Jennifer Lopez has always been more than just a performer. For decades, she has used her immense talent and star power not only to captivate audiences but also to break boundaries and challenge the status quo. Whether she’s playing the resilient single mother in her new film Unstoppable or taking on the complex role of Aurora in the upcoming Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez’s career is a testament to her dedication to pushing for greater representation and diversity in Hollywood.
In a recent interview on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career as a Latina actress in a predominantly white industry, revealing her struggles with limited roles that often leaned heavily into stereotypes. “I heard someone say that positive change is slow — and it is — but as long as we’re moving in the right direction, that’s what matters,” Lopez shared. “When I started, there weren’t a lot of roles for Latinas. I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes. I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I just play a romantic lead? Why can’t I be the girl next door?’ That belief—that conviction that I belonged—was what helped me break those molds.”
Her tenacity and belief in herself became the driving force that helped pave the way for other Latinas to see themselves in roles beyond the confines of the industry’s narrow perceptions. Unstoppable, her latest project, tells the real-life story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who defied all odds to become a champion. Directed by Billy Goldenberg and co-starring Jharrel Jerome, Lopez plays Judy Robles, a mother who sacrifices everything to support her son.
In discussing her role, Lopez explained, “It’s not often that you have a movie like this. I identified with her. I understood the upbringing they had, the struggles, the relationships, and the sacrifices Judy made for her son. She realized, early on, that if she didn’t accept her child, how would he ever accept himself? That moment of love and growth — it’s universal.” The film, Lopez emphasized, isn’t just a Latino story—it’s an American one that focuses on family, resilience, and the triumph of love over adversity.
Lopez’s admiration for Anthony and his mother is palpable. “Anthony’s energy is contagious,” she says. “He’s so positive and full of life despite everything he’s faced. Being around him is a blessing.” For Lopez, Unstoppable is a powerful reminder of how art can bring people together. “This is an American story. It’s about family, resilience, and the idea that no matter what you’re up against, you can overcome it. Those are themes everyone can relate to.”
Lopez’s own journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most influential figures wasn’t without its obstacles. Raised in the Bronx by Puerto Rican parents, Lopez often felt like an outsider in the rooms she found herself in. “Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you come from neighborhoods like I did,” she admits. “But I’ve learned that it’s about what you tell yourself. You have to redirect that inner voice. Whenever the doubts creep in — ‘I don’t belong here, I’m not good enough’ — you need to replace them with, ‘No, I’ve worked hard. I do belong here.’ It’s a mindset that transforms everything.”
This resilience has become the cornerstone of her career and public persona, and Lopez emphasizes the importance of using art as a tool to unite people, especially in times of social and political unrest. “It’s more important than ever that we put love, positivity, and unity out into the world,” she says. “This is when the artists go to work; when we use our voices and platforms to bring people together. It’s easy to get discouraged, but I remind myself every day to focus on the good — to tell stories that inspire and uplift. That’s what Unstoppable is all about.”
Lopez’s next major project is the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon. In this role, Lopez will play the glamorous Aurora, as well as the Spider Woman and her alter-ego. The role is one of the most complex of Lopez’s career, and she calls it “the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had.” “It’s about love, acceptance, and finding beauty in the darkness,” she reflects, highlighting how relevant these themes are today.
The process of working with composer John Kander, who co-wrote the musical’s iconic score, was especially moving for Lopez. “John Kander was in the studio with me when I recorded my songs,” she recalls. “He’s 97 years old and still so full of life. Hearing him say, ‘I’ve never heard this song sung better’ — it was one of the best moments of my career.”
As she looks back on her journey, from her breakout role in Selena to her rise as a romantic comedy star and now as a producer and advocate for diversity, Lopez’s career is defined by her commitment to storytelling. “I do it for the love of the art,” she says. “It’s not about the awards or the accolades. It’s about telling stories that matter — stories that make people feel seen, stories that inspire. That’s what keeps me going.”
Through her work, Lopez continues to break down barriers and prove that representation matters. She’s more than just a Latina icon—she’s a beacon of empowerment for all who feel underrepresented or overlooked. In Unstoppable, and in everything she does, Lopez is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the belief that we all deserve to see ourselves reflected in the stories we tell.
