Ethiopian-Israeli Actress Ruth Asersai Discusses Career and Identity
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Actress Ruth Asersai is currently performing in three plays at the Cameri Theater and has a role in the upcoming film "Golden Heart." She stated that her Ethiopian heritage has never limited her acting roles, having played "distinctly white characters." Asersai, who grew up in Israel, acknowledged societal issues but felt she experienced equality. She is married with two children and discussed her evolving fashion sense and openness to cosmetic procedures.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Actress Ruth Asersai has never felt limited in her acting career due to her Ethiopian heritage.
- Asersai is currently performing in three plays at the Cameri Theater and has an upcoming film role.
- She acknowledged societal issues of racism but stated her personal experience growing up was one of equality.
- Asersai discussed her family life with her husband Tzachi Maimon and their two children.
- The actress shared her evolving fashion style, embracing bolder choices and mixing vintage with designer pieces.
- She expressed openness to cosmetic procedures like Botox in the future.
Actress Ruth Asersai is currently engaged in a demanding period, starring in three plays simultaneously at the Cameri Theater: "Agamemnon," where she plays Cleo, an advisor to the king; "Medea," as Thae, Jason's right-hand woman; and "The Whale," as Liz, the protagonist's close friend. Additionally, she has a significant role in the upcoming film "Golden Heart" by director Efrat Koren. Asersai, who is of Ethiopian descent, has never felt limited in her roles due to her appearance, stating, "I never felt restricted because of my skin color, look at my resume and you'll see." She has portrayed "distinctly white characters," including in Shakespearean plays. The first time her ethnicity played a significant role was in the play "White Night," where she portrayed an Ethiopian mother whose son went missing, allowing her to highlight issues within the Ethiopian community.
Asersai, 44, born in Beersheba to parents who met on their journey from Ethiopia to Israel, expressed that she doesn't recall experiencing discrimination. "For me, it was wonderful. I didn't know about many of these things until I grew up," she said, acknowledging that while she is aware of societal problems like racism, her personal experience growing up was one of equality. She served in the army as a paratrooper instructor and later studied acting at Beit Zvi.
She has been married for eight years to Tzachi Maimon, a former restaurateur and current mortgage consultant. They reside in Ramat Gan with their two children, Rena, five and a half, and Uri-Michael, three and a half. Asersai credits her husband as an amazing partner and father, essential for managing her demanding career alongside family life, especially without additional help.
Discussing fashion, Asersai embraces experimentation, moving beyond her comfort zone with colors and mixing vintage with high fashion. Her daily style often includes jeans and a white tank top, sometimes paired with oversized shirts from her husband's closet. She blends high-street brands like Zara and H&M with designer pieces and vintage finds. Asersai also touched upon beauty, stating she hasn't had cosmetic procedures like Botox but is open to them in the future, expressing gratitude for her natural features, like her full lips.