History of Quentin Tarantino in Timeline
Quentin Tarantino is an acclaimed American filmmaker, actor, and author known for his visually striking films marked by graphic violence, extensive dialogue, frequent use of profanity, and abundant pop-culture references. His unique style has cultivated a dedicated following and led to significant critical and commercial acclaim, with some considering him the most influential director of his generation. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. His films have collectively earned over $1.9 billion worldwide.
March 27, 1963: Quentin Tarantino Born
On March 27, 1963, Quentin Jerome Tarantino was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Connie McHugh and Tony Tarantino. He is an American filmmaker, actor, and author known for his unique style.
1966: Move to Los Angeles
In 1966, Tarantino's mother moved with him from Knoxville to Los Angeles, where she had previously met his father. This relocation marked an early turning point in Tarantino's life.
1966: Original Release of Wait Until Dark
The play Wait Until Dark, in which Quentin Tarantino made his Broadway debut in a 1998 revival, was originally released in 1966. His performance received unfavorable reviews.
1971: Exposure to Carnal Knowledge
In 1971, while living in Torrance, California, Tarantino was allowed by his mother to see more mature movies, such as Carnal Knowledge, influencing his early exposure to film.
1972: Exposure to Deliverance
In 1972, during his time in Torrance, California, Tarantino was permitted to watch mature movies, including Deliverance, further shaping his cinematic interests.
1973: Return to Knoxville
In 1973, after his mother divorced Curtis Zastoupil and received a misdiagnosis, Tarantino was sent back to live with his grandparents in Knoxville, Tennessee, temporarily relocating from Torrance, California.
1977: Captain Peachfuzz and the Anchovy Bandit Screenplay
At the age of 14, in 1977, Tarantino wrote one of his earliest works, a screenplay called Captain Peachfuzz and the Anchovy Bandit, inspired by the film Smokey and the Bandit. This was a formative experience in his early writing endeavors.
1986: First Hollywood Job
In 1986, Tarantino secured his first Hollywood job, working as a production assistant on Dolph Lundgren's exercise video, Maximum Potential, alongside his Video Archives colleague Roger Avary.
1987: My Best Friend's Birthday
In 1987, Quentin Tarantino co-wrote and directed the film My Best Friend's Birthday. Though unfinished, some of its dialogue was later used in True Romance.
November 19, 1988: Appearance in The Golden Girls
On November 19, 1988, Tarantino appeared as an Elvis impersonator in "Sophia's Wedding: Part 1", an episode of The Golden Girls. The residuals from this role helped fund the preproduction of Reservoir Dogs.
January 1992: Reservoir Dogs Released at Sundance Film Festival
In January 1992, Tarantino's crime thriller Reservoir Dogs, which he wrote, directed, and acted in, was released and screened at the Sundance Film Festival. The film received a positive response from critics and marked a significant milestone in his career.
1992: Release of Reservoir Dogs
In 1992, Quentin Tarantino began his career with the independent crime film Reservoir Dogs, marking his entry into the world of filmmaking.
1992: Minor Acting Role in Eddie Presley
In 1992, Quentin Tarantino had a minor acting role in the film Eddie Presley, adding to his various appearances during this period.
1993: Sale of Natural Born Killers script
In 1993, Tarantino sold his script for Natural Born Killers, which was rewritten, and he received only a story credit. He later disowned the film.
1993: True Romance Film Release
In 1993, Tarantino's screenplay True Romance was optioned, and the film was eventually released, marking another milestone in his screenwriting career.
1994: Uncredited rewrite on It's Pat
In 1994, Quentin Tarantino did an uncredited rewrite on the film It's Pat. While he contributed to the project, his work was not officially recognized in the credits.
1994: Minor Acting Roles
In 1994, Quentin Tarantino took on several minor acting roles, including appearances in The Coriolis Effect, Sleep With Me, and Somebody to Love.
1994: Palme d'Or win for Pulp Fiction
In 1994, Quentin Tarantino won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for Pulp Fiction.
1994: Pulp Fiction's Success and Awards
In 1994, Quentin Tarantino wrote, directed, and acted in Pulp Fiction. He received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay with Roger Avary, as well as the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film grossed over $200 million.
1994: Release and Success of Pulp Fiction
In 1994, Tarantino's second film, the crime comedy-drama Pulp Fiction, was released and became a major success, winning the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or and the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
1994: Feud with Denzel Washington during Crimson Tide filming
In 1994, during the filming of Crimson Tide, Tarantino had an on-set feud with Denzel Washington over what was described as "Tarantino's racist dialogue added to the script".
1995: Tarantino angered by biography article
In 1995, An article in a biography by Jami Bernard included an interview with Tony Tarantino, Quentin's biological father whom he had never met, which Quentin considered "pretty tasteless".
1995: Relationship with Mira Sorvino begins
In 1995, Quentin Tarantino began dating actress Mira Sorvino.
1995: Uncredited Screenwriter for Crimson Tide
In 1995, Quentin Tarantino worked as an uncredited screenwriter on the film Crimson Tide, marking a contribution that was not officially acknowledged.
