Noel De Souza: The Unsung Indian Journalist in Hollywood
A Pioneer in Hollywood
While many Indians have gained fame in Hollywood, such as Sabu Dastagir and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Noel De Souza's contributions often go unnoticed. He was a journalist and a minor actor in various shows, films, and commercials long before many of these stars emerged.
De Souza served as the Hollywood correspondent for several publications, including the Times of India and Mid-Day. His career began during a time when Hollywood often exoticized India, casting predominantly white actors in roles meant for Indians.
A Journey Through Hollywood
Now at 101 years old, De Souza recently published a novel and ceased reporting around 2019. Reflecting on his early experiences in Hollywood, he noted, "There weren’t any other Indian journalists around, at least none that I was aware of."
Throughout his career, he interviewed numerous Hollywood icons, including Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. He fondly recalled a conversation with Leonardo DiCaprio in 1996, just as DiCaprio was about to become a household name with Titanic.
Navigating Stereotypes
De Souza aimed to delve into the personal lives of the stars he interviewed, often steering away from the typical promotional questions studios preferred. He shared, "I always tried to get in a bit of their personal lives."
Born on December 27, 1925, in Secunderabad, De Souza was captivated by cinema from a young age. However, he found Indian films less appealing, describing them as overly dramatic and unrealistic.
From Architecture to Acting
In the 1940s, he moved to the U.S. to study architecture at UC Berkeley, later shifting to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His first television appearance came in 1955 on The Loretta Young Show, where he earned $750 for a single scene.
His career progressed with roles in shows like Jungle Jim and advice from Anthony Quinn, who encouraged him to audition for Latino roles, allowing him to diversify his acting opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite facing challenges due to his ethnicity, De Souza found ways to adapt. He humorously recounted how casting directors often expected him to conform to stereotypes, joking about wearing a lungi.
He appeared in various productions, including Zorro and Mission: Impossible, and even played a minor role in the TV movie Unabomber.
A Lasting Legacy
In 1967, he ventured into filmmaking, co-directing the short film Boy of Bombay. His screenplay, The Bullpen, later inspired the novel Dust, co-authored with Patricia Danaher.
Dust, set in 1950s Oklahoma, explores the life of factory worker Seth Manton. Danaher shared how they collaborated to bring De Souza's vision to life, especially as his eyesight declined.
Reflections on Hollywood
De Souza's experiences in Hollywood provided him with unique insights into the industry. He noted how the perception of Indian cinema has evolved over the years, with more visibility for Indian actors today.
He reminisced about the simpler days of journalism, where interviews were more personal and accessible. De Souza's story is one of resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Looking Ahead
When asked about the possibility of seeing Dust adapted into a film, De Souza remained realistic, stating, "You can’t talk about a film till there is money." He humorously added that he might not live long enough to witness it, as he approaches his 102nd birthday.