Filipina star Dolly De Leon joins Aubrey Plaza in Hollywood Biopic ‘The Heidi Fleiss Story— Meet the real Madam of All Madam
MANILA, Philippines — Acclaimed Filipina actress Dolly De Leon is adding another major Hollywood project to her growing list of international roles. De Leon is reportedly set to join the cast of The Heidi Fleiss Story, a dark comedy biopic about the infamous “Hollywood Madam” who ran an elite prostitution ring in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The film stars Aubrey Plaza as Heidi Fleiss, with Alana Haim portraying Jacolyn, a young writer determined to tell Fleiss’s story. De Leon is slated to play Madam Alex, Fleiss’s mentor and rival, who once ruled Beverly Hills’ underground escort empire before Fleiss rose to fame.
A Star-Studded Production
According to Deadline, the film will be directed by Leah Rachel, creator of Netflix’s Chambers, marking her feature film directorial debut. Rachel also co-wrote the screenplay with Travis Jackson and Rachel Sennott, known for her roles in Bottoms and Bodies Bodies Bodies.
Set in 1993 Los Angeles, The Heidi Fleiss Story follows Plaza’s character as she scrambles to save her reputation and avoid conviction after being arrested for managing one of the most notorious high-end prostitution rings in Hollywood. Desperate and resourceful, Heidi teams up with Jacolyn, the aspiring writer, to manipulate and blackmail powerful connections in a last-ditch effort to clear her name.
Production is expected to begin in Los Angeles early next year, with Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett producing under Pinky Promise, alongside Plaza through her company Evil Hag Productions.
De Leon’s Role as Madam Alex
De Leon’s character, Elizabeth “Madam Alex” Adams, was a real-life figure who mentored Fleiss before the two became rivals. Known for her commanding personality, Madam Alex ran her operation from a lavish Beverly Hills residence and was considered the original “madam of all madams.”
In the film, De Leon’s portrayal will explore Alex’s complex relationship with Fleiss — part mentorship, part power struggle — as both women navigate a world dominated by wealth, secrecy, and corruption.
“Madam Alex is brash, brilliant, and impossible to cross — a true powerhouse,” Deadline reported. “She taught Heidi everything she knew, before Heidi took it all.”
Dolly De Leon’s Expanding Hollywood Footprint
Following her breakthrough performance in the Palme d’Or-winning Triangle of Sadness, De Leon has continued to make waves internationally. Her portrayal in the film earned her nominations for both the Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards, making her the first Filipina actress to achieve such recognition.
She recently starred alongside Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 and appeared in indie hits like Ghostlight and Between the Temples. De Leon will also feature in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (Seasons 2 and 3) and the upcoming Apple TV+ series Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed with Tatiana Maslany and Jake Johnson.
From her early work in the Philippines to her growing international acclaim, De Leon continues to break boundaries for Filipino artists in Hollywood. Her latest casting as Madam Alex adds yet another remarkable chapter to her already trailblazing career.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Dolly De Leon?
Dolly De Leon is a Filipina actress best known for her internationally acclaimed role in Triangle of Sadness, which earned her Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
Q2. What is The Heidi Fleiss Story about?
The film tells the story of Heidi Fleiss, a young woman who ran an exclusive prostitution ring in Hollywood during the 1990s, and her complicated relationship with her mentor, Madam Alex.
Q3. Who else stars in the movie?
The film stars Aubrey Plaza as Heidi Fleiss, Alana Haim as Jacolyn, and Dolly De Leon as Madam Alex.
Q4. When will filming begin?
Production for The Heidi Fleiss Story is scheduled to start in Los Angeles in early 2026.
Q5. What’s next for Dolly De Leon?
She will appear in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (Seasons 2 and 3) and Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed alongside Tatiana Maslany.