Latino actor in "John Wick" says he can't get too tan to get a chance to act

John Leguizamo is a Hollywood Latino actor who has appeared in movies and TV series such as "John Wick", "Ghetto Row" and "Bloodline". He knows what difficulties or challenges a Latino actor will encounter in the white-dominated Hollywood.

In a recent interview with the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Leguizamo talked about the impact of skin color on the work of Latino actors. He said that Latino actors with lighter skin are more popular in Hollywood.

Leguizamo said: "I stay out of the sun so I can get work." He explained why: "I haven't been in the sun for many years, and I do it on purpose. Because of this, I can get work. Many successful Latino actors now are light-skinned. As for those African-Latinos or other native Latinos? They don't get opportunities. There are still many problems in Hollywood right now. We must solve them and we must speak out bravely."

Leguizamo also admitted that the situation has changed now: "We are not only invisible, but when we are seen by the audience, we are often portrayed in a negative way. But the situation is getting better. I think the epidemic has made us in the United States seriously examine ourselves. The Black Lives Matter Movement is a wake-up call for the United States, which has made Americans deeply reflect on themselves. I think everyone is trying to do the right thing and trying to hire more people of color. What I want to see is that there should be at least 20% Latinos in front of and behind the scenes. I don’t ask for more additional numbers, I just want what we deserve.”

Leguizamo also revealed that he intends to run for president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in order to better promote reforms throughout the industry.