Is there pressure in Hollywood for black actresses to relax their hair and have length, bounce and fullness?
Nia Long: No one in Hollywood directly tells you to relax your hair. Most producers and directors want to see an image that’s relatable and fits into the image of the show or movie. When I was on Big Shots, I worked in an office and my lover was white. I wouldn’t have landed that part if I had gone on the audition in a natural or dreads. It’s unfortunate, but that is the way it is. Chris, how much coaxing did you have to do get people to openly talk about their concept of ‘good hair’ or their own hair issues? Chris Rock: I gave them some red wine. [Lots of laughter] Nia Long: You didn’t give me any wine. [More laughter] Chris Rock: No, it wasn’t that hard; people like talking about themselves. Interviewing people is like going on a date, you have to assess your date; what does she do, what does she look like, what kind of questions is she going to respond to? The key to any date or interview is not to ask questions or have a conversation that the young lady is used to having. You have
