If there is an exotic woman it’s always a terrorist role.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that in movies and TV shows, when a woman is portrayed as someone from a different or "exotic" culture, she is often cast in the role of a terrorist or a dangerous person, rather than in a more positive or nuanced character. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and can negatively impact how people from diverse backgrounds are perceived.
About Persis Khambatta
Persis Khambatta was an Indian actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder best known for her role as Lieutenant Ilia in the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. She had a successful career in both modeling and acting, and remains a beloved figure in the Star Trek universe.
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More quotes from Persis Khambatta
I was thrilled, because I like the big screen and I could then move on to the next thing. It was the biggest break for me. In a way, though, I wish it had been a TV series because then you are working for five years.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Besides, a bald cap would have never looked real.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Gene Roddenberry was a genius.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
After Star Trek, I was with the top agencies, but producers and directors did not know what to do with me.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Having shaved my head for the role put a spotlight on me.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
One thing about me, as far as my career is concerned, is that I’m very confident. I know I’m good.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I also had this artist friend who’d paint butterflies and things like that on my head.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Creative people are very insecure people because they don’t know whether people like them or are in awe of them. That insecurity always comes out. It makes them a better actor, I feel.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I only went to one Star Trek convention and that was in the late ’80s. I hadn’t gone to a convention before that. It was quite amusing, with the people dressed up and all of that.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I arrived in Hollywood and lived much of my life in America, but the fans did not really know me.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
If there is an exotic woman it’s always a terrorist role.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I’m going down in history with Star Trek. It’s a great feeling.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I mean, every Star Trek episode you saw was just phenomenal.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Basically, they had asked me if I would shave my head or wear a bald cap. I said look, if you are doing a series for five years I would want to shave my hair because I would go bald with all the gum and glue from the bald cap.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
I just have beautiful memories of what has happened in my life.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Everybody told me to stay in Hollywood. This was the place they said I could have a big career. What they failed to mention was that no one would quite know what to do with me.
Indian actress (1948-1998)
Maybe I’m being philosophical and spiritual, but I believe that if you put negative energy out there that that is what will come back.
Indian actress (1948-1998)