Hollywood star Gabrielle Union is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ and African-American communities, but she hasn’t always been proud of her roots. After a successful three-decade career, the actress revealed that she was once afraid of being seen as black.
Things got better for the 50-year-old, who later found it difficult to play his homophobic character in his new film “The Inspection.” In the film, Union plays Inez French, a prison officer who kicks her teenage gay son Ellis (played by Jeremy Pope) out of their home after discovering his sexuality.
The star, who has been vocal about her stance with the LGBTQ community, was surprised that the crew considered her for the role. However, he eventually found a connection with the character, and audiences loved his performance. Union became a popular ally for the LGBTQ community because of her open support for her transgender stepdaughter, Zaya.
Read on to learn more.
Gabrielle Union Talks About Her Role In ‘Inspection’
Instagram/gabunion
According to a report by Yahoo, Union talked about her role in “The Inspection” as Inez French and how she was able to find common ground with the character. The “10 Things I Hate About You” actress revealed that she was very confused about being offered the role and remembers asking herself why the production team thought she would be a good fit.
He said, “At first, I was like, ‘I’m living differently. What have I ever given to make anyone think that I can do that convincingly?’” Union also said she found it hard to relate to her character because she openly opposes homophobia in real life. He, however, later reaches “the same place” with her by reflecting on his own identity.
The star explained that “land” was everything he had to compromise for “white” acceptance. He said, “That equality is all the things we are willing to do to be seen, to move further forward for examination, for connection, for acceptance, for validation for white supremacy.” While he doesn’t “gamble with his kids” in real life, he does with his own darkness.
He’s Afraid of Being Black
Instagram/gabunion
The “Deliver us from Eva” star recalled “gambling” with her upper lip at one point in her career. Union shared that she often tries to hide it by smiling in public so it’s not obvious. When asked why, she said, “I thought if I let my full lips be seen, then they’d know I’m Black.”
Admitting that it sounded “illogical and dumb and stupid,” Union explained that he wanted to “minimize the darkness” of the moment. He also recalled having “multiple personalities” and trying to change who he was. He will “morph” to suit whatever room he is in to increase his chances of getting a chance.
The star also tried to change his personality to gain approval from the public. “All the things you do for whoever you think will think you’re worthy, think you’re good enough,” he said. “Think you deserve all the opportunities in life, wealth, you will do anything. You’ll barter for anything.”
Looking back on the experience, she explains that it felt like selling her soul. “It’s dark. It’s very dark and disturbing.” Union shared that while her role in “The Inspection” reminded her of her identity crisis, it also helped her become a better person.
Film Helping Gabrielle Union
Union, who is also a parent of someone in the LGBTQ community with husband and former NBA star Dwyane Wade, revealed that the film helped her grow as a person. He explained that the role helped shift his opinion of homophobes, who he had previously considered “rubbish”.
He said, “But go through the process [making The Inspection], it’s like, Oh, maybe I’m not so different in terms of what got me to that point. I will never reject my child. None of my children are disposable. But I got a deep desire to be seen as worthy. And anything that threatens that can go. And for some people, that includes their children.”
Gabrielle Union Shares Advice For Viewers Of Her New Movie
MEGA
While he starred in several high-profile films before “The Inspection,” he is particularly proud of his performances in the film and the storyline in general. He stated that the film has a strong message for people who can relate to the characters.
The “Bad Boys 2” star also encouraged viewers to learn from him and choose to “love fully.” He also explained that wanting to be a better person is a step in the right direction. Union said, “I think wounded people hurt people, and healed people have the ability to help heal others.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
