Among the many questions people often ask Barbie star America Ferrera on his iconic role in Unattractive Betty There is one recurring question that keeps coming to the surface, so much so that it has immediately been proudly labeled as annoying with a bit of sexism. Despite the variety of fascinating topics surrounding the series, her character, and her experiences, it’s striking how this particular aspect of her role seems to receive an inordinate amount of attention.
Actress So, during the show’s cast reunion, ABC explained how the question directed at her actually affects her.
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Barbie Star America Ferrera on how she deals with sexist issues
Unattractive Betty is a show in which the main character, a young woman named Betty, finds her way in the stereotypical fashion world. Although not by traditional beauty standards, as the show’s title suggests. “Ugly” Betty overcomes the difficulties she faces. So while the series touches on many important topics, such as immigration, sexuality, and class differences, in addition to toxic beauty standards, ‘intriguing’ Issues that appear sexist and come up in discussions frustrate America Ferrera.
So, speaking on the ATX channel, Entertainment Weekly reports, on the occasion of the show’s reunion, she said:
“It’s funny when people ask, ‘Oh, what was it like playing an ugly character?’ – I mean, we never ask men about this. You know? We just say, “What a great performance.” Well done for taking on such a character.”
Then she added:
“I think it’s a little sad when the bravest thing you can do as a woman is be ugly, you know? It’s like, who cares? What then? That’s what the show is about. It was about appreciating a person for all they have to offer beyond the surface.”
This was evident in the intensity of the applause following her statements, which shows how much the audience resonated with her.
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How Salma Hayek convinced America Ferrera to be Unattractive Betty
Actress America Ferrera further reflected on the first time she heard about the opportunity, which seemingly fell into her lap as if it were fate, or at least Salma Hayek, the show’s producer, was convinced it was. How Barbie star stated that same night ATX,
“I hadn’t heard anything about the show and she just ran up to me and said, ‘You’re my Ugly Betty!’ whoever you want me to be. And then she offered me a show. She said it was a Colombian show and it was about a girl who looked like a train wreck. I thought, “Got it.” Good.'”
Then she added:
“And I just knew right away that this show had to exist—I knew that little America had grown up with so few realistic depictions of women—beautiful…and real—I just knew right away that this show was going to exist and that it was going to resonate with people.” . And from that moment on I was a million percent in business.”
While there was talk of reviving the show after nearly two decades with a new season, the team ultimately decided not to go that route.
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Source: Entertainment Weekly