SmartLess "Halle Berry"
Nov 22, 2021
Halle Berry, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in Monster's Ball and X-Men, joins the conversation to share her experiences as a new director and her activism work on Senate Bill 606. The discussion highlights the challenges women of color face in Hollywood and the importance of diverse storytelling. Halle humorously recounts her transition to directing and her intense MMA training for a film role, all while weaving in personal anecdotes that reflect resilience and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
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A Connection to Dandridge
- Halle Berry felt a connection to Dorothy Dandridge, seeing herself reflected in Dandridge's story.
- After portraying Dandridge, Berry became the first African-American woman to win Best Actress, feeling like she completed a mission for Dandridge.
The Oscar's Unfulfilled Promise
- Winning an Oscar didn't bring Halle Berry more diverse roles because there weren't enough scripts written for people of color at her level of talent.
- It was a disillusioning experience because the award didn't automatically translate to greater career opportunities as she had hoped.
A Catalyst for Change
- Halle Berry's win paved the way for more inclusive casting, with people reconsidering race and gender for existing roles.
- Berry believes her win inspired others and contributed to the increased diversity in the industry over the past 20 years.