Natasha Rothwell’s characters in “The White Lotus, Insecure” and How to Die Alone” all have one thing in common - the desire to be seen.
Because I just wanna be seen,” Rothwell told CNN in a recent interview. grew up in this body, a plus-size Black woman, and I didn’t see myself represented in a lot of film and television. And what’s interesting is that as much as I want to be seen, it’s a very scary to be seen.”
Likely too late now, as viewers have fallen in love with Rothwell’s talent.
Playing scene-stealing bff Kelly in “Insecure” made Rothwell famous, but her career really took off after she portrayed spa manager Belinda in the hit dark comedy series, “The White Lotus.
She has used her increased currency in Hollywood for her latest project, Hulu’s “How to Die Alonewhich she created and stars in. Rothwell plays Melissa, an airport employee who just can’t seem to catch a break and decides to completely change her life after narrowly averting a tragedy.
It took seven years for her to bring the comedy to fruition. Rothwell said the character represents “the version of me that I didn’t really give grace to
A person who, in spite of all of her best efforts, still felt like she was not enough,” she said. “So in writing her and in wearing her as a character, it is an opportunity for me to have grace with myself and hopefully encourage others to view themselves the same way.”
Creating such a deeply personal character has been meaningful to Rothwell.
“It’s reminiscent almost because it was just like every aspect of her that is questionable or, not thinking clearly or impulsive, those are all things that are very familiar to me,” she said. “To be able to express that time in my life, when I was confused and lost in a way, that will inspire hope has been really beautiful and healing really.”
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