Rachel Zegler Embraces Criticism with Grace: ‘It Rolls Right Off My Back’

Rachel Zegler reflects on handling controversies with resilience in Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year issue, revealing how she navigates public scrutiny with poise.

Facing the Spotlight

At just 24 years old, Rachel Zegler has already weathered her share of public controversies. The actress candidly discussed her evolving response to criticism in a recent interview for Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year issue, released on October 27.

“Honestly, I’m a duck. It rolls right off my back these days.”

Zegler, known for her role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, aims to clear up a common misconception about those in the public eye.

“We just need to normalize our hearts’ not having boundaries…there’s this idea that we as public figures can’t have thoughts or feelings because we are like paper dolls to a majority of the public.”

Passion for the Craft

Despite online critique, Zegler stays grounded through her dedication to her craft.

“My love for the work.”

Reflecting on ‘Snow White’

The live-action Snow White remake, in particular, brought unique challenges for Zegler. She faced racist backlash over her casting and rumors of tension with costar Gal Gadot. Yet, she remains proud of her commitment to the role.

“I am the one who showed up and did my work every day. Nobody can ever take that away from me. I made lifelong friends on that job…That kind of family doesn’t get dissipated by online discourse.”

Words of Wisdom from Helen Mirren

During the interview, Zegler discussed the invaluable advice she received from Helen Mirren, her Shazam! Fury of the Gods costar. Mirren commended the young actress for her courage and resilience.

“All the s— you had to deal with…you handled with such courage, grace and fortitude.”

Helen Mirren

Reflecting on past experiences, Zegler expressed gratitude for the lessons learned and the affirmation that her work has been celebrated.

“Every experience I’ve had so far has been such a wonderful lesson learned. I loved working on [Snow White], and I love that film…sometimes negativity [is] louder than positivity.”

Zegler’s portrayal of Eva Perón in the London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita also marked a personal milestone.

“The beautiful thing about starring in the rock opera…is that I never thought I would be a part of something so celebrated.”

Responding to Backlash

Since her casting in Snow White in 2021, Zegler, of Colombian and Polish descent, has been targeted by racist backlash. She has also been vocal about the necessity of updating the 1937 classic.

“The new movie would modernize 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves…the original animated film was ‘dated.’”

Speculation of a rift with Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen, further fueled media interest. However, Zegler remains focused on her work and the positive relationships she has formed.

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.