Filipina actress Dolly de Leon is set to join the cast of an upcoming biopic centered on Heidi Fleiss, famously known as the “Hollywood Madam,” who operated a high-profile prostitution ring in Los Angeles. De Leon’s involvement in this project adds to her growing list of notable roles, showcasing her rising prominence in Hollywood.
Heidi Fleiss emerged in the adult entertainment scene in 1987, initially working under Madam Alex Adams before launching her own successful venture catering to affluent clientele. Her controversial career led to multiple legal troubles, including a notable arrest in 1993 for attempted pandering, followed by a conviction that was later overturned in 1996. Nonetheless, she faced further challenges, culminating in a conviction for tax evasion that same year.
The biopic, titled “The Heidi Fleiss Story,” stars Emmy-nominated actress Aubrey Plaza, who will portray Fleiss. Plaza, known for her roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “The White Lotus,” marks her feature film directorial debut with this project. The screenplay is co-written by Plaza along with Travis Jackson and actress-comedian Rachel Sennott, focusing on Fleiss’s relentless efforts to navigate her legal battles in Los Angeles.
In a recent announcement, Deadline reported that singer-actress Alana Haim would depict the aspiring young writer who assists Fleiss, while Dolly de Leon’s role as Madam Alex further emphasizes the biopic’s connection to the vibrant yet turbulent world surrounding Fleiss. Madam Alex, influential in Fleiss’s career, passed away in 1995 due to complications from open-heart surgery.
Production is slated to commence in Los Angeles early next year, with Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett producing for Pinky Promise alongside Plaza’s Evil Hag Productions.
De Leon gained international recognition for her standout performance in “Triangle of Sadness,” which earned the film the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This role marked a significant milestone in her career, making her the first Filipina actress to secure nominations at both the Golden Globes and BAFTAs. Following her success, she appeared in the second season of “Nine Perfect Strangers” alongside Nicole Kidman, and continues to be involved in major projects, including Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.”
As de Leon embarks on this new role, her trajectory in the film industry signals a broader recognition of diverse talent, bringing unique stories to the forefront of cinema.