In a powerful reflection on her career, actress Gabrielle Union revealed the struggles she faced as a Black woman navigating Hollywood’s unfair beauty standards. During the “Black Leading Women in Hollywood” episode of the Number One on the Call Sheet series, Union shared her personal experiences of being typecast in roles that did not align with her true potential as an actress.
Union discussed how the entertainment industry’s definition of beauty often excluded women who, like her, have coarser hair textures, darker skin tones, and features that didn’t align with the stereotypical “classic beauty” mold. “When you have a more coarse grade of hair, when you have melanin, thicker nose, wider nose, wider lips, you’re not considered, you know, a classic beauty,” she explained. “I started feeling invisible like my beauty wasn’t wanted. As a romantic lead? No.”
Struggling to Break Free from Typecasting
Union’s admission highlights the challenges faced by many Black actresses, whose appearances are often deemed “appealing enough” for sidekick roles, but not for leading parts. For Union, this meant being cast repeatedly as the “bitchy, sassy friend” – a character that, while iconic in its own right, limited her opportunities as a romantic lead or more substantial role in major films.
“My look was appealing enough. But not so overpowering that it overshadows the White lead,” Union recalls. This observation takes us back to the late 90s when Union was cast in several beloved teen films, including She’s All That (1999), 10 Things I Hate About You, and Bring It On. She was often cast as the Black girl who served as a foil or sidekick to the white protagonist, which in many ways, defined her early career.
“I was the perfect person to be ‘the friend,’ just left of center of this White girl,” Union noted. This role type continued to be her bread and butter for years, reinforcing the industry’s preference for placing Black actresses in supporting roles that catered to specific stereotypes.
Breaking Through and Finding Her Voice
Despite the typecasting she endured, Gabrielle Union did not give up. Over time, she fought for more nuanced and leading roles, proving her versatility and establishing herself as a strong, reliable actress in Hollywood. From 2014 to 2017, she starred in the hit BET drama Being Mary Jane, which allowed her to portray a complex character and significantly boosted her career. The show gave Union a platform to display her range and helped transform her into a leading figure in the entertainment industry.
The Number One on the Call Sheet series, which is now available for streaming on Apple TV+, highlights the experiences of Black actresses, shedding light on the barriers they face and their contributions to the entertainment world. Union’s story is just one of many discussed in the series, which captures the beauty and brilliance of these women while also acknowledging the systemic hurdles they have had to overcome.
A Legacy of Resilience and Empowerment
Directed by Janicza Bravo, the episode featuring Union is a testament to the power of Black actresses who have defied industry standards to make their mark. Bravo expressed her admiration for these women, recognizing their incredible impact: “These women represent a singular generation of Black leading actresses — some of the best of the best,” she said. “And I had the great opportunity and responsibility of capturing all of their greatness into one documentary — talk about pressure.”
Gabrielle Union’s journey is one of resilience, strength, and perseverance. Her willingness to speak candidly about the struggles she faced not only sheds light on the challenges many Black actresses endure but also serves as an inspiration to those still fighting for visibility and equality in an industry that has often undervalued them.
The Changing Landscape of Hollywood
Union’s story comes at a time when Hollywood is gradually evolving in terms of diversity and inclusion. While much work remains to be done, the increasing visibility of Black women in leading roles on both the big and small screens marks a positive shift. Union’s career has played a vital role in breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a leading woman in Hollywood.
Her success also highlights the importance of having diverse voices behind the camera, as well as in front of it. Projects like Number One on the Call Sheet continue to raise awareness and spotlight the achievements of Black women in the entertainment industry.