Rachel Zegler Says White Studio Execs ‘Kept Calling to Ask If I Was’ Actually Latina During ‘West Side Story’ Casting: ‘Want Me to Bring My Abuelita In?’

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Rachel Zegler said an interview with Allure magazine that white studio executives repeatedly questioned her during the casting process for Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” which served as her acting breakthrough in Hollywood.

Spielberg cast Zegler as the musical’s female lead, María, and it was of upmost importance to him that the film’s Latina protagonist be played by a Latina actor. “There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” Zegler told the magazine. “When I was in the running for María in ‘West Side Story,’ they kept calling to ask if I was legit.

I remember thinking, ‘Do you want me to bring my abuelita in?’ I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her.” Zegler added, “Having a bunch of white executives have you prove your identity to them…It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in.

But I love being Colombian.” Spielberg’s “West Side Story” earned critical acclaim and scored Zegler a win at the Golden Globes for best actress in a musical or comedy film.