“Snow White” actress Rachel Zegler complained about being asked to “prove” she was of Latin descent before being cast in the 2021 Steven Spielberg film, “West Side Story.”
The 23-year-old celebrity discussed the experience during a newly published interview with Allure magazine. “There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” Zegler told the outlet.
“When I was in the running for Maria in ‘West Side Story,’ they kept calling to ask if I was legit. I remember thinking, ‘Do you want me to bring my abuelita [grandma] in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her,’” she continued.
The actress complained how “a bunch of white executives” insisted she “prove” her “identity to them.”
Zegler is from Hackensack, New Jersey. Her grandmother immigrated from Colombia to the United States in the 1960s, while her father is Polish.
“It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in,” she told Allure. “But I love being Colombian.”
Many social media users questioned Zegler being cast as the lead role in Disney’s live-action remake of their classic fairytale “Snow White,” but the actress said she scored the role because of her singing ability.
“The reality is, I was given a chance because I could sing,” she said. “My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like.”
Zegler went on to say how she believes it’s “so important for the next generation” to see “Snow White” because it has a theme of good versus evil.
“To realize there’s nothing wrong with choosing to do what’s right and that it doesn’t have to be with anger or a clenched fist,” the actress said.
“Anger can be a powerful emotion, but it doesn’t bring the brightest future,” Zegler continued. “Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change. Power takes many forms. I hope we’ll see a new dawn of kindness and acceptance in the next couple of years. And people don’t see the need to use hate to cause further division.”
Zegler was also criticized previously for mocking the original storyline and describing Prince Charming as a “stalker.” She also made it clear the live-action story she was part of would have nothing in common with the “weird” original 1937 love story.
“[Snow White]’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,” she said during a 2023 interview.
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“Snow White” actress Rachel Zegler complained about being asked to “prove” she was of Latin descent before being cast in the 2021 Steven Spielberg film, “West Side Story.”
The 23-year-old celebrity discussed the experience during a newly published interview with Allure magazine. “There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” Zegler told the outlet.
“When I was in the running for Maria in ‘West Side Story,’ they kept calling to ask if I was legit. I remember thinking, ‘Do you want me to bring my abuelita [grandma] in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her,’” she continued.
The actress complained how “a bunch of white executives” insisted she “prove” her “identity to them.”
Zegler is from Hackensack, New Jersey. Her grandmother immigrated from Colombia to the United States in the 1960s, while her father is Polish.
“It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in,” she told Allure. “But I love being Colombian.”
Many social media users questioned Zegler being cast as the lead role in Disney’s live-action remake of their classic fairytale “Snow White,” but the actress said she scored the role because of her singing ability.
“The reality is, I was given a chance because I could sing,” she said. “My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like.”
Zegler went on to say how she believes it’s “so important for the next generation” to see “Snow White” because it has a theme of good versus evil.
“To realize there’s nothing wrong with choosing to do what’s right and that it doesn’t have to be with anger or a clenched fist,” the actress said.
“Anger can be a powerful emotion, but it doesn’t bring the brightest future,” Zegler continued. “Snow White chooses kindness and still makes change. Power takes many forms. I hope we’ll see a new dawn of kindness and acceptance in the next couple of years. And people don’t see the need to use hate to cause further division.”
Zegler was also criticized previously for mocking the original storyline and describing Prince Charming as a “stalker.” She also made it clear the live-action story she was part of would have nothing in common with the “weird” original 1937 love story.
“[Snow White]’s not going to be saved by the prince. She’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be,” she said during a 2023 interview.
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