Eiza Gonzalez Explains Why She Got Fired From ‘Sesame Street’ at Age 5: ‘I Was a Complete Menace’

Eiza González: Fromsslip-ups on Sesame Street to Rising Star in Hollywood

Eiza González, a name that has become synonymous with talent and resilience in Hollywood, has a journey that is nothing short of inspiring. Long before she made waves in the entertainment industry, González had her first brush with the world of acting as a child on the Mexican version of Sesame Street, known as Plaza Sésamo. However, her stint on the beloved children’s show was short-lived. During her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on March 11, González shared a humorous and relatable story about her early days as a child actor. "I was on Sesame Street for a blink of an eye because I got kicked out," she revealed, recounting her first experience with getting fired. González, now 35, admitted that her hyperactive nature and mischievous behavior led to her dismissal. "I was a complete menace," she quipped, explaining how she convinced her fellow child actors to break into the show’s office and jump on a mock-up of the set, causing damage. Her antics, though amusing in hindsight, were enough to get her fired. Reflecting on that moment, she shared that her mother even told her, "You can’t do this for a living. You are just so naughty."

Finding Her Way Back to Acting

Despite her rocky start, González found her way back to acting as she grew older. "I wiggled my way in," she joked, hinting at her determination and persistence. Her early dismissal from Plaza Sésamo was far from the end of her journey in the entertainment industry. In fact, it was just the beginning of a career that would eventually take her to the heights of Hollywood. However, as González grew older, she faced new challenges that would test her resilience. One of the most significant hurdles she encountered was the constant scrutiny of her appearance, which often overshadowed her talent.

The Struggles of Being "Too Pretty" for Roles

As González’s career advanced, she began to notice a recurring theme in the feedback she received from casting directors and industry professionals. "I remember being told for so many projects, ‘She’s too pretty for the role. She’s too hot for the role,’" she shared in an interview with InStyle in March 2024. This kind of feedback left her feeling confused and frustrated. She often wondered if she needed to change her appearance to fit into the roles she was being considered for. "Do I shave my head? Do I make myself less attractive? Do I make myself more attractive? Do I not dress super-hot or do I cover myself all the time?" These were just some of the questions that plagued her mind as she tried to navigate the pressures of the industry. González’s experiences highlight the broader issue of sexism and objectification that many women face in Hollywood, where their appearance often takes precedence over their talent.

Overcoming Body Image Struggles

González’s journey was not just about navigating the challenges of her career but also about overcoming personal struggles related to her body image. "I went through a lot of trouble with my body, with my curves, with my look," she admitted. Growing up, she faced immense pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, which took a toll on her self-esteem. Despite these challenges, González has managed to rise above the negativity and embrace her uniqueness. Her story serves as a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of societal expectations.

A New Chapter: From Personal Struggles to Professional Triumph

After years of facing setbacks and doubting herself, González has finally found her footing in the industry. One of her most recent achievements is landing the role of astronaut Ria in the upcoming horror movie Ash. Speaking about the film on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she described it as "a psychological thriller" and "a really fun movie." González also expressed her excitement about working alongside actor Aaron Paul, whom she described as "incredible and so talented." Ash is an independent film, and González emphasized the importance of supporting such projects. "It means a lot if people can go support it," she said, highlighting the passion and dedication that went into making the film. "It’s a little movie that we did in a back lot in a warehouse in New Zealand from no money with a lot of love and a lot of passion," she added, reflecting on the film’s humble beginnings.

Eiza González: A Testament to Resilience and Determination

Eiza González’s journey from being a mischievous child actor on Plaza Sésamo to becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood is a story of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Despite facing rejection, scrutiny, and personal struggles, she has managed to carve out a successful career for herself. Her experiences serve as a reminder that success rarely comes without obstacles and that perseverance is key to overcoming them. As she continues to take on new roles and challenges, González remains an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible.