Rebecca Romijn Reflects on Playing a Trans Character on "Ugly Betty"

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Rebecca Romijn on Playing Trans on "Ugly Betty"
by Lester Fabian Brathwaite
July 5, 2023


Trans representation on television has come a long way since Rebecca Romijn played Alexis Meade, the scheming sister of Mode magazine Editor in Chief Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius) who faked her own death to undergo gender confirmation surgery on "Ugly Betty".

In an interview with The Independent, Romijn said she "really wanted to do that character justice" and "make her as hot as possible." And while she would love to reprise the role, she believes a trans actress should get the opportunity, if it arises.




According to the actress, ABC execs weren't too keen on the Alexis character, that is, until Romijn was attached to the part.

"The executives at the time didn't love the idea of the character," Romijn said. "There was a real boys' club running the show behind the scenes at that point. So to try and make it palatable to the boys' club...they pitched me. And I jumped at the chance."




While Romijn conceded that she "never would be cast in that role today" she said she feels Alexis Meade did "open doors for the trans community."

"I'd like to think that, anyway," she added. "I don't want to pat myself on the back too much."

https://ew.com/tv/rebecca-romijn-pla...er-ugly-betty/