Jennifer Lopez reflects on battling stereotypes in Hollywood

Jennifer Lopez has recently revealed how she struggled with stereotypes early in her acting career.

Speaking on Variety Awards Circuit podcast, the Marry Me star said, “There’s so many different people living their stories [in America].”

“That was always my goal as an actor, as a producer, was to kind of break the mold of just playing the Latina, playing just the maid or just the housekeeper or just the person who worked in the store,” explained the 55-year-old.

JLo remarked, “Whatever it was, those kinds of stereotypes, and break the stereotypes. But also, to be the people starring in the film.”

Lopez recalled, “I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes. I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I just play a romantic lead? Why can’t I be the girl next door?’”

“That belief — that conviction that I belonged — was what helped me break those molds,” stated the Maid in Manhattan actress.

Elsewhere in the interview, JLo, who grew up in the Bronx with Puerto Rican parents, talked about her early life.

“When you come from really not a lot and you grew up in the neighbourhoods we grew up in, you think you don’t belong in certain places or you don’t belong in certain rooms.”

“I always find it’s the inner voice. It’s kind of really being in tune with that inner voice and what you’re telling yourself, which is the most important thing,” mentioned the actress and singer.

JLo pointed out, “At some point it’s your responsibility to replace that voice with your own strong voice. That says, ‘I can do this. I do belong here. I am good enough. I am doing the right things. I do work hard. I am talented.’”

“And it’s hard because you have a lot of people telling you you’re not all the time, especially if you choose a career like this, where a lot of this is subjective,” added the Unstoppable actress.