Daniel Kaluuya says he is bored of talking about race: ‘I’m not defined by it’
‘I’m just Daniel, who happens to be black,’ says actor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniel Kaluuya has said he is bored of talking about race and racial issues.
Speaking to the Radio Times, the British actor explained that he doesn’t want to be defined by his race or how it relates to his work.
“I’m not going to ignore that I’m surrounded by [racial issues], but I’m not defined by it,” the 30-year-old said.
“I’m just Daniel, who happens to be black.”
Kaluuya, who rose to fame after starring roles in award-winning films such as Get Out and Black Panther, went on to say that he doesn’t want to be pushed to become a spokesperson for black actors.
“What is there to talk about race?” he told the publication.
“It’s just boring to me. What’s the debate? I’m more of a doer. I’m just going to do what I want to do.”
Kaluuya added that he doesn’t want to become “the race guy” before pointing to his previous film and TV roles that had nothing to do with race or racial tension.
“The Fades ain’t about race, Psychoville ain’t about race, Skins ain’t about race, Chatroom ain’t about race, Johnny English Reborn ain’t about race. But that almost gets erased. There’s a narrative that is pushed,” he added.
It’s a subject Kaluuya has addressed previously. In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, the actor explained that he finds it irritating how, as a successful black actor, he is expected to represent his entire race.
“I’m not a spokesperson; I’m an individual,” he said.
“Who’s the spokesperson for white people? There isn’t one. No one’s expected to speak up for all white people. I’m just living my life. I’m a black man, I’m proud of it, but I’m just living my life."
Kaluuya went on to say that he doesn't see himself as a" victim".
"You may victimise me, but you will not make me feel like a victim," he said. "And if you think you can, then what sort of person are you?”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments