**Natasha Rothwell Reflects on ‘The White Lotus’ Impact: “I Can Be Serious”**
Natasha Rothwell is set to reprise her role in the upcoming Season 3 of HBO’s hit series, *The White Lotus*, but this time, she’s embarking on a fresh creative journey. The actor, known for her dynamic performances, credits her time on Mike White’s acclaimed anthology with redefining how audiences perceive her capabilities as an actress.
In a recent interview with *The A.V. Club*, Rothwell shared insights on how her portrayal of Belinda, the spa manager from *The White Lotus*, has opened doors to new opportunities, including her very own comedy series debuting this Friday on Hulu. “Authenticity was my guiding principle,” she remarked. “We are all multifaceted individuals, and I aimed for my character to explore the full spectrum of emotions because that’s what real life is about.”
She continued, “It’s so typical of Hollywood to box people in. Previously, I was often labeled just ‘Kelly from *Insecure*’ and dismissed as unable to take on serious roles. But after *The White Lotus*, the narrative shifted to, ‘She can be serious!’ It’s crucial for me to showcase the richness and complexity of human experiences, particularly for someone of my background to display emotions and vulnerabilities on screen without hesitation.”
Rothwell, who first dazzled audiences as Belinda during the show’s debut season, is thrilled to step back into the character’s shoes for the third installment, which is set in Thailand and expected to premiere in 2025.
Reflecting on her collaborative relationship with creator Mike White, she commented, “Working with Mike is a joy. He’s a brilliant storyteller and an incredible partner in creativity. I liken returning to a character to wearing a wet bathing suit—it feels strange at first, but once you settle in, it feels just right. I can’t wait for viewers to reconnect with Belinda.”
In her new role in *How to Die Alone*, Rothwell portrays Mel, an airport employee who has never experienced love and is on the verge of giving up her dreams. After a life-altering near-death incident, Mel is spurred to embrace life fully. Drawing on her previous experience writing for *Insecure* and *Saturday Night Live*, she feels well-prepared for this project. “Every experience I’ve had has brought me to this point,” she expressed. “Having witnessed Issa Rae’s journey allowed me to learn what resonated and what didn’t—deciding what I’d like to replicate and what I would do differently.”
Rothwell’s enthusiasm for her upcoming projects reflects her dedication to creating spaces for authentic representation and narrative complexity in the entertainment industry, reinforcing the importance of varied voices in storytelling.