Rachel Zegler Responds to ‘White Executives’ Who Questioned Her Latina Heritage During ‘West Side Story’ Casting!
Rachel Zegler, the 23-year-old actress known for her breakout role as María in West Side Story and as Snow White in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake, recently opened up about a frustrating experience during her audition process for West Side Story. In an emotional interview with Allure for her March 2025 cover story, Zegler shared how a “bunch of white executives” questioned her Latina heritage, leaving her confused and frustrated.
Facing Doubts About Her Heritage
Born in New Jersey, Zegler is of Colombian and Polish descent. Despite this, she encountered doubt from executives who questioned whether she was “legit” for the role of María in West Side Story. Zegler admitted that they often reached out, asking if she was truly of Latin heritage, something that caught her off guard.
“There’s confusion because I don’t have a single ounce of Latin in my name,” she explained. “When I was in the running for María in West Side Story, they kept calling to ask if I was legit.”
Rachel Zegler, frustrated by the questioning, joked about bringing her grandmother into the studio to prove her identity. “I remember thinking, ‘Do you want me to bring my abuelita [grandmother] in? I will. I’ll bring her into the studio if you want to meet her,’” she said.
The Struggles of Proving Identity
The experience of having to prove her identity to a group of white executives was something that deeply puzzled Zegler. She expressed the difficulty of being questioned about her heritage in a time when identity and representation are at the forefront of many conversations in Hollywood.
“It’s an interesting experience being part of that diaspora in the current climate we live in,” she said, adding, “But I love being Colombian.”Rachel Zegler ’s words reflect the complexity of navigating the entertainment industry as a person of mixed heritage, a topic that remains a conversation point in discussions about diversity and representation.
Her Rise to Fame: From Snow White to Golden Globe Win
Despite the doubts cast on her during the West Side Story audition process, Zegler’s talents ultimately spoke for themselves. Her powerful voice and acting ability earned her the role of María, which led to her Golden Globe win in 2022 for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her performance in the film.
Before West Side Story hit theaters Rachel Zegler was already making waves in Hollywood. In June 2021, Disney announced that she would be playing the iconic role of Snow White in its live-action remake of the 1937 animated classic. The casting decision generated headlines, and the excitement around her talent continued to grow.
Marc Webb, the director of the Snow White remake, was quick to recognize Rachel Zegler extraordinary vocal abilities. “She has strength, intelligence, and optimism,” he said in an interview with Deadline, explaining why Rachel Zegler was the perfect fit for the role. Her performance in West Side Story sealed the deal for Disney execs, who ultimately saw Rachel Zegler as a rising star capable of taking on major roles in the future.
A Call for Diversity and Inclusion
Looking back at her career, Zegler reflects on the importance of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. She acknowledges that her breakthrough roles came because she was given a chance to showcase her talents, regardless of how she might look.
“The reality is, I was given a chance because I could sing,” Zegler said. “My only prayer for the future of diversity and inclusion is that we invest in and nurture talent no matter what they look like.”
Zegler’s message speaks to the heart of the ongoing conversation about diversity in entertainment—ensuring that all talent, regardless of background, gets an equal chance to shine.
What’s Next for Rachel Zegler?
Zegler’s career continues to soar, and her upcoming role in Snow White will further cement her place in Hollywood. The film is set to hit theaters this Friday, and fans are eagerly anticipating her portrayal of the beloved character.
With her powerful voice, striking talent, and commitment to diversity, Zegler’s future is incredibly bright. As she continues to break barriers, she hopes her journey serves as a reminder that talent should always come first, no matter the identity or background of the performer.
Zegler’s story is a testament to perseverance, and her rise to stardom shows that the entertainment industry has the power to evolve, embracing true diversity and celebrating all voices.
