Lopez got her first big break with Selena, which completed 20 years since its release on March 21, 1997. She portrayed the rise and murder of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Perez in the biopic.
“Selena was a meaty role, but it was few and far between, especially for Latinos to have a role like that,” Lopez said.
“I think it’s still challenging for women, especially being Latina. Thinking about Selena 20 years ago and to have a role like that, I was very lucky. I was very fortunate. But it’s still a struggle for women,” she added.
Lopez went on to add there is a phase in life when people need to create opportunities for themselves and that’s why she turned producer.
“At this point, you have to create your own opportunities and I think that’s why I got so much more into producing and taking into our own hands as an artist,” she said.
“I think it’s the second phase of your career — you kind of make a name for yourself and show everybody what you do and where your talents lay, and then you have to take it into your own hands and be the artist that you want to be. I think (the industry) is still moving and growing, and it’s always a challenge for women,” she added.
