America Shares Her Story!

America Ferrera Opens Up About Being Told To "Sound More Latina" At Her First Audition

Actress America Ferrera is opening up about her first audition, and how awkward she felt at just 16 years old when she was told something that left her shocked and confused! Ferrera shared her story during a pre-recorded Primetime Emmy segment.

In a pre-recorded Emmy Award segment, America Ferrera opened up about an experience she had during one of her first auditions. The actress reveals the shocking statement that left her confused.

Ferrera recalls the moment to the audience and remembers how upset it made her feel. Now, the actress is revealing how she's overcome discrimination in Hollywood!

America Ferrera reveals her first audition experience

During a segment for the 72nd annual Emmy Awards, America Ferrera is revealing the moment during her first audition that left her stunned and confused!

During the audition, which Ferrera said was her first at just 16 years old, she was told to "sound more Latina."

"I was this little, brown, chubby, valley girl, who spoke like a valley girl," Ferrera said. "I walked in, did my audition [and] the casting director looked at me and she was like, 'That's great. Can you do that again, but this time sound more Latina?'"

Obviously confused by this statement, Ferrera asked the casting director if they wanted her to be speaking Spanish.

"She was like, 'No no no ... do it in English, but just, you know, sound more Latina,'" Ferrera recalled.

Ferrera said she was quick to quip back, "I am Latina and this is what I sound like."

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The casting director then thanked her but said that was all.

When Ferrera went home, she told her family members what happened, and while they were shocked they also weren't surprised.

"'They wanted you to speak in broken English. They wanted you to sound like a Chola,'" Ferrera said her family explained to her. "'What did you think was going to happen? They were going to have you starring in the next role meant for Julia Roberts?' And I was like, 'Yeah.' That is what I thought," Ferrera added.

Ferrera then said it was this moment that inspired her to make movies and TV for others like her, saying, "That realization for me has fueled me to create more opportunity for little brown girls to fulfill their talent and their dream."

Ferrera has gone on to land a number of beloved TV and film roles. The star won an Emmy in 2007 for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Ugly Betty.