In Hollywood circles, there appears to be a slight backlash in the attitudes surrounding being born of Latin descent. While there are many Latin actors and actresses who proudly acknowledge their heritage, others appear to blend into the shiny fabric of Hollywood glitz and glamour. These entertainers (some with Latin last names, and some without) appear rather uncomfortable when members of the media begin inquiring about their roots.
It could be said that these famous Hollywood actors are ashamed of their heritage. Some believe that the acknowledgement of one’s Latin or Hispanic heritage is a virtual death sentence for his/her entertainment career. This is a touchy issue, one that touches on the hidden (and not so hidden) examples of prejudice and racism in our society. While everyone has the right and freedom to do and be whatever they choose, there is something to be said for the denouncement of one’s heritage. There are many entertainers in Hollywood of Latin descent, who have reached the pinnacle of success all the while acknowledging their Hispanic roots. But there are some who find their heritage more of a hinderance, than an asset.
ASHAMED OF THE NAME?
In one of actress Jessica Alba’s interviews, she states that her Mexican grandfather desperately tried to forget his Mexican roots. According to Alba, her grandparents spoke no Spanish to their children, as they didn’t want the children seen as “different.”
She’s been quoted : “Now, as a third-generation American, I feel as if I have finally cut loose.”
The petite 26 year-old actress is no stranger to the small or large screen. In fact, she has been deemed one of America’s sexiest Hollywood personalities. While Jessica Alba has not completely rejected her Mexican origin, she has explicitly claimed that she feels in no way like a “Latina” woman. In fact, she has said that she is actually “less Latina than Cameron Diaz” who happens to have a Cuban father. But Alba credits Diaz’ acceptance into Hollywood’s upper echelon, to Diaz’ blonde hair and blue eyes. In examining Alba’s attitude toward her patronage, one realizes that much of her childhood has been spent being shunned for not being Latin enough in Hispanic communities, or “too Latin” to fit in with her white counterparts.
Cameron Diaz, another example of a Hollywood actress with Latin roots, was born to a Cuban father and English/German mother. Ironically, she and Jessica Alba hold some of the same sentiments close to their hearts. Diaz, like Alba considers herself a third-generation Cuban. She acknowledges being able to understand Spanish, but is unable to speak the language.
But as Alba has pointed out, very rarely is Cameron Diaz’ ethnicity ever examined. Additionally, she is hardly ever credited as a Cuban-American actress. In this regard, it could be said that Alba is correct in her assumption that Diaz’ surfer-girl looks make her ethnicity “acceptable” amongst Hollywood’s elite.
HOLLYWOOD ACCEPTANCE
There are tons of Hispanic Hollywood personalities who have achieved much success, and who have acquired many fans. Some examples stand out, like Carlos Santana, George Lopez, and of course, the infamous J.Lo. But only recently have Latino stars really been embraced by the media. Bombshell actress Salma Hayek has been a screen staple for years. But her success has mostly been driven by the forces of independent cinema. Only behind the scenes as a producer on hit ABC show, “Ugly Betty“ has Hayek been awarded the mainstream admiration that she deserves.
Jessica Alba’s comments introduce an interesting concept. Does Hollywood make more allowances for Latino actors who look more like “mainstream America”? Actor Emilio Estevez uses his original last name. According to his biography, he wanted the ability to obtain acting roles without using his father’s (Martin Sheen) famous name. But have things been easier for him because of his sandy brown hair and blue eyes? Puerto Rican actress Charlotte Lopez, also known as “Charlotte Ayanna” chose to drop her surname when she discovered that her maternal grandfather had abandoned her mother. But even with her bright blue eyes, she has only achieved what some would consider a modicum of success. Thus, it might be unfair to assume that only “Anglo-Saxon”-looking actors will ever really be accepted in Hollywood; there are too many talented individuals of all colors to fairly make that statement. On the other hand, if all ethnicities were represented equally in cinema, there would be no need for the ALMA (American Latino Media Arts) awards.
