Ted Lasso's Billy Harris Is Quietly Breaking Barriers
Representation Matters
Shortly before Billy Harris landed the role of footballer Colin Hughes on the Apple TV smash Ted Lasso, he had a revelation.
"I was like, 'Oh, I'm the first Black footballer to be a series regular in a TV show,'" Harris says. "And I was like, 'Wow, that's crazy.'"
It's a testament to the power of representation that Harris didn't realize the significance of his casting until after the fact. But his realization speaks to the importance of seeing oneself reflected on screen, especially for underrepresented groups.
Breaking New Ground
Harris's casting in Ted Lasso is a groundbreaking moment for several reasons. First, it's a rare example of a Black footballer being portrayed as a complex, multidimensional character. Too often, Black footballers are relegated to stereotypes, such as the "angry Black man" or the "lazy Black athlete."
But Colin Hughes is neither of those things. He's a talented, dedicated player who is also a loving husband and father. He's also a devout Christian who regularly attends church.
Harris's portrayal of Colin Hughes is a refreshing and necessary departure from the stereotypical portrayals of Black footballers. It shows that Black footballers can be just as complex and multifaceted as any other character on television.
In addition to being a groundbreaking moment for representation, Harris's casting in Ted Lasso is also significant because it sends a positive message to young Black people.
It shows them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter what their race or background. Harris is a role model for young Black people, and his success on Ted Lasso is an inspiration to us all.
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