'Hollywood’s lack of diversity forces me to work harder'

COMEDY STAR Marlon Wayans says the lack of roles for black actors in Hollywood forces him to work harder.

The actor, producer and comedian, famed for his 2004 film White Chicks, insists he doesn’t waste time complaining about Hollywood’s ills, as he’d rather concentrate on creating roles himself.

Asked if he has found there to be truth in the often heard accusation that Hollywood doesn’t offer a level playing field for black and white talents, Wayans told The Voice: “There is a lot of truth in that, but that’s the reality of every field, so you’ve gotta expect it in Hollywood too.

“But I don’t place the blame on Hollywood,” he added. “I don’t sit there saying, ‘Hollywood doesn’t have enough roles for black actors.’ If there are no roles for black actors, write them yourself. We [black filmmakers] have to become an industry, then we can become part of the industry.”

Hailing from the film star family that also produced his siblings and fellow actors Keenan, Damon, Shawn and Kim Wayans, the 40-year-old feels it’s pointless grumbling about racial inequality in the film industry.

“Complaining isn’t gonna make Hollywood write better roles for black actors. Hollywood will keep on giving you different versions of a slave movie every 10 years and it is what it is!

“The fact that there aren’t that many roles for black actors forces me to work harder. It forces me to put the ball on my back and carry it up the hill.”

He adds: “Everything that happens is supposed to happen and we just have to go, ‘Ok, it’s time to work.’ Coz that’s one thing we [black people] do well – we work hard!”