Colours I Show

People tell me I look like a ghost when my skin is pale. When I tan, they say I look like a “gypsy.” What is wrong with you, people? Why do you need to put labels on me? Is it human nature—or just unethical human nature?

Some try to fit me into a neat box: “Oh, you must be Armenian because you were born in Armenia.” They look shocked when I tell them I have Romanian, Moldovan, Russian, Armenian, far Italian and French roots. I tell them, “Darling, you can’t put me in a box and slap a label on me.”

“Gypsy.” Do you even know what that word means? The Romani people originated in India, not Romania or Moldova. You might confuse the words Romani and Romanian, but they’re not the same. And by the way, Moldovans and Romanians trace back to a blend of Dacians and Romans from the Roman Empire, mixed with Italian and Eastern European influences. This is basic history—please educate yourselves before making assumptions.

I was born with dark blue eyes and light hair. Over time, my eyes deepened, and my hair darkened. On my mother’s side relatives have: green and blue eyes, light brown, reddish, and blonde hair. On my father’s side: blue and brown eyes, light or dark brown hair. From my father’s side, my grandfather and uncles all had striking blue eyes. Sometimes I wonder why mine turned dark brown instead. Maybe it’s just how genetics play — carrying all these colours from my family in unexpected ways. I am both. And I love how I am now—my skin, my dark brown eyes, and dark brown hair.

My skin changes quickly. Pale one day, deeply tanned after just a few hours in the sun.

It’s funny how every nation sees me as their own. The French, Italians, and Spanish claim me. When I’m tanned, people from Central and South Africa say I must have African roots (and honestly, that would be amazing). People from Arabic countries see Arabic roots in me. Jewish people think I’m Jewish. When I was blonde, the British said I looked British. Even people from Asia sometimes thought I was a blend of Asian and European.

I guess I’m here to unite.

I love being a chameleon. For an actress it’s a blessing. I wasn’t born to fit in a box or be labeled. I’m here to embrace all the colours that make me who I am.

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