
Gina Torres Shares Personal Struggles Of Navigating Hollywood As An Afro-Latina

Gina Torres has had an expansive career acting in The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Angel, and probably her most famous role as Jessica Pearson in Suits. But with her many acting roles, Gina revealed that she struggled with showing her full, authentic self as an Afro-Latina on screen. The mother of one is of Cuban descent and was raised in Bronx, NY. However, due to her skin color, she found herself often boxed in with roles as only a Black woman and not acknowledging her Latin roots.
The 9-1-1 Lone Star appeared on MSNBC’s The Culture is: Latina and talked about her experience navigating Hollywood as an Afro-Latina.
“I feel like I was living in three worlds. There was my world that I grew up in, also Spanish-speaking. Home, Cuban parents, and then you go out into the world and I’m speaking English, and I’m in the Bronx,” she explained. “And then, going into this industry as an actress, then nobody recognizes you as either one.”
She noted that she may present as a Black woman but said she’s more than that. “I didn’t identify as a Black woman because for me it was cultural. Because, of course, I present Black, I am a Black woman,” she said.
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“I am also Cuban. When you’re here in the United States and they ask you to be in a box, and you don’t fit into the box, culturally, it was different. It was not one that I identified with, but to work, to survive, it was something that I had to learn.”
For her to gain opportunities in Hollywood, Gina shared that she had to learn how to be “whatever Black was” and that it became a “Jedi mind trick to keep myself from just being sad all the time about not being able to fully experience and express the entirety of myself.”
When Gina entered the entertainment industry in the ‘90s, Afro-Latino actors were few and far in between. But over the last few decades, more Afro-Latino actors have been taking up space in the industry and speaking up about their roots.
Here are some Afro-Latinas in Hollywood that you should know.
1. Rosario Dawson
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Along with Gina, Rosario Dawson was one of the few Afro-Latina actresses gaining recognition in the industry in the ‘90s and early 2000s. The Men in Black II actress is Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican.
2. Ariana DeBose
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Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose, who won the trophy for best-supporting actress in West Side Story, is Puerto Rican on her father’s side.
3. Reagan Gomez-Preston
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Former childhood actress Reagan Gomez-Preston identifies as Puerto Rican and Black.
4. Yaya DaCosta
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Cycle 2 America's Next Top Model runner-up turned accomplished actress Yaya DaCosta is Afro-Brazilian and Black.
5. Dascha Polanco
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Dascha Polanco won our hearts as Dayanara "Daya" Diaz in Orange is the New Black and is Dominican-American.
6. Tessa Thompson
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Thor: Love and Thunder star Tessa Thompson is Afro-Panamanian on her father’s side and European and Mexican on her mother’s side.
7. La La Anthony
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Media personality/ actress La La Anthony is of Puerto Rican heritage.
8. Zoe Saldaña
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Zoe Saldaña, who has appeared in many films such as Avatar, Colombiana, and Drumline, is half Dominican and half Puerto Rican.
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Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
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From Rock Bottom To Redemption: Paula Patton Opens Up About Her New Film 'Finding Faith'
When Paula Patton’s name is on a project, you already know it’s going to bring some soul. From Jumping the Broom to Baggage Claim, she’s long been a radiant presence on-screen. But in her new film Finding Faith, premiering in theaters June 16–17 via Fathom Events, Paula digs deeper—into grief, healing, and ultimately, redemption.
The film follows Faith Mitchell, a wife and mother whose life is upended by a devastating loss. As she spirals into despair, it’s the love of family, friends, and God that slowly leads her back to light. And for Paula, this story wasn’t just a role—it was personal.
“It connected to a time in my life that I could really relate to,” she says. “That feeling of having lost so much and feeling like so much pain, and not knowing how to deal with the pain… and numbing out to do that.”
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A Story That Hit Close to Home
Having been sober for seven years, Paula says the emotional territory was familiar. But more than anything, it brought her closer to a deeper truth.
“Once you give [the numbing] up, you have to walk in the desert alone… and that’s when I truly found faith in God.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
While the film touches on loss and addiction, Finding Faith ultimately lives up to its title. Paula describes the acting process as cathartic—and one she was finally ready for.
“Art became healing,” she says. “That was the biggest challenge of all… but it was a challenge I wanted.”
More Than an Inspirational Thriller
Finding Faith is described as an “inspirational thriller,” with layered tones of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection. Paula credits that dynamic blend to writer-director LazRael Lison.
“That’s what I love about Finding Faith,” she explains. “Yes, she goes on this journey, but there’s other storylines happening that help it stay entertaining.”
"Finding Faith" cast
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On-Set Magic with Loretta Devine
With a cast stacked with phenomnal talent—Loretta Devine, Keith David, Stephen Bishop—it’s no surprise that the film also came alive through unscripted moments.
“We did this kitchen scene… and Loretta changed it,” Paula shares. “She wouldn’t leave. I had to change my dance and figure out how to work with it, and it took on this whole other layer. I’m forever grateful.”
Faith When It Feels Like Night
The film leans on the biblical verse: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Paula says that reminder is something she’s lived.
“When you’re feeling so anxious, and you look out in the distance and see nothing there… that’s when you have to trust God’s timing.”
Divine Timing Behind the Scenes
Paula didn’t just star in the film—she produced it through her company, Third Eye Productions. And the way the opportunity came to her? Nothing short of divine.
“I said, ‘Just for one week, believe everything’s going to be perfect,’” she recalls. “That same day, my friend Charles called and said, ‘I have a film for you. It’s called Finding Faith.’ I thought I was going to throw the phone down.”
What’s Next for Paula Patton?
When asked about a dream role, Paula didn’t name a genre or a character. Her focus now is on legacy—and light.
“I want to make sure I keep making art that entertains people, but also has hope… That it has a bright light at the end to get us through this journey here on Earth.”
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