A lot of things that I can’t get into the room for, even just to be seen, is because they’re just saying ‘No. they’re not casting non-white.’ You’re lumped into a category with people who are just not white.
Meaning of the quote
Sandra Oh, a Canadian actress, is saying that sometimes she isn't even allowed to try out for roles just because she's not white. Directors and producers might say they're only looking for white actors, so she gets grouped with other non-white actors, even if she's perfect for the part. It can be frustrating when you're not given a chance just because of the color of your skin.
About Sandra Oh
Sandra Oh is a celebrated Canadian-American actress known for her starring roles in hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve, and Arliss. She has won numerous awards, including Primetime Emmys and Golden Globes, and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2019.
More quotes from Sandra Oh
As a working actor, all I want to do is work. That’s it. It’s terrifying when you don’t work. It’s very hard when you don’t work. There have been times when I’ve been out of work for like six months. I feel theatre to me is like manna.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
I equate fame towards people who know your work, people who will see your work. But all that stuff, like with the Genies and stuff like that, it was so much fun. It’s so much fun and it’s nice when it comes, but that’s not what it’s all about.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
A lot of things that I can’t get into the room for, even just to be seen, is because they’re just saying ‘No. they’re not casting non-white.’ You’re lumped into a category with people who are just not white.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
I think all women should learn how to strip. It’s a really healthy, extremely challenging thing to do.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
Becoming an actor? If it’s not a calling, don’t do it. It’s too hard.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it’s really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
I think the roles in television are better for women right now. At this point, I don’t want to continue doing the same things I’ve been doing in film because it’s very limited.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
And on a Canadian set, everybody is equal. You get paid the same. You live together in barracks. You have a communal kitchen. You buy and cook your own food.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)
In many Asian households, to not go on to higher education, that’s like a big no-no. I know my parents’ discouragement was for my own protection, and I’m really close to them now, but they didn’t understand that there is value in this. That’s because they didn’t know.
Canadian and American actress (born 1971)