Thandiwe Newton sends a teary apology to “dark-skinned actresses” for not properly representing them.
Thandiwe appeared on Sky News to discuss her new role in the film “God’s Country.” The 49-year-old actress shares how she was hesitant to accept the role because she wasn’t “dark-skinned enough.”
The film, in particular, is an adaptation of a short story by author James Lee Burke. Instead of the film being about an older white man, the main character will be a black woman.
“My internalized prejudice was stopping me from feeling like I could play this role. When it’s precisely that prejudice that I’ve received,” Thandiwe says. “Doesn’t matter that it’s from African-American women more than anyone else, doesn’t matter. I received prejudice. Anyone who’s received oppression and prejudice feels this character.”
Newton continues by mentioning how she often wants to apologize to darker-skinned actresses for accepting opportunities offered to her.
“I’m sorry that I’m the one chosen. My mama looks like you. My mom looks like you. It’s been very painful to have women look like my mum feel like I’m not representing them. That I’m taking from them, taking their men, taking their work, taking their truth. I didn’t mean to,” she says tearfully.
“God’s Country” will mark the actress’s first time using her birth name Thandiwe Newton after she’s been going by ‘Thandie’ for years.
“I got to change it back, which actually is probably more powerful. So I’m glad that they robbed it for a brief, brief couple of decades. And I love the fact that it’s God’s Country that is the first project that has my name, you know. Honestly, I was like, this is my last movie. I don’t need to say anything else, really,” Newton added.
