Actress Zoe Saldana walks to the set of the Nina Simone biopic shooting in Los Angeles wearing an afro wig (the trademark look of the late singer). Apparently some folks are not happy that Saldana was chosen to play the part sparking an online petition. What are your thoughts?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Nina is rolling over in her grave. What was Hollywood thinking? I’m surprised that Viola Davis didn’t get the nod for this part. I love Zoe, but this part is not for her!
Eh, I take acting skill over looks any day. I do wish that Viola Davis was given the chance to do this role…but hey that’s Hollywood for ya.
Hollywood is so whitewashed it is ridiculous. Nina Simone was a darskinned black woman and played a huge role during the civil rights era. To choose a woman of Puerto Rican/Dominican heritage to play that of an African American is just not right.
It’s not about heritage it’s about looking the part! Because Zoe has played many African American roles that in no way came under any criticism! The are a lot of Latino actors that play African American roles not because of ” heritage,” but because the “look” the part. However, Zoe is terrible for this role!
????????????????
She could be of Puerto Rican/Dominican heritage and still be deeply rooted in her African lineage. There are African Americans that can pass for white. Don’t confuse Ethnicity and Nationality. That’s not the issue. She just doesn’t look much like Nina Simone’s chocolate self.
+1
+2
****************************************************************************
I think there is just a disconnect here with those who just see this as someone playing a part and those who may know a bit about Nina Simone’s life. The reason why the skin color is a huge issue for those who know or who may know some about Simone’s life is that the color of her skin, the darkness of his skin was a running theme through not just in her music (ex. Black is the Colour and Four Women etc) and but explains why she did some of the things she did and took adv of some opportunities and turned down others.
With someone as light as Zoe playing Simone, I believe that MAJOR theme is hinder and could be missing, which means the movie is likely not to reflect the real issues of Nina Simone’s life.
This where I encourage those who say this skin color thing is not a big issue, to PICK UP A BOOK about Simone and READ, then you will get a better understanding of why its a bit of a problem with some people. There was a time that ALL BLACK was not created and viewed equally (and some would still argue that issue persists today)
****************************************************************************
Someone had to say it. Glad you did
The only thing most people read are comments on blog sites…….If people read stuff and actually learned about the history of the world, the government and powers that be couldn’t control us like sheep.
+18
I agree 100% Virginia. That’s like Jennifer Lopez playing Assata Shakur.
LAUREN HILL WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER CHOICE IN MY BOOK.
Lauren would be great but do you think Lauren Hill is in the right state of mind to even consider doing the role? Can you imagine the projects she has turned down over the years?
Wow, look at the makeup, look at her face. Theres no up & coming actress that could play her??? I agree Lauryn Hill would have been a far better choice. C’mon son!