Rachel Zegler attributes the encouragement she received from Ariana Grande and other influential women in Hollywood as pivotal in her preparations for the theatrical release of "Snow White." In a cover story for Allure magazine, published online on March 18th, the 23-year-old actress revealed that Grande, 31, was among those who had reached out to lend her support in recent times. Zegler shared, "Out of the blue, she messaged me saying, 'If you need anything, I am here.' She possesses an incredible kindness. Having been through so much in the public eye, I have always deeply admired her bravery."
Beyond Grande, who has garnered significant attention for her role as Glinda in "Wicked," Zegler also expressed gratitude towards Jameela Jamil of "The Good Place," describing her as "like a big sister." Jamil provided comfort as Zegler navigated her Hollywood experiences and faced racist backlash from fans after Disney cast her, a Latina, in the titular role of the beloved fairy tale.
Zegler further mentioned Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, her costars in the 2023 film "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," stating, "They have been my rock throughout this journey, offering me a sense of security and support."
Sharing the screen with Gal Gadot in Disney's live-action adaptation of the 1937 animated classic, Zegler spoke out against the notion that women in Hollywood and entertainment should view each other as competition. "All I've ever truly sought in this industry is a sisterly bond, which isn't always easy to find," she said. "We're often led to believe that other women are our rivals, but I refuse to accept that mindset."
The actress emphasized the importance of supporting one's friends and colleagues, regardless of closeness. "When intimidation or competition arises, just put on 'Girl, so confusing' by Charli XCX and hash it out," she advised. "Over the past few years, I've come to realize that there's ample room for us all in this industry, contrary to what some may suggest."
The film "Snow White" also features Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Patrick Page, Andrew Barth Feldman, Tituss Burgess, Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, George Salazar, Jeremy Swift, and Andy Grotelueschen. It hits theaters on March 21st.
