( ENSPIRE She Did That ) As an Icon for Black History Month and Women’s History Month, Gwendolyn Osborne is Earning Global Recognition
ENSPIRE Contributor: Cailin Tennis
Just in time for Women’s History Month and in reflection of Black History Month, ENSPIRE is highlighting a powerful, outspoken actress and media personality, Gwendolyn Osborne. Gwendolyn worked at CBS as a TV personality on the game show The Price is Right for 12 years, gaining her the accolade of the ‘longest-running woman of color on a daytime game show’. Joining the cast of the blockbuster movie “Wonder Woman 1984” as one of the elite athlete Amazonians was where she captured her true inner power and strength.
Gwendolyn impresses audiences with her athleticism and talent, which is sourced from her determination and intelligence. She understands the struggle of racial intersectionality and believes in education around acceptance. This open-mindedness is exactly what ENSPIRE loves to promote and encourage. Especially seeing how much success she’s earned herself, why label her anything other than an excellent role model and inspiring leader in the entertainment industry?
ENSPIRE gratefully discussed Gwendolyn’s journey with her, during which she highlighted the importance of personal growth, radical acceptance of all identities, and being brave throughout her career.
Could you tell us about your start in the TV/Entertainment Industry?
I started modeling in London at 14. My first job was for a Pop group called TAKE THAT and I was the lead and only girl in their music video. I was thrilled because they were top of the charts at that time!
What was it like being in the cast of elite athletes for the WW 1984 movie?
What an incredible and momentous time of my life. It had always been a dream to be cast as an amazon in a film so to be given the opportunity, there was no way this would not happen! It was a long process of showing my skills as a horseback rider and an athlete. I had to have no fear of strapping on a harness and jumping or flipping up a wall!!
What challenges have you overcome during your journey?
I was going through a divorce at the same time as filming out of the country. I could’ve broken down during that time but decided that I would use all the tools that I was learning from being built up as an Amazon warrior in my real life. Watching, observing, and reflecting with the other Amazons and Patty Jenkins, the director, fueled me to rebuild myself most powerfully. My life needed me to be rebuilt, re-energized, and reinvigorated with a peaceful strength I didn’t have before.
What inspirations or messages do you hope to inspire in the next generation?
I would love the next generation to know that anything is possible for them. To strip away any negative self-talk that comes from society, culture, religion, etc. that has been embedded and allow yourself to be free to experience life openly and purely. You’re never too old to start again and fulfill your goals and dreams. As a speaker, I now talk about ‘finding your inner Wonder Woman’ which means facing the truth, taking care of your mind, body, and spirit, and moving forward with intention. Building and connecting with like-minded individuals will keep you going.
Could you tell us about the diversity you’ve seen on the movie/TV sets you’ve been a part of?
Being Jamaican and English in America isn’t as usual a mix as it is in England. So, it felt magnificent to be on the set of Wonder Woman 1984 surrounded by other mixed-race women with powerful accolades in their fields.
It has been a challenge for me not being white enough or black enough and I still feel that way now and again. I’m starting to see some positive changes though as we realize fewer people want to be put into boxes and just be recognized as human first. I don’t want to feel ostracized because of how I look or sound. Someone who identifies as non-binary might feel the same way, for example. With the growth of more social acceptance, this exclusionary mindset is dwindling. Hopefully, people will start to feel less excluded and more included as this trend continues.
What do you hope to see change in the TV/Film industry?
Overall, less judgment would be great and more acceptance of people being different. I’m loving content that educates us on the social norms of today. The younger generation of today is the boldest and most brazen generation we’ve ever experienced and I’m here for all the confidence!
Gwendolyn is holistically one of the most powerful resources in our community today. She brings a fierce sense of accomplishment as she approaches challenges and goals, while also focusing on keeping inner peace and guidance. ENSPIRE hopes to share Gwendolyn’s words of wisdom with the community so that our society can become a place of acceptance rather than exclusion. Many are grateful for her speaking up about these issues and carving her name into history as a powerful Jamaican/English woman.
Follow Gwendolyn Osborne’s Instagram Page to learn more about her, and watch as she undoubtedly accomplishes even more.
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