Movies

Adjoa Andoh, Lady Danbury on ‘Bridgerton,’ says series still fails to light Black skin properly

BBG News

As a fan and an ally, I’m deeply saddened and frustrated to read about Adjoa Andoh’s experiences with inadequate lighting and racial bias on “Bridgerton.” Her insights as Lady Danbury, one of the most influential characters in the show, add depth and richness to the story. However, it’s disheartening that she doesn’t feel empowered or valued beyond her role due to these ongoing issues.

Adjoa Andoh, the actress portraying Lady Danbury in “Bridgerton” on Netflix, has expressed her concern that the show doesn’t adequately capture the depth and complexity of Black skin tones in its Regency-era setting, despite its richly diverse cast.

In a recent podcast, I shared my thoughts on the persistent discussion surrounding the representation of Black skin in the media. Regardless of the show, it seems nothing has shifted from the status quo.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put it this way: I, just like Andoh who graced the screens in “Invictus” and “Fractured,” shared my feelings of disappointment during the recent installment of “Stirring It Up.” Despite portraying one of the most brilliant and impactful female characters on “Bridgerton,” Andoh confessed that she hasn’t experienced a sense of empowerment in her professional journey.

She shared that she’s confident enough to express her thoughts now, yet acknowledged the heavy responsibility Black actors carry when asking for fair treatment. This task can be draining, she added, in contrast to the experience of their non-Black colleagues.

She mused, “I guess I’ll have the ability to ask, ‘Am I blonde?’ now. But deep down, a part of me resists and thinks, ‘I don’t want to cause a stir. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.'”

“In the popular shows ‘Bridgerton’ and its offshoot, ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,’ there is an inclusive cast with actors of various ethnicities. Notable characters include Danbury, a strong widow despite her youthful arranged marriage, played by Adjoa Andoh; Golda Rosheuvel, who is of mixed race, portrays the powerful queen. Two significant Black actors are Regé-Jean Page as the Duke of Hastings and Victor Alli as the Bridgerton family’s butler. In season two, the eldest Bridgerton son weds a woman of Indian descent. However, Andoh, who plays Danbury, still needs to request appropriate lighting for her skin tone – an essential factor in character representation.”

The “Invictus” actress expressed that paying attention to minor details is important for her, explaining, “I’m here to perform my duties. I want to get into my role as Lady Danbury and fully immerse myself in it, instead of being preoccupied with lighting adjustments.”

“When someone labels us as ‘chippy’ or ‘militant,’ I prefer to respond, ‘I’m just an individual expressing myself, using the talents I’ve been given. I want to do so freely, just like I observe others doing.'”

Andoh also said facing racial bias in the industry can take a mental toll and cause self-doubt.

“She pondered over the constant inner struggle, questioning if her race was a factor in getting or not getting the job. ‘I’d rather focus on my abilities,’ she mused, ‘either I deserve the position because I’m excellent, or I don’t get it due to circumstances beyond my control.'”

A representative for Andoh did not respond immediately to The Times’ request for further comment.

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2024-07-26 14:20

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