Hailee Steinfeld, the 28-year-old actress and singer, has recently revealed a meaningful family discovery about her maternal grandfather’s heritage while working on her latest film, Sinners. She learned that her mother’s late father was of mixed Filipino and Black descent, a fact previously unknown to her.
This revelation gave Hailee a deeper understanding of her family’s roots and background, sparking an important personal reflection.
Understanding the Impact of Heritage on Her Family
In an interview with Elle, Hailee reflected on how learning about her grandfather’s origins clarified aspects of his life.
“It helped me make sense of why my grandfather lived the way he did, leaning into certain parts of his roots and not others,”
she explained.
“I wasn’t aware of that [as a child], and it never would have made sense to me then. I can only try to make sense of it now, going through old photos of him with my mom.”
Hailee also spoke about the sense of pride she feels carrying her family’s legacy.
“I learned how prideful I am to carry what I carry with me, however much or how little,”
she said.
“We are all a representation of something, someone, somewhere. I felt a great, great responsibility taking on this role of somebody whose journey echoes real people and real pain.”
Reflections on Family Conversations and Creative Projects
Previously, Hailee shared with Blavity that she wished these meaningful conversations had happened earlier in her life, though she expressed gratitude they are happening now. She noted how working on Sinners has drawn her closer to her mother and grandfather’s memory.
Beyond this personal journey, Hailee Steinfeld is involved in upcoming projects, including the Olympics-themed film Winter Games alongside Miles Teller and an extended reality (XR) movie, Asteroid, featuring Freida Pinto.
The Broader Significance of Discovering Family Roots
Hailee’s experience highlights how uncovering hidden elements of one’s heritage can deepen understanding of family history and identity. Her story reflects the broader impact such discoveries can have on personal growth and connection across generations. As she continues her career and exploration of identity through art, this newfound knowledge may influence her future roles and storytelling.
