Sterling K. Brown Says White Actors Are Often Praised for Getting “Frustrated” on Set: “If I Did the Exact Same Thing, I Do Not Get the Pass” [Video]

Actor Sterling K. Brown is opening up about the systematic differences he has experienced in Hollywood between himself and his white counterparts.

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On a recent episode of his podcast, “We Don’t Always Agree,” that he shares with his wife, actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, the couple explored the idea of cancel culture and its realities regarding race and privileges in the entertainment industry. To expound on the topic, Brown shared a personal experience that highlighted this concept.

“I have observed behavior of my white counterparts on set where people will get loud and frustrated,” he said. “It is couched as being passionate or just sort of, like animated, like it’s given a moniker that is not ‘angry.’ I see it happen and I go, ‘If I did the exact same thing, I do not get the pass.’ Just by being Black in general, the level and amount of latitude for bad behavior, you have different consequences.”

His statement reflected a persistent reality that many Black celebrities face in Hollywood, where professionals often feel like they have to navigate the world with an unspoken double standard. For Brown, having this awareness shaped how he conducts himself while on set to avoid feeding into those stereotypes.

“When women come into my trailer on set, you leave the door open, door swing wide open,” Brown added. “Anybody can stick their head in, ‘Hey, what y’all doing? Nothing, six feet, Jack.’ You know what I’m saying? I already felt like people were looking for a reason.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Brown discussed people feeling like certain rules don’t apply to them and how that can lead to them getting involved in trouble.