Emmy-winning actress, Thandie Newton is reclaiming her name, Thandiwe. The Westworld star spoke with British Vogue to discuss the many components of who she is, including why changing her name puts her back in control.
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Born Melanie Thandiwe Newton, the Crash actress revealed her name was first misspelled in the credits of her first film in 1991, Flirting. Via Twitter, she revealed, "the director of my first film asked to use my actual name for the character - because it was authentic and beautiful. I felt flattered and agreed. And then in the credits they used my ‘nickname’ to differentiate from the character name. They stole my name. And I’m taking it back." Newton didn't reveal why she didn't correct the misspelling sooner, but all that matters is that she will now go by Thandiwe Newton. She expressed, "that’s my name. It’s always been my name. I’m taking back what’s mine," in the interview.
She also expressed, "the thing I’m most grateful for in our business right now is being in the company of others who truly see me." Also, Newton feels "more connected" to herself than in years prior. She no longer requires the escapism acting brings. Furthermore, she will be credited as Thandiwe Newton in all her future films. Thandiwe (pronounced tan-DEE-way) means "beloved" in her mother's native language. Read the full interview here.
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