I think being biracial is a different experience. I think that, and coming from the U.K., I feel as much white as I do black. And so it’s really important for me to address these issues of identity in my work. But also, you know, we’re always stronger when we work on, you know, what we have in common. And I love exploring that in my work. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
I never wanted to be like anyone growing up. It’s always been about the enjoyment, and I’ve just never wanted to imitate anyone. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
Watching and learning from the great Josette Bushell-Mingo, who was playing Cleopatra in Antony and Cleopatra at the time, and then to return to the same stage six months later playing a lead role, was incredible – I fell in love with the poetry and the breadth of the language so much that I didn’t want it to end. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
You’ve got to find a way to relate to people. I just did an improvised episode for Joe Swanberg’s new Netflix show, ‘Easy,’ and it was a huge learning curve for me and taught me so much about fear and courage. But when you’re present in the moment, the audience, it’s incomparable. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
I definitely grew up to Nina Simone and a lot of Ella Fitzgerald. And I loved Amy Winehouse. I loved that sort of soulful singer. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
That’s the wonderful thing about acting – you play a role. It’s about humanity, rather than labeling. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
It’s odd doing a movie, and then a year and half later having to go to a premiere and talk about what you did, and get dressed up and have your picture taken. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
One of my favourite places is Hampstead Heath. When I first moved to London, I lived in Highgate, and I would walk on the Heath at the weekends and go to the Kenwood House coffee shop. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
For film, I think because it’s more detailed, and especially with historical material, you really have to find the right projects. Speaking as a mixed-race woman, there aren’t many historical stories about people like me. When people think of ‘dual heritage,’ they think it’s a modern concept, but really it’s not. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
I enjoy classics, but classics are classics for a reason. I prefer to focus on the future. There are a lot of new stories to be heard. Gugu Mbatha-Raw Read Quote
