British actor Dev Patel is frustrated with the lack of opportunities he and other Asian actors have in Hollywood. Even after “Slumdog Millionaire” won eight Oscars, followed by a starring turn in “The Last Airbender” for Patel (previously only known for his role on the original British TV series “Skins”), he remains currently unemployed, reports hollywoodnews dotcom..
“All I was getting offered were stereotypical parts like the goofy Indian sidekick,” he told The Telegraph.
“Asian actors tend not to be sent Hollywood scripts that are substantial or challenging. I'm likely to be offered the roles of a terrorist, cab driver, and smart geek…I want to show that I have versatility.”
But Patel, who is dating “Slumdog” co-star Freida Pinto (who recently booked a role in Woody Allen's newest film), has hope for improvement in the future. “Being an Asian actor, it's never going to be easy. Hopefully the industry is changing and the casting directors will be less focused on color so that people like myself can get through the door…the fact that me and Freida have any kind of platform in Hollywood is a big step forward.”
Patel's criticisms of the industry somewhat ironically follow criticisms of the public at large on racist casting in “The Last Airbender.”
