Thandiwe Newton Revealed That Everyone Has Been Spelling Her Name Wrong For 30 Years
"I’m taking back what’s mine."
Thandiwe Newton is reclaiming her real name.
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
The 41-year-old actor, who has been known as Thandie for most of her professional life, just revealed that everyone has been spelling her name wrong.
Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images
In an interview with British Vogue, Thandiwe explained that the spelling error stemmed from an incorrect credit in Flirting back in 1991 — and it stuck.
View this photo on Instagram
@thandiwenewton / Via instagram.com
Ironically, her character was named "Thandiwe," the correct spelling of her name.
But from now on, Thandiwe will be going by her given name, which is pronounced "tan-DEE-way."
Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic
"That’s my name. It’s always been my name. I’m taking back what’s mine," Thandiwe explained.
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images
She added that the name means "beloved" in Shona, a language spoken in her mother's native Zimbabwe.
View this photo on Instagram
@thandiwenewton / Via instagram.com
Thandiwe has already changed her social media handles and has actually been signing her posts with the correct spelling of her name for quite some time.
View this photo on Instagram
@thandiwenewton / Via instagram.com
In reclaiming her name, Thandiwe says she is also taking control of her career and looking toward a better future.
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
"The thing I’m most grateful for in our business right now is being in the company of others who truly see me. And to not be complicit in the objectification of Black people as ‘others,’ which is what happens when you’re the only one," Thandiwe concluded.
Read all that Thandiwe had to say in British Vogue.
View this photo on Instagram
@thandiwenewton / Via instagram.com