Tiffany B. Brown

a mish-mosh of stuff

On Gabby Sidibe and Hollywood

Jezebel engages in some original journalism asks After Precious: Does Hollywood Have A Place For Gabby Sidibe?

Eyde Belasco, who cast Sidibe in Yelling To The Sky and has worked on movies like (500) Days of Summer and Half Nelson, writes in an email that her own choice had “very little to do with her look and everything to do with her amazing acting abilities.” She adds, “I think the best types of roles for Gabby going forward, to keep her from being typecast, are ones that are not linked to her look. Maybe it’s about taking on a great supporting role (such as her role in Yelling To She Sky) that has very little to do with her physical appearance and all to do with her performance. If an actor can afford to do it, it’s about waiting for the right role. Gabby does have a very specific look. But, hopefully, filmmakers and casting directors will want the best actress for the role.”

I hope Belasco is right, but I’m not convinced she is. Lots more thoughts and commentary in the post.

  • http://misterjt.tumblr.com/rss Jason T.

    It's going to be challenging for her. There are so few roles for black actors and actresses, in general, and her look is a burden (unfortunately). It is possible, though. Kathy Bates isn't model-sized (nor is Whoopi Goldberg) and they work constantly. The problem is…there's usually only room for one or two of those kinds of actors/actresses in Working Hollywood.

  • http://misterjt.tumblr.com/rss Jason T.

    It's going to be challenging for her. There are so few roles for black actors and actresses, in general, and her look is a burden (unfortunately). It is possible, though. Kathy Bates isn't model-sized (nor is Whoopi Goldberg) and they work constantly. The problem is…there's usually only room for one or two of those kinds of actors/actresses in Working Hollywood.