsch • 8/13/2021 9:02:24 PM

    quentin is truely imature, not news.unless parents are physically abusive, children should respect them but are free to disagree with them. it sounds as if quentin was more of a spoiled,not emotionally abused child.

  35. Maureen H • 8/13/2021 9:27:04 PM

    From this moment onward, for the rest of my life I will not consume ANYTHING created or touch by this vile, ungrateful & disrespectful "son". I will go out of my way to look up what he's been involved with. I sacrifice everything for my children & sometimes I give them tough love. I may get it wrong sometimes but my intent is to give them a better life. He is COMPLETELY missing the point. He appears to be a small, unforgiving & loveless man "child". How completely & utterly ungrateful. Chilling

  36. Stan • 8/14/2021 7:07:13 AM

    Koppelman needs to learn that he should not tell others what to do with their own money. What a douche.

  37. Anita • 8/15/2021 11:45:13 AM

    To people who had competent and/or loving mothers I’m sure Tarantino’s stance seems harsh. I had a vicious, emotionally abusive mother who did everything she could to undermine and isolate me throughout my life. When she died I was able to discontinue taking anti-depressants because the world seemed like a safer place once she was gone. It sounds like Tarantino felt unsupported by his mother and I don’t see anything immoral or selfish about his refusal to support her.

  38. Chris • 8/16/2021 3:22:59 PM

    It's really sad that this generated more outrage than the item about Prince Andrew raping a girl.

  39. Miranda Jane • 8/16/2021 5:25:28 PM

    He should uphold the thoughts and mindset of that time..... If he don't want to buy her a house.... then don't buy the house..... As far as a vacation... that is only a "mindset" which mean no amount of money can buy that shit... And that stupid Elvis Cadillac.... the repairs on that is too damn expensive!!! Now if mom has made him push his way into fame and he wants to buy her a trailer (Synonyms of trailer camper, caravan, motor home, recreational vehicle, RV.)(see bottom for blah blah blah) OR How about a different vehicle that the repairs aren't that expensive...

  40. Debbie • 11/17/2021 4:35:16 AM

    As a mother, I wonder what his attitude was to her during this conversation as I think his mother snapped at him after not being able to get through to him. Teenagers! He never mentioned his father, was she a single parent or the disciplinarian of the family? Let go of your grudge already as it is not a good look on you!


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