Listing some of the many perils of womanhood in a still patriarchal society, the monologue that the actress America Ferrera delivers in “Barbie” with the intensity of a rallying cry, became one of the most talked-about movie moments of 2023.
During an interview at a Beverly Hills hotel restaurant, Ferrera, who is originally from Los Angeles but based in New York, discussed the overwhelming response to the film. Relaxed in a cozy beige sweater, Ferrera, 39, was recalling a prerelease press stop in Mexico City where 20,000 frenzied people welcomed the filmmaker Greta Gerwig and the cast of her pink-soaked comedy.
Ferrera plays Gloria, mother and Mattel employee whose self-doubt and unfulfilled aspirations in the real world prompt an existential crisis in Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) in Barbie Land. Though Gloria might be considered a supporting player in “Barbie,” Ferrera knows that it’s her flawed character who sets the adventure in motion.
The performer, who broke through in “Real Women Have Curves” (2002) and went on to win an Emmy for her turn as the title character in “Ugly Betty” (2006-10), deeply admires how Gerwig dared to infuse a seemingly vacuous concept with plenty of meaning.
Here are edited excerpts from our conversation:
Has the massive success of “Barbie” come as a surprise to you?
Why did you never play with Barbies as a child?
Since you didn’t have a personal attachment to Barbie, how did you find your way into the character of Gloria and this world?
What did you think the first time you saw Gloria’s now incredibly popular speech?
Did the speech change at all?
What are your thoughts on the discourse that some people believe Gloria’s speech oversimplifies feminism?
Gloria’s story is deeply intertwined with that of Barbie. How do think the two help each other overcome their struggles?
What was your reaction when you first saw the doll made in your image for the Barbie collection inspired by the movie?
Do you feel like your career has always been marked by firsts, like being the first Latina to win a lead acting Emmy?
Have things improved for Latinas in Hollywood since “Real Women Have Curves”?