Selena Gomez forged a deeper connection with her Mexican identity by starring in 'Emilia Perez'
The 32-year-old star plays the role of Jessi Del Monte in the Spanish-language movie and explained that the part was "meaningful" as she has Mexican heritage on her father Ricardo's side of the family
18 November 2024
Selena told Entertainment Weekly of performing in Spanish: "I just wanted to know that I could do it.
"What's really difficult about my position is that I am really surrounded by predominantly white English-speaking people. So, to be a part of something like this was truly meaningful because I'm very proud of who I am.
"I may not be fluent, but that doesn't make me less proud or less Mexican in my eyes. I think it's about what my last name has always meant to me: it's my family. It's everything that's a part of me."
The former Disney star hopes that she will be able to speak Spanish in a future role as she fears her grasp of the language could diminish if she isn't talking in it regularly.
Selena said: "Everyone around us was speaking Spanish mainly, and when you're not around that, it's definitely hard to keep it going. That's the only bummer thing for me personally, but I hope it's not my last project I do in Spanish. It is something that I feel I've gotten better at.
"I can understand a whole conversation now, so be aware of what you say in front of me."
The 'Only Murders in the Building' actress continued: "I think I'll always want to do something, and this was just a taste of it. I was so excited, and the result was life-giving.
"I feel like whether it's music or if it's a part of a show or a movie, I am completely open. I would love that. The more I learn, the better it is for my soul."
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