I am glad Sam clarified his statements, because I think this infighting between AAs and Black Brits is out of order. When we should be working on unifying, this is clearly divide and conquer.
Let’s Not Pit British And American Black Actors Against Each Other Samuel L. Jackson’s comments highlight Hollywood’s ongoing representation problems.
Do black British actors “steal” roles from African-American actors?
On Thursday, Samuel L. Jackson sparked this debate in an interview on Hot.97, where he talked about Jordan Peele’s social horror “Get Out,” and questioned how the movie might have been different had the lead black character been played by an American actor, instead of British actor Daniel Kaluuya.
David Harewood says black British actors may be better suited to American roles
Harewood, who plays CIA director in Homeland, says UK actors may be able to more easily ‘unshackle ourselves from the burden of racial realities’
The Homeland actor David Harewood has stepped into the controversy over black British actors playing African American roles, arguing that Britons may be better suited to some parts because they are not burdened by “what’s in the history books”.
In an article for the Guardian, Birmingham-born Harewood writes that it is perhaps because they are not “real American brothers” that he and other black British performers are able “to unshackle ourselves from the burden of racial realities – and simply play what’s on the page”.
This site uses cookies to help personalize content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.