Gina Rodriguez, 30, really made an impression this awards season when she took home the first Golden Globe ever awarded to a CW show for her work on “Jane The Virgin”. She was so well spoken and gracious. She talked about how her parents supported her dreams and said that her award “represents a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes.” We also saw Gina at various events and awards, including the Oscars, Grammys and People’s Choice Awards, which left me wondering where she’s been all along. She’s an up and coming actress, but it all seemed like old hat to her.
In a new interview with People Magazine, Gina talked about the fact that Latinas are underrepresented on television. She said she’s made it her mission to change that.
On not seeing Latina women on television
“Growing up, I had these fierce women in my life who were kicking ass, but I never saw them represented onscreen, the [role models I saw on TV] weren’t ever the color of myself or my siblings. I realized: Changing that is my mission.”On being told she doesn’t fit the mold
“I always knew I’d have a different journey because I didn’t look like the stereotypical leading lady or the supersexy Latina. But my parents encouraged my sisters and me to have confidence in who we are. So, working in an industry where I am constantly told, ‘You’re not skinny, tall or ethnic enough,’ I’d be like, ‘Maybe I’m not skinny enough for this role, but I do just fine in real life.’ “[My boyfriend is] my partner in crime and super-supportive. I’m writing a book, and I started a production company, and hopefully a family will come – but there’s no rush!”
There’s more in the print edition of People and in their Premium section online, including how Gina got her start in show business and how she ended up at NYU’s School of The Arts. Everything I’ve heard from Gina has been so positive and focused on her goals. I know we’ll see more from her, especially now that she has her own production company. Hopefully she can effect some of the changes she’s talking about. She’s a great example of a young actress who isn’t taking no for an answer.
Photo credit: WENN.com
When I see Gina’s photos I see a beautiful, intelligent woman with a lovely smile. Hollywood is just weird
I adore her.
SMH @ her being told she isn’t ethnic enough 😐 We’re not a monolithic people, i completely agree with her about the lack of latinos on TV.
IF we’re on television (at least for Mexicans), we’re relegated to the maid/human trafficker/drug smuggler/cholo/or over sexed lover role…
Hell, actual latinos rarely get casted in anything major, it’s always Spaniards. Good for her, truly.
I’ve fallen way behind watching her show, but she’s great on it, and seems like an awesome person in real life. I hope her production company is successful and can make a difference.
She’s great. I honestly didn’t expect to like her show, but I’ve found myself endeared. She makes me love the goody-goody-two-shoes and yesss. Just yes.
Love, love – love Jane the virgin. Just about Every single show leaves you with a twist and turn that you didn’t expect.
Jesus Christ, you would really want to have the hide of a rhino to work in that industry
JTV is SO good and i love Gina. More Gina on celebitchy!
I think she’s beautiful and very well spoken. She is right the should be more Latinos on tv, women and men. That’s a huge demographic that’s being ignored when they could be cashing in on it.
I love her, she’s one of those few people who just radiate genuine confidence (and with good reason, it seems like). She does have a bit of a racially ambigous look, I guess that’s what they meant by not “ethnic” enough, but there are more than enough Hollywood stereotypes out there.
I love her so much!! I can’t wait to see more of her!
I really love Gina. I love her positiveness and that she is making her goals happen. I wish her all the best and I love JTV. It’s such a fun show and she’s a great actress.
And she’s right about what roles you see Latinos in on TV. I’m glad she’s taking steps to change that.
+1 trillion to all the positive comments about Gina! I love her!
I love her response. She sounds very grounded, and I believe it when she says she’s doing just fine in real life!
The worst part is that she’s told she’s not ethnic enough to fill a stereotype, while dark skinned POC aren’t celebrated enough by the mainstream media.
HONk for Gina Rodriguez!
She’s incredibly talented, driven ,and focused. I eagerly await her media empire.
And SMH, us Latinos, we’re always either too ethnic or not ethnic enough. That word no longer has meaning.
She seems lovely!! And what she says is on point. It makes me proud, being a Latina myself!
I don’t how actors survive the audition process. Everyone just pulls your looks apart. But good for her for not listening to those negative comments.