How America Ferrera finally came to realize she deserved her history-making Emmy win
In 2007, Ferrera became the first Latina to win a lead actress award.
Thirteen years after she became the first Latina to win an Emmy in one of the lead actress categories, America Ferrera is finally feeling that her win was deserved.
The 36-year-old appeared on the most recent episode of Dax Shepard and Monica Padman's "Armchair Expert" podcast and discussed that special night when she won the award for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for playing Betty Suarez on "Ugly Betty."
Ferrera said it's "a shame" she can't bring herself to watch videos of the history-making win because "the only thing I remember about being on that stage, accepting that Emmy, was the feeling that no one in the room thought I deserved it."
The "Superstore" star explained how negative thoughts -- like how she didn't deserve it or how the role wasn't dark or edgy enough -- were racing through her head at the time.
"There were people in my life perpetuating those narratives and making me feel like I hadn't earned this moment," Ferrera recalled. "When I look back at that time, my heart aches for that 22-year-old girl, who didn't get to really enjoy those moments."
Ferrera said "Ugly Betty" is "maybe the hardest work I'll ever do in my life," but she loved it and her "gut instinct" that the show was going to be a big deal for many people was right.
Plus, the "Real Women Have Curves" star now knows what she is worth.
"There will always be more for me, because it's coming from inside of me," Ferrera noted, having come to realize her value. "And I'm not looking for other people to validate me."
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