Jennifer Lopez Recalls Limitations on Roles for Latina Actresses at Start of Her Career, How She Broke Them

Jennifer Lopez looked back on the start of her career and how she overcame some of the limitations that she faced.

The 55-year-old entertainer has undeniably conquered Hollywood and carved out her own place in the industry.

However, in a recent interview, she said that she had a hard time finding roles for Latina actresses. Jennifer explained the mindset that helped her make her own way.

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“I heard someone say that positive change is slow — and it is — but as long as we’re moving in the right direction, that’s what matters,” she said during an interview on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “When I started, there weren’t a lot of roles for Latinas. 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.”

Elsewhere in the interview, she reflected on dealing with imposter syndrome.

“But I’ve learned that it’s about what you tell yourself. You have to redirect that inner voice. Whenever the doubts creep in — ‘I don’t belong here, I’m not good enough’ — you need to replace them with, ‘No, I’ve worked hard. I do belong here.’ It’s a mindset that transforms everything,” she said.

If you missed it, Jennifer recently revealed one of the “best” things she’s ever done.