1995: Minor Acting Roles
In 1995, Tarantino continued to take on minor acting roles, including appearances in All-American Girl and Destiny Turns on the Radio.
1995: Participation in Four Rooms and Desperado
In 1995, Tarantino participated in the anthology film Four Rooms, directing a segment. He also had a supporting role in Robert Rodriguez's Desperado.
1996: Uncredited Screenwriter for The Rock
In 1996, Quentin Tarantino contributed as an uncredited screenwriter on the film The Rock, indicating his involvement in the project without formal recognition.
1996: From Dusk till Dawn Release
In 1996, Quentin Tarantino wrote and starred in the action horror film From Dusk till Dawn, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
1996: Minor Acting Roles
In 1996, Tarantino appeared in Girl 6 and starred in Steven Spielberg's Director's Chair, a simulation video game using pre-generated film clips.
1996: From Dusk till Dawn Writing Assignment
In 1996, Tarantino's writing assignment for From Dusk till Dawn, directed by Robert Rodriguez, was released, with Tarantino also playing an acting role in the film.
October 1997: Assault on Don Murphy and lawsuit
In October 1997, Tarantino physically assaulted Don Murphy in the AGO restaurant in West Hollywood, California, following the publication of the book Killer Instinct by Jane Hamsher, which criticized Tarantino. Murphy then filed a $5 million lawsuit against Tarantino, and the judge ordered Tarantino to pay Murphy $450.
1997: Jackie Brown Film Release
In 1997, Quentin Tarantino's third feature film, Jackie Brown, an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel Rum Punch and a homage to blaxploitation films, was released to positive reviews.
1997: Incident with Chris Connelly at the Oscars
In 1997, during the Oscars ceremony, Tarantino grabbed Mira Sorvino, telling her that Chris Connelly did a story on his Dad, and pulled her away from the MTV News host, then gave Connelly the finger and spat at him.
1997: Declining Offers for Speed and Men in Black
In 1997, following the success of Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino declined offers to direct films such as Speed and Men in Black, opting instead to work on his script for Pulp Fiction in Amsterdam.
March 1998: Separation from Mira Sorvino
In March 1998, Tarantino and Mira Sorvino separated, with Sorvino stating that they still loved each other but had made a "mutual decision to go their separate ways."
1998: Broadway Stage Debut in Wait Until Dark
In 1998, Tarantino made his Broadway stage debut as an amoral psycho killer in a revival of the 1966 play Wait Until Dark, receiving unfavorable reviews from critics for his performance.
2002: Portrayal of McKenas Cole in Alias
From 2002, Quentin Tarantino portrayed the villain McKenas Cole in the ABC television series Alias, marking a role in television.
2003: Kill Bill: Volume 1 Release
In 2003, Quentin Tarantino released Kill Bill, splitting it into two volumes due to its length. Volume 1 was released in 2003 and Volume 2 was released in 2004.
2003: Romantic relationship with Sofia Coppola begins
In 2003, Tarantino began a romantic relationship with filmmaker Sofia Coppola.
2004: Kill Bill: Volume 2 Release
In 2004, Quentin Tarantino released Kill Bill: Volume 2, completing the martial arts film saga that he considers a single film.
2004: President of the Jury at Cannes Film Festival
In 2004, Quentin Tarantino served as the president of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival, an honor reflecting his status in the film industry.
May 2005: Directing CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
In May 2005, Tarantino co-wrote and directed "Grave Danger", the fifth season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2005: Romantic relationship with Sofia Coppola ends
In 2005, Tarantino and Sofia Coppola ended their romantic relationship, remaining friends afterward.
2005: Icon of the Decade Award
In 2005, Tarantino was awarded the honorary Icon of the Decade at the 10th Empire Awards.
2005: Inclusion on Time 100 list
In 2005, Tarantino was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.
2007: Death Proof Release
In 2007, Quentin Tarantino directed the exploitation slasher film Death Proof, released as part of Grindhouse with Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror. The film garnered mostly positive reviews.
2007: Inclusion on The Daily Telegraph's list of Top 100 Living Geniuses
In 2007, Tarantino was included on The Daily Telegraph list of "Top 100 Living Geniuses".
October 2008: Filming of Inglourious Basterds Begins
In October 2008, filming began on Quentin Tarantino's film Inglourious Basterds, provisionally titled "Inglorious Bastards", marking the start of production for this alternate history of World War II.
August 2009: Release of Inglourious Basterds
In August 2009, Quentin Tarantino's film Inglourious Basterds was released to positive reviews, achieving the highest box office gross in the US and Canada for the weekend of its release. Tarantino received Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for the film.
2009: Inglourious Basterds Release
In 2009, Quentin Tarantino released Inglourious Basterds, an alternate account of World War II, showcasing his unique storytelling style.
2009: Meeting Daniella Pick
In 2009, Tarantino met Israeli singer Daniella Pick, his future wife, when he was in Israel to promote Inglourious Basterds.
2009: Feud with David Letterman
In 2009, Tarantino was scheduled to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman. Prior to this appearance, Tarantino phoned Letterman after Letterman joked about Tarantino's relationship. Tarantino threatened Letterman. Years later, when Tarantino appeared on the show to promote a new film, Letterman demanded an apology.
