For the uninitiated, it's crucial to understand the nuanced difference between typecasting and stereotyping within the world of cinema. Typecasting refers to the repetitive casting of actors in specific roles based on their appearance, background, or previous roles, rather than on their potential range or talent. A prime example would be Danny Trejo, who, despite his expansive abilities as an actor, has often been typecast as the "tough guy" or villain due to his rugged appearance and previous roles.
On the other hand, stereotyping in films revolves around reducing an actor or a character to a set of generalized traits attributed to their ethnic, cultural, or social group. Rosario Dawson, a talented Latina actress, has spoken out about how Latinas are frequently stereotyped in films as the "spicy" or "fiery" character, limiting the depth and complexity with which their characters are portrayed. Both of these practices, though distinct, converge to limit the opportunities and narratives of Latine actors and actresses in Hollywood.