Rachel Zegler Says ‘West Side Story’ Execs Kept Asking Her To “Prove” Her Latina Identity
Amid unwarranted discourse around her casting as Snow White, Rachel Zegler is sharing her experience as a Latina actress.
The Golden Globe winner recalled “having a bunch of white executives have you prove your identity to them” while auditioning for Steven Spielberg‘s 2021 West Side Story movie musical adaptation.
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“There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” she told Allure. “When I was in the running for María in West Side Story, they kept calling to ask if I was legit. I remember thinking, Do you want me to bring my abuelita in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.”
“It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in. But I love being Colombian,” added Zegler.
Although Zegler’s performance won the actress her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, she was snubbed at the Oscars that year, to which she wasn’t even invited.
Following backlash around her casting as the titular Disney princess in the new live-action Snow White, whose is described as “white as snow,” as well as her criticism of Donald Trump, Zegler offered a diplomatic response to those upset with her part in the movie that premieres Friday in theaters.
“I interpret people’s feelings about this film as their passion for her, and what an honor to be a part of something for which people feel so much passion,” Zegler told Vogue Mexico. “We’re not always going to have the same sentiments as those around us and all that we can do is give the best of ourselves.”
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