TL;DR
- Laverne Cox discusses her brother’s role in OITNB.
- M Lamar played her character pre-transition.
- He had regrets about the portrayal.
- Their relationship is now stronger than ever.
- Cox promotes her new memoir, Transcendent.
In a heartfelt revelation, Laverne Cox recently opened up about her twin brother, M Lamar, and the complexities surrounding his portrayal of her character before her transition in the hit series Orange Is the New Black. During an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, Cox discussed the emotional weight of the role and how it impacted their sibling relationship.
Cox, who made history as the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy, shared that the producers initially intended to cast another actor for the pre-transition scenes of Sophia Burset, her character. But in a twist of fate, she asked her brother if he would consider taking on the role. “[I] asked my brother if he’d be open to it. And he said, ‘How much does it pay?'” she recalled, adding that he eventually auditioned and landed the part due to their striking resemblance.
However, the experience was not without its challenges. Cox revealed that M Lamar had some reservations about the role. “He booked it and did it and he had regrets about it for a while because he has his own work and his own life and he wants to be defined by his work and not mine,” she explained. This sentiment resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, where the intersection of identity and representation can often lead to complicated family dynamics.
Despite the initial discomfort, Cox emphasized that their relationship has evolved. “Our relationship is healthier than it’s ever been,” she stated, highlighting the growth they have both experienced since those early days on set. This candid discussion comes as she promotes her new memoir, Transcendent, which dives into her journey as a transgender woman and the challenges she has faced in the entertainment industry.
As Cox continues to break barriers and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and supporting one another, especially within our own families. The complexities of identity and representation are not just personal; they resonate with many who navigate similar paths.
In a world where visibility is crucial, Laverne Cox and M Lamar’s story is a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and the ongoing journey toward self-definition. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo as they continue to inspire and uplift the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.