2011: Honorary César Award
In 2011, Tarantino was given an Honorary César by the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma.
2012: Lifetime Achievement Award from Rome Film Festival
In 2012, Tarantino received a lifetime achievement award from the Rome Film Festival.
2012: Django Unchained Release
In 2012, Tarantino released Django Unchained, a slave revenge Spaghetti Western that won him his second Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, further cementing his success.
2013: Most-studied director in the UK
In 2013, a survey revealed that Tarantino was the most-studied director in the United Kingdom in film essays and dissertations.
2013: Interview confrontation on Channel 4 News
In 2013, during an interview with Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Channel 4 News while promoting Django Unchained in the UK, Tarantino reacted angrily when questioned about the link between movie violence and real-life violence, refusing to answer the question.
October 2015: Attendance at police brutality rally
In October 2015, Tarantino attended a rally in New York protesting police brutality, calling attention to the victims of police brutality and making a speech.
2015: Support for Barack Obama and Black Lives Matter
In 2015, Tarantino expressed that Barack Obama is his favorite president and voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
2015: The Hateful Eight Release
In 2015, Tarantino's eighth film, The Hateful Eight, a revisionist Western thriller, was released and opened to audiences with a roadshow release.
June 30, 2017: Engagement to Daniella Pick
On June 30, 2017, Tarantino became engaged to Israeli singer Daniella Pick.
October 18, 2017: Interview discussing Harvey Weinstein allegations
On October 18, 2017, Quentin Tarantino gave an interview discussing the sexual harassment and assault allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein. He mentioned his then-girlfriend Mira Sorvino had told him about her experiences with Weinstein in the mid-1990s, and Tarantino expressed regret for not taking more action at the time.
2017: Weinstein Scandal
In 2017, Quentin Tarantino remarked on his "sad" view of his past relationship with Harvey Weinstein, saying he once looked up to him for fostering his career and describing him as "a fucked up father figure".
February 3, 2018: Uma Thurman's allegations against Weinstein
On February 3, 2018, Uma Thurman, who acted in Kill Bill, told The New York Times that Harvey Weinstein had sexually assaulted her, and that she had reported this to Tarantino. Tarantino said he confronted Weinstein and banned him from contacting Thurman.
November 28, 2018: Marriage to Daniella Pick
On November 28, 2018, Tarantino married Daniella Pick in a Reform Jewish ceremony in their Beverly Hills home.
2019: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Release
In 2019, Tarantino's ninth and most recent film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a comedy-drama set in the late 1960s, was released.
2019: Response to Margot Robbie question at Cannes Film Festival
In 2019, during the Cannes Film Festival, at the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood press conference, Tarantino responded indignantly to a journalist's question about why Margot Robbie had so few lines in the film, simply stating "I just reject your hypothesis".
January 2020: Splitting time between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles
As of January 2020, Tarantino and Daniella Pick were splitting their time between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles.
February 22, 2020: Birth of first child
On February 22, 2020, Tarantino and Daniella Pick's son was born in Israel.
2020: Two-book deal with HarperCollins
In 2020, Tarantino signed a two-book deal with HarperCollins.
June 2021: Publication of 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' novelization
In June 2021, Quentin Tarantino published his first novel, a novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which received positive reviews.
June 2021: Announcement of Video Archives podcast
In June 2021, Tarantino announced plans to start a podcast with Roger Avary called Video Archives, named after the video rental store where they both worked prior to their film careers.
June 2021: Declaration of Atheism
In June 2021, Tarantino stated that he was an atheist.
June 2021: Tarantino's regret over Weinstein misconduct
In June 2021, in an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Tarantino expressed regret for not pressing Harvey Weinstein further regarding his misconduct, before the 2017 scandal became public. He described his past relationship with Weinstein as a "fucked up father figure" and felt sad about his view on it.
2021: Publication of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Novelization
In 2021, Tarantino's debut novel, a novelization of his film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, was published, marking his venture into literature.
July 3, 2022: Birth of second child
On July 3, 2022, Tarantino and Daniella Pick's second child, a daughter, was born in Israel.
July 19, 2022: Premiere of the Video Archives podcast
On July 19, 2022, the Video Archives podcast, hosted by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, premiered. The podcast examines films that could have been offered for rental at the video store where both directors once worked.
November 1, 2022: Publication of 'Cinema Speculation'
On November 1, 2022, Tarantino's second book, titled Cinema Speculation, about films of the New Hollywood era and inspired by film critic Pauline Kael, was published.
October 7, 2023: Visit to Israeli military base
In response to the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Tarantino visited a military base in southern Israel to "boost the morale" of Israeli troops.
August 2024: Support for Kamala Harris in 2024 election
In August 2024, Tarantino expressed his intention to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election on Bill Maher's podcast Club Random.
2025: First Director to sweep The Big Four
For his work on Pulp Fiction, Tarantino became the first director to ever sweep "The Big Four" critics awards (LA, NBR, NY, NSFC) and the first of the five directors (including Curtis Hanson, Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, and Barry Jenkins) to do so as of 2025.
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