21-03-2025
Dujonna Gift is Snow White's secret weapon
When Dujonna Gift went to her first open audition, aged 18, after dropping out of performing arts school, little did the south-London native know it would lead to her big break in the West End's Motown: The Musical. Since then, she's starred in Hamilton and Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), but now, the actor is swapping the stage for the big screen in Disney's highly anticipated Snow White. Here, Gift, now 27, shares what it's like working with Rachel Zegler, making friends with Zendaya, and her future goals.
A close friend of mine was a choreographer for the film and encouraged me to audition. Initially, I didn't even know it was for Snow White. My dad had