After playing Belinda onThe White Lotus, becoming one of the few consistent characters in the anthology TV show, Natasha Rothwell has become associated with this role. However, this doesn’t mean audiences should believe that Belinda is the only role that Rothwell has brought to life and made unforgettable, asher earlier comedic role is in a must-watch series.
Featured in many ofThe White Lotus' top-rated episodes, Rothwell brings her flawless comedic timing to the darkly satirical series, anchoring each season with her presence. Though Rothwell’s turn in her other iconic show isn’t as tense or driven by crime and violence, it’s no less relevant or complex, andher performance is a reminder of Rothwell’s range as an actress.
Natasha Rothwell’s Performance In Insecure Is A Masterpiece
As Kelli Prenny, Rothwell Lends Her Talents To Insecure
Though Issa Rae is the star ofInsecure,Rothwell is the undeniable scene-stealer of every moment she appears onscreenin the hit comedy series. Rothwell’s character, Kelli Prenny, was a voice of reason throughout the show’s five seasons, growing tremendously over the years and always showing up for Rae’s Issa Dee when she needed her.
However, this isn’t to say that Rothwell wasn’t a significant part of what madeInsecureso funny, as she was never afraid to make a fool of herself, though this was always in good fun. Delivering some ofInsecure’s best quotes,Kelli might be one of the show’s best and most underrated characters,and this is undoubtedly thanks to Rothwell.
Not only was Rothwell an actress inInsecure, but she was also part of the writing and production teams, evolving with the series and establishing herself as a vital part of the series' world. Kelli faced her fears, and her character grew alongside the show, as both she and the series came into their own, becoming even more incredible by the end, though the bar was already high.
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How Natasha Rothwell’s Insecure Character Compares To Belinda On The White Lotus
Belinda & Kelli Might Be Played By The Same Actress, But They’re Vastly Different
Though Rothwell gets to flex her comedic muscles in both shows, Belinda and Kelli couldn’t be more different in many ways. While Belinda must take on a deferential role because she works for the hotel,Kelli rarely keeps what she thinks to herself, and this confidence is what allows her to progressso much asInsecurecontinues, and be such a vital friend.
There’s little question that Kelli would never have taken the money, especially from a conniving man like Greg.
Belinda’s deal inThe White Lotusseason 3marked a major shift in her characterization that will follow the character into the next season. There’s little question that Kelli would never have taken the money, especially from a conniving man like Greg. Additionally, since she was an accountant, Kelli would only rely on herself to manage her finances.
However, the good thing about both characters is that they introduce audiences to additional sides of Rothwell as an actress and let her explore both comedy and drama.The White Lotusis using Rothwell to the fullest extent of her abilities, and it’s easy to see why Mike White, the series' creator, decided that Belinda should come back for every season of the show.
The White Lotus
Cast
The White Lotus is a television series that explores the interactions of guests and staff at an upscale tropical resort. Premiering in 2021, the narrative unfolds over a week, revealing underlying complexities and tensions among the resort’s seemingly ideal travelers and employees.
Insecure
Insecure is a TV series created by Issa Rae, premiering in 2016. The show explores the contemporary black female experience through the lives of best friends Issa Dee and Molly Carter. As they navigate personal and professional challenges in Los Angeles, the series offers a nuanced depiction of friendship, love, and self-growth. Co-starring Yvonne Orji, Insecure has garnered acclaim for its authentic storytelling and cultural relevance.
