Pay disparity and sexism have long been a topic of discussion in Hollywood. And the Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock also joined the conversation during a 2015 interview with Variety. Known for starring in several acclaimed movies like Gravity and The Blind Side, Bullock started her acting career with a minor role in the 1987 film Hangmen.
The actress has also shared that her mother has had a huge impact on her life and acting career, as she always encouraged her about what she wanted to do and told her that she could do whatever a man could do. However, soon, she witnessed how that might not be the case in her field of work.
Sandra Bullock Believed Her Mother
Sandra Bullock’s mother, Helga Mathilde, was a German opera singer who had a significant impact on her life, and the actress has talked about her on several occasions. During her interview with Variety, Bullock stated one of the things her mother always told her growing up.
“Women can do everything men can do,” she shared her mother’s words. The actress said that her mother would tell her that a woman can pave her own path if willing to, and the Speed actress felt the same and believed that others also share the same opinion.
“And I didn’t think others thought any differently. I always thought we are all equal, and we are,” she said. The actress shared that she believed her mother’s words and still does. However, she started doubting it after her personal experiences seemed to contradict her mother’s empowering message.
Sandra Bullock On Experiencing Sexism in Hollywood
During her interview with Variety, Sandra Bullock shared that although she still believes that everyone is equal, the bubble she grew up in burst after she experienced sexism while working on a movie. Talking about a movie she did years ago, she said,
“I found myself yelling and being angry. And I was like, ‘What is happening to me?’ I was literally fearful. And I realized, it’s because I’m female. It dawned on me.”
She shared that it was the first time she felt something like that while working and described it as “the worst experience I ever had.” Bullock shared that it made her feel so naïve because she thought everyone shared the same beliefs as her.
The Proposal star that she had several other similar experiences but none of them were as “blatant” as that one. She also claimed that the experience was an “eye-opener” for her as she was finally able to see the difference after working for so long. However, the Gun Shy actress also stated that she hopes that when she tells her children the same, there will be a world with a level playing field.
Source: Variety
