Jennifer Lopez reveals Hollywood's Latina stereotypes made her feel 'not good enough' early in her career

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Lopez recently opened up about how she felt "not good enough" due to Latina stereotypes and overcame any doubts about her abilities while speaking candidly about her early years in Hollywood.

In an open discussion on Variety's 'Awards Circuit' podcast, Lopez addressed her multi-decade career, the difficulties she faced as a Latina actress in Hollywood, and her faith in the ability of art to inspire and bring people together.

Jennifer Lopez addresses combating Latina stereotypes in Hollywood

The singer-actor, who has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, addressed the difficulties she encountered as a Latina actress. 

Speaking on Variety's Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez discussed her early days in the film industry and how Hollywood is slowly but steadily changing in terms of diversity and stereotypes. 

"There’s so many different people living their stories [in America]," Lopez, 55, stated during the podcast on Thursday, November 28, reported Us Weekly. 

"That was always my goal as an actor, as a producer, was to kind of break the mold of just playing the Latina, playing just the maid or just the housekeeper or just the person who worked in the store. Whatever it was, those kind of stereotypes, and break the stereotypes. But also to be the people starring in the film," she continued.

Lopez asserted that when she started, "There weren’t a lot of roles for Latinas. I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes."

"I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I just play a romantic lead? Why can’t I be the girl next door?’ That belief—that conviction that I belonged — was what helped me break those molds," the 'Unstoppable' actress added.

Lopez, who was raised in the Bronx by Puerto Rican parents, recalled feeling out of place in certain situations and finding it difficult to blend in. She faced difficulties along the way to becoming one of Hollywood's most famous faces. 

The actress added that her path wasn't entirely smooth. She began her career with parts in popular films like 'Anaconda' before establishing herself in romantic comedies.

"Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you come from neighborhoods like I did. But I’ve learned that it’s about what you tell yourself. You have to redirect that inner voice," she admitted.

The 'Atlas' actress added, "Whenever the doubts creep in — ‘I don’t belong here, I’m not good enough’ — you need to replace them with, ‘No, I’ve worked hard. I do belong here.’ It’s a mindset that transforms everything."

"And it’s hard because you have a lot of people telling you you’re not all the time, especially if you choose a career like this, where a lot of this is subjective," Lopez said.

Jennifer Lopez set to appear in biographical sports drama film 'Unstoppable' 

Every project is a chance for Jennifer Lopez to push boundaries, not only for herself but also for an industry that is still adjusting to the realities of representation.

Lopez's career is booming as she continues to define herself in the industry, whether it's playing a struggling single mother in the new movie 'Unstoppable' or stepping into the complex role of Aurora in the upcoming musical 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'.

The actor's upcoming project is 'Unstoppable', a biographical sports drama where she will portray Judy Robles, NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles' mother.

The film, directed by Billy Goldenberg and co-starred Jharrel Jerome, is as much about Robles' journey as it is about his mother Judy who put up a valiant fight to help him.

Lopez told Variety, "It’s not often that you have a movie like this. I identified with her. I understood the upbringing they had, the struggles, the relationships, and the sacrifices Judy made for her son."

"She realized, early on, that if she didn’t accept her child, how would he ever accept himself? That moment of love and growth — it’s universal."

Lopez maintained that 'Unstoppable' is unique because it is ubiquitous. "This is an American story. It’s about family, resilience, and the idea that no matter what you’re up against, you can overcome it. Those are themes everyone can relate to," she said.