'I love looking beautiful... but it's one tiny piece of me': Ugly Betty star America Ferrera reflects on her responsibility to women in Hollywood as she poses for Redbook
She rose to prominence as the memorably frumpy, bespectacled and painfully unfashionable lead in American show Ugly Betty.
But for America Ferrera, the beautiful, confident and highly empowered actress who successfully brought that titular character to life, her undeniable success during a four year run on the show has brought with it a responsibility to represent not only women in Hollywood – but women in general.
Speaking to Redbook, the 32-year old Latina – all too often judged by her alluring beauty – insisted there is more a woman’s value than her appearance.
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Opening up: Speaking to Redbook, America Ferrera – all too often judged by her alluring beauty – insisted there is more a woman’s value than her appearance.
‘I grew up believing a lot of things about myself that I had to unlearn – things that pertain to being a good woman, things about my weight or height,’ she explained.
‘As women, you’re taught that your value is all about your appearance, not your ideas and your tenacity and your courage and your bravery and your adventurous spirit. Look, I love getting dressed up and looking beautiful. But that’s one tiny piece of me.’
She added: ‘It is true that I represent women, and it is true that I represent Latinas, but it’s also true that I’m myself.
Responsibility: The actress says her undeniable success during a six year run on Ugly Betty has brought with it a responsibility to represent not only women in Hollywood – but women in general
‘My successes and my failures don’t have to have this enormous weight on them; they can just be mine. Whatever moves you forward, focus on it. Whatever handicaps you or paralyzes you, that’s the thing to get rid of.’
America was plucked from relative obscurity to play Betty Suarez in the Salma Hayek produced Ugly Betty, a role that would inevitably lead to renewed interest from Hollywood.
Further roles would follow in box-office smash How To Train Your Dragon, its ensuing sequel and popular US drama The Good Wife.
Breakout: America was plucked from relative obscurity to play Betty Suarez in the Salma Hayek produced Ugly Betty, a role that would inevitably lead to renewed interest from Hollywood
Reflecting on her success as a woman in a male dominated industry, she insists disparity should not be a deterrent for those wishing to carve out careers of their own.
'We talk about a lot of things we want to see more women doing. We want more women producers, more women writers, more women directors,' she said.
And you can only say that so many times before you say, "I'm a woman. What's stopping me from doing this?' I've had to ask myself: Why not me?"'
The actress features in a glossy cover shoot for Redbook, displaying her naturally pretty features in a series of colourful, stylish ensembles.
Exuding health and beauty, America admits maturity has given her new found assurance in her personal and professional life.
'When I was younger, I felt like everything was make or break,' she said. 'In my career and my relationships, there was a right way or a wrong way—and I had to fit into the right box. I’ve let go of those narrow definitions and found a balance.'
The March issue of Redbook goes on sale from February 14.
Looking good: The actress features in a glossy cover shoot for the publication
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