Trailblazing actress, America Ferrera, discusses her breakthrough role in 'Real Women Have Curves,' making history as the first Latina to win a best actress Emmy for 'Ugly Betty,' and earning an Oscar nomination for a showstopping monologue in 'Real Women Have Curves.'
America Ferrera broke barriers in Hollywood as the first Latina to win an Emmy for best actress in a comedy series.
Ferrera's activism intersects with her career, co-founding initiatives like Times Up and Harness to advocate for social justice causes.
Championing diversity in storytelling, Ferrera emphasizes seizing opportunities to direct and produce while staying true to personal values.
Facing industry challenges, Ferrera navigates typecasting and limited roles for actors of color, highlighting the need for more inclusivity in Hollywood.
Deep dives
Early Life and Inspiration for Acting
At the age of five, America Ferrera knew she wanted to be an actress after watching her sister in a school play. Coming from a background of six siblings and immigrant parents, Ferrera's passion for storytelling and social justice were evident from a young age.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Ferrera's career was marked by milestones such as her roles in 'Real Women Have Curves' and 'Ugly Betty,' the latter earning her historic Emmy win as the first Latina to win for best actress in a comedy series. She also delved into voice acting for characters like 'Astrid' in 'How to Train Your Dragon.'
Social Activism and Times Up Involvement
During pivotal years of activism post-2016 election, Ferrera was vocal at the DNC, Women's March in DC, and co-founded Times Up to address harassment and inequality in Hollywood. Her work intersected art and activism, paving the way for stories that challenge social norms.
Formation of the Harness Organization
Building on her activist roots, Ferrera co-founded the Harness organization to bridge activists and artists, creating a platform for storytelling that advances social justice causes. This initiative allowed her to combine her influence in the entertainment industry with her passion for advocating change.
Challenges Faced in Hollywood
Navigating through Hollywood, America Ferrera recounts challenges faced being typecast and limited by roles available for actors of color. From experiencing frustration due to the lack of diverse casting to utilizing her role as a producer, she highlights the barriers in the industry.
Empowering Personal Narrative & Breakthrough
America Ferrera delves into her journey of self-empowerment and professional growth, embodying the transition from actor to director and producer. By championing diverse stories and seizing opportunities like directing episodes and embracing her cultural roots, she celebrates the evolution and impact of her work.
Artistic Integrity & Social Impact
Driven by a commitment to social justice and authentic storytelling, America Ferrera emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself as a filmmaker. Encouraging aspiring artists to embrace their unique perspectives and create work that resonates with personal values, she advocates for pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
In front of an audience at Chapman University, the trailblazing actress, producer, director and activist reflects on the unlikely path to her breakthrough role in the indie film 'Real Women Have Curves'; becoming the first Latina ever to win the best actress in a comedy series Emmy, for 'Ugly Betty'; anad landing a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for a performance highlighted by a showstopping monologue in Greta Gerwig's cultural phenomenon of a film.
