Many African-American actresses in Hollywood have spoken out about the entertainment industry's discrimination against women with darker skin, the lack of roles for black women in general, the hotly debated controversy over skin lightening and the standards of beauty that impact women and girls of all ages. These women of color have encountered clear prejudice both personally and professionally, but those with darker skin aren't the only ones facing discrimination -- especially in the high-profile movie business.
In the new documentary "Light Girls," light-skinned African-American women open up about their experiences with colorism, the discrimination against those with darker skin, often from those of the same race. (Iyanla Vanzant explains the roots of colorism here.) "Light Girls" is the sequel to the "Dark Girls" documentary that premiered on OWN in 2013.
The stories in "Light Girls" expose both the advantages and disadvantages these women face every day, to which no one -- not even the most successful among them -- is immune.
"I see a lot of lighter women deal with colorism, especially in our industry," says Hollywood writer, producer and industry veteran Chris Spencer. "They'll have an audition and then they don't get the part. A lot of time -- whether it is [true] or not, I'm not sure -- they'll say... 'I didn't get it because they wanted to go with someone who looked blacker.'"
Looking darker or lighter is something that many actresses worry about, even when they've gotten the job. Raven-Symoné, a light-skinned actress who starred in "That's So Raven," specifically recalls trying to appear darker during her series.
"When I had my own show, I used to tan three or four times a week in a tanning bed to get darker," she says. "I did."
Raven's skin tone ended up changing enough that it actually began having an impact on the show's production.
"It's funny, one of the lighting guys came up -- I love him to death; I love him, oh my goodness -- he goes, 'Raven, I need you to stop tanning. You're getting too dark, and we have to re-light the whole entire show,'" Raven recalls. "I was like, 'Sorry. I was just trying to be pretty.'"
As a producer, Ralph Farquhar admits that colorism is indeed a reality when it comes to casting for certain roles in primetime television.
"A lot of times, we might be in situations where we want to make sure we cast a dark-skinned girl. So, we're passing up the light-skinned sisters because, you know, we don't want to be accused of doing that," Farquhar explains. "You might have a very talented actress who's being overlooked because of her complexion."
Actress Erica Hubbard knows firsthand what it's like to have complexion play such a big part in landing a role.
"I remember going in for this one production. It was 'Akeelah and the Bee.' I wanted to play the daughter to Angela Bassett and the sister to Keke Palmer," Hubbard says. "So, I was looking at their complexion because all this time, people -- my agents, my managers, people in the industry – [would say], 'Oh, you're light-skinned.'... That's just in your head when you're auditioning. It shouldn't be."
Hubbard was so concerned about having the right color skin for the part that she, like Raven, turned to tanning.
"It was such a focus for me that I tanned myself," she says.
"Light Girls" airs Monday, Jan. 19, at 9 p.m. ET on OWN.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.