You must be an artist and a citizen of the world. You must speak to this stuff that's happening. You must do what you can to shine a light on it, help people through it.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
To get even realer with you for a second, as a black actor, as a performer of color, I don't know how many more roles like Aaron Burr are gonna come along for me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leslie Odom Jr. reflects on the limited opportunities for actors of color in significant roles.
In this quote, Leslie Odom Jr. expresses the challenges faced by actors of color in finding substantial and meaningful roles in the entertainment industry. By specifically mentioning his role as Aaron Burr, he highlights how rare such opportunities are and underscores the broader issue of representation and diversity in film and theater, making a poignant statement about the systemic barriers that continue to exist.
Themes
ActorsRepresentationOpportunityColorPerformanceRoles
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion panel about diversity in the film industry, this quote serves to highlight the struggles of finding roles for actors of color.
More from Leslie Odom, Jr.
All quotes →Oh, Alexander Hamilton fell short of his best self every now and again, and he still managed to do these wonderful things - well, so do I. So what am I capable of?
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We're reminded yet again: we are stronger, we are smarter, we have more fun when we include each other - when we include as many perspectives as possible.
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I grew up in Philadelphia in a time where we took it for granted that we were supposed to be young and gifted and black. It was a culture of excellence - and all my friends were more talented than I was.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
It's still a political statement to stand on stage as a person of color and be excellent. We still need those images to combat the narrative we're often fed - as someone innately inferior or inexorably linked with lack.
Leslie Odom, Jr.Read
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