Natasha Rothwell is a powerhouse in the world of comedy, acting, and writing. Best known for her breakout role as Kelli in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Insecure,” Rothwell has consistently showcased her unique ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary. Having earned a sterling reputation in Hollywood, she is now making waves with her latest projects, including her starring role in Hulu’s “How to Die Alone.”
Not only is she a talented actress, but Natasha Rothwell is also a fearless advocate for authenticity and representation in media. In a recent cover article with Hello Beautiful, she candidly shares her thoughts on success, self-acceptance, and the importance of storytelling.
In her interview with Hello Beautiful, Rothwell discussed various aspects of her life and career. When asked about what drives her passion for acting, she replied, I would always do little plays,” she says. “But I also grew up with a super strict family, so the characters I played let me be and do and say those things that I wasn’t allowed to do at home.” This sentiment resonates with many of her fans who appreciate her ability to bring complex, relatable characters to life.
Another insightful question posed to Rothwell was about her journey in the entertainment industry. She responded, “..for a long time, I was this needless wonder and who really didn’t express myself authentically for fear of rejection …. I valued other people’s opinions, preferences, and comfort and needs over mine. So yeah, I was not always this open. I consider authenticity a practice. And some days, I’m really good at it, and some days I’m not, but I am committed to doing the work.” Her journey serves as an inspiration, particularly to aspiring actors and writers who may feel discouraged by the challenges within the industry.
Transitioning to her role in “How to Die Alone,” Rothwell elaborated on the show’s premise. “It’s a dark comedy about love, loss, and the messiness of life,” she explained. “It was very deliberate choice to allow the character to experience the full spectrum of emotion,” says Rothwell. “And not just be funny and flat or a caricature. I wanted to write a fully fleshed-out, real, 10-toes-down character. And when I put pen to paper, I was honestly writing my dream role.”
Rothwell also touched on the portrayal of mental health in “How to Die Alone.” “I take my mental health very seriously. I have social anxiety. And I’m a little neurospicy. And so even as an adult, learning about myself and understanding myself as an adult with ADHD was a huge revelation. And that knowledge is not only power, but it allowed me to give myself grace in how I show up in the world and not apologize for it.”,” she remarked. This approach has garnered praise from fans who find comfort in seeing their struggles depicted on screen.
The discussion shifted to plus size representation in Hollywood, a topic Rothwell is very passionate about. “There was a time in my life that I had really bad cramping in my [shoulders] because I would fold myself on subway. Because I didn’t want to take up space. I felt like I was an inconvenience. The consequence of not allowing yourself to take up space is physical. It’s actual physical pain.” Her dedication to making the industry more inclusive is evident, and it’s something many in the audience share. She admits it took time to audition fuller versions of herself over the years and feel like, “No, this is my body. It takes up space. I’m not going to apologize for it.”
When asked how she feels about the success of “How to Die Alone“, Rothwell reflected deeply. “It just feels surreal,” she says of the show’s warm reception from audiences and critics alike. “You make something. You do it for yourself. You hope people like it, and the response has been just overwhelmingly positive and it’s just… “. With her humor and dedication to authenticity, Rothwell continues to inspire not just through her screen presence, but through her words and actions off-screen as well.
As Natasha Rothwell continues to carve her own path in Hollywood, her contributions are vital in shaping the future of diverse storytelling. With her roles that combine comedy and drama, she leaves audiences feeling both entertained and understood. The journey ahead for Rothwell seems bright and filled with endless opportunities, and fans are excited to see where her talents will take her next.
In conclusion, Natasha Rothwell’s interview with Hello Beautiful reveals her unwavering commitment to authenticity and representation in the entertainment industry. Whether through her work on “How to Die Alone” or her efforts to elevate diverse voices in storytelling, Rothwell is a true trailblazer. To read more about her insights, be sure to check out the entire article in Hello Beautiful.
Have you checked Natasha Rothwell out in Hulu‘s latest series “How to Die Alone” ? Let us know in the comments!
