Marianne-Jean Baptiste, 57, slams ‘old men running the world’ in candid talk about splitting from the UK
Broadchurch and 90’s classic Secrets and Lies star Marianne-Jean Baptiste has given a damning verdict of the state of the world as she spoke candidly about choosing to leave the UK.
The 57-year-old was nominated for the Best Actress Bafta this year for role in Mike Leigh’s 2024 film Hard Truths.
After studying at Rada, the south London born actress shot to stardom after starring alongside Brenda Blethyn in the acclaimed 1996 drama Secrets and Lies, also directed by Leigh.
The role earned Baptiste an Oscar and Bafta nomination for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first black British woman to be recognised as such by the Academy in the US.
In 2003, she decided to make a permanent move to the US – continuing her showbiz career in LA.
Soon after, Baptiste took on a starring role in the popular series Without a Trace.
Since then, the 57-year-old has appeared in numerous films and TV shows.
It took 12 years before she began to take on projects that brought her back to the UK, including beloved series Broadchurch.
Despite regular trips to England for both work and family commitments, Baptiste confessed she had little desire to ever return full time.
“I enjoy working in London, but I’ve got that Cali lifestyle,” the 57-year-old told RadioTimes.
“I love going to the beach, I love the optimism and slower pace,” she explained.
Her commitment to the US comes as several American celebs pledged to leave America in the wake of President Donald Trump’s stunning political comeback.
Despite Trump’s return to the White House, the actress conceded she did have some issues with “political situations around the world”.
“It still seems to be a lot of old men running things,” she declared, echoing comments she made in 1997 about feeling excluded at the Cannes Film Festival.
“I’d like to think there’s been some movement,” she added optimistically but ultimately remained focused on her own career.
Baptiste also explained: “In all honesty, I’m just getting on with my life.”
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Reflecting on her new role that saw her reunite with Leigh once again, Baptiste conceded: “I didn’t know if people were going to get it!”
“Usually, women behaving badly aren’t tolerated. Especially when they’re not redeemed in the final act. We haven’t made it easy for audiences in that respect,” she teased.