Actress Thandiwe Newton is using her actual name moving forward after nearly 30 years in Hollywood.
The British star has been credited as “Thandie” since her first role. The correct spelling of her name will be used for future roles, according to People.
Her name means “beloved” in Zulu, a Bantu language of the Zulu people.
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“That’s my name. It’s always been my name. I’m taking back what’s mine,” Newton told British Vogue.
Newton also discussed opening up about being a victim of sexual misconduct in 2016, a year before the #MeToo movement and the backlash she faced.
She said she fired her publicist, who told her that her talking about abuse was “not good for your reputation.”
Sincerest apologies from me, for error in @BritishVogue My name ‘Thandiwe’ is Zulu, my Mother’s tribe is Shona. That’s what happens when you’re separated from your identity for so long, that you forget who you are #ZimbabweanLivesMatter🇿🇼
— Thandiwe Newton OBE (@ThandiweNewton) April 5, 2021
Editor’s Note: The article has been updated to reflect the proper origins of Newton’s name.
