Angela Bassett, an award-winning actress known for her roles in films such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Black Panther,” recently spoke about a time when she lost out on a role because of her appearance. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Bassett recounted the experience and how it affected her.
Bassett revealed that early in her career, she auditioned for a role in a film where the character was described as a “beautiful, chocolate, African-American woman.” She felt confident that she fit the description and was excited about the opportunity. However, when she arrived for the audition, she was told that she didn’t look “black enough” for the part.
The experience left Bassett feeling hurt and confused. She had always been proud of her appearance and had never been told that she didn’t look “black enough” before. She realized that there was a narrow idea of what beauty should look like in Hollywood, and it didn’t always include people who looked like her.
Despite the setback, Bassett didn’t let the experience hold her back. She continued to audition for roles and eventually landed a breakthrough role as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award.
Now, as a veteran actress with over 30 years of experience in the industry, Bassett is a role model for aspiring actors and actresses. She encourages young people to embrace their unique qualities and not to let others dictate their worth based on appearance.
In Hollywood, there is still a long way to go in terms of representation and diversity. However, thanks to trailblazers like Bassett, more opportunities are being created for people of all backgrounds and appearances.
Why is Angela Bassett’s Experience Important?
Angela Bassett’s experience is an important reminder of the challenges that people of color and diverse backgrounds face in Hollywood. Even today, many actors and actresses are still discriminated against because of their appearance, race, or ethnicity.
This discrimination not only affects individual actors and actresses but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limits the stories that can be told in Hollywood. By speaking out about her experience, Bassett is raising awareness about these issues and inspiring others to speak out as well.
What Can Hollywood Do to Improve Representation and Diversity?
Hollywood can do several things to improve representation and diversity in the industry. One of the most important steps is to create more opportunities for actors and actresses from diverse backgrounds to audition for leading roles.
Additionally, Hollywood can also work to address the underlying biases and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination in the industry. This can be done by hiring more diverse creators, producers, and directors and by creating more inclusive storylines that accurately reflect the experiences of people from all walks of life.
What Can Individuals Do to Promote Diversity and Representation?
Individuals can also play a role in promoting diversity and representation in Hollywood. By supporting films and TV shows that feature diverse actors and actresses and by speaking out against discrimination and bias, individuals can help to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Additionally, aspiring actors and actresses can take inspiration from trailblazers like Angela Bassett and not let setbacks or discrimination hold them back. By embracing their unique qualities and talents, they can help to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Conclusion
Angela Bassett’s experience is a powerful reminder of the challenges that people of color and diverse backgrounds face in Hollywood. By speaking out about her experience and continuing to work in the industry, she is inspiring others to speak out and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
Hollywood still has a long way to go in terms of representation and diversity
