A Crew Cut Can’t Fix Hollywood’s White-Hero Problem
I’m an actor, but cutting my hair trying to look like a White hero isn’t for me
My grandma used to say, “Tu eres el mejor actor en todo el mundo.”
I’m an actor. I’m also Dominican, which means I guess I’ve been lucky to play bag boys, drug dealers, immigrants, line cooks, criminals, and migrants. “The best in the world” is a big statement, but sure: Watch out, Denzel. My grandma didn’t know the rules and walls I would face, and I didn’t either; I simply took in her sweet encouragement and followed my dreams.
But even before I landed in Hollywood from my New York City upbringing, I knew the unwritten rule: First and foremost, I was supposed to blend in. I couldn’t be too edgy or too soft. I needed to have thick skin but not too thick. I could only be me if I could embody the identity Hollywood execs would picture when they met me. It’s tough. I had to be the best and stand out while blending in. Every silent message I received made me feel like this was for my own good.
I got tired of my agents telling me to calm my curls, and after much consideration and debate with my management (and in my mind), I decided to chop it all off.
