While Bridgerton is celebrated for its diverse casting and lavish period drama, star Adjoa Andoh, the formidable Lady Danbury herself, isn't holding back on the industry's shortcomings.
In a candid podcast interview, Andoh revealed the frustrating reality of being a Black actress, even within a production lauded for its inclusivity.
Andoh, a seasoned actress with a career spanning decades, didn't mince words when discussing the persistent issue of lighting Black actors on set.
"Nothing's changed," she stated bluntly on the Stirring It Up podcast. "They're getting better, so I suppose I feel powerful in that I will now go, 'Am I blonde?'"
Her words, dripping with sarcasm, cut to the heart of a problem that plagues the entertainment industry - the lack of basic awareness and sensitivity when it comes to representing darker skin tones on screen.
A Distracting Disrespect: The Burden of Speaking Up
While Andoh acknowledged some progress, she expressed frustration at having to constantly point out this glaring oversight, especially within a production like Bridgerton.
"I hate doing it," she admitted. "Because a bit of me is like, 'Oh, I don't want to do it, I don't want to make a fuss.' I don't want to because I want to come and do my work... I want to be Lady Danbury and be totally engaged in that."
Her words highlight the emotional labor often placed on actors of color, who are forced to choose between focusing on their craft and advocating for basic respect and accurate representation.
"When people say we're being chippy or militant," Andoh continued, "I want to say that I'm just a human being and I just want to do the gift I'm blessed with and I want to do it in a free way... I'm not asking for a special revelation, I just want to live in my gift. That's not my sh*t – I don't want to think about it."
Finding Power in Collaboration and Character
Despite these challenges, Andoh shared a positive aspect of her Bridgerton experience – collaborating with show creator Shonda Rhimes on enriching Lady Danbury's backstory.
Andoh, drawing on her own Ghanaian heritage, injected elements of West African culture into the character, showcasing the power of authentic representation.
"[Shonda's] smart and open," Andoh remarked about the collaborative process.
This detail offers a glimmer of hope, highlighting the positive change that can occur when creators are receptive to diverse voices and perspectives.
A History of Speaking Out: Beyond the Ton
This isn't the first time Andoh has used her platform to call out racism. She's spoken openly about facing discrimination as a child and the casual prejudice that permeated even social circles.
Her comments about the lack of diversity at King Charles' coronation last year sparked a media firestorm, drawing over 8,000 complaints to Ofcom (the UK's communications regulator). Yet, Andoh remains undeterred, her voice a powerful reminder that true progress requires more than just casting diversity – it demands a fundamental shift in how the industry sees, represents, and respects people of color.
Adjoa Andoh's candid words are a wake-up call, reminding us that even amidst lavish period dramas and fairytale romances, the fight for equality and authentic representation is far from over.
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