In a recent conversation with Allure, Rachel Zegler disclosed that throughout the auditioning phase for West Side Story, some white production officials frequently raised doubts about her Latin background.
In a firm decision, director Steven Spielberg made it clear that he wanted the lead character in the movie, Maria, portrayed by an actress of Latin origin. Yet, actress Hailee Steinfeld, who has both a Colombian-American mother and a Polish-American father, mentioned that her name often caused misunderstandings.
Zegler explained to Allure Magazine that there’s been some misunderstanding as her name doesn’t contain a single drop of Latin origin. During her audition for María in West Side Story, they frequently questioned whether she was truly eligible. She recalled thinking, “Would you like me to introduce my grandmother?” I’d be more than happy to do that, even inviting her to the studio if they wanted to meet her.
In a pool of thousands trying out, Rachel Zegler faced an unforeseen hurdle during her interviews with studio officials.
As a devoted admirer, I’ve often found myself in situations where I’m asked to verify my identity by a group of white executives. Quite an intriguing journey it is, belonging to this diaspora in today’s world. Yet, amidst all the intricacies, I take immense pride in being Colombian.
Regardless of the close examination, Spielberg was convinced about casting Zegler. She secured the role in 2019 following an audition tape where she sang Tonight and Me Siento Hermosa. The movie, launched in 2021, received widespread praise, and Zegler bagged a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy category.
In the production of West Side Story, Ariana DeBose, one of her fellow actors, received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Simultaneously, the movie played a significant role in kickstarting Rachel Zegler’s career within the glamorous world of Hollywood.
During the selection process, she hadn’t acted in films before. In 2018, Spielberg was searching for Spanish-speaking talents, and Zegler’s tryout caught his attention.
Zegler’s captivating portrayal in West Side Story subsequently secured her the role in Disney’s live-action version of Snow White. Although she had already shot West Side Story, its release was still pending at the time Disney was deliberating over potential candidates for the part.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Zegler shared that Steven Spielberg endorsed her to director Marc Webb. She reminisced about receiving a text from Spielberg prior to being formally offered the role, which followed her wishing him Happy Father’s Day; in response, he sent a string of apple emojis.
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2025-03-19 14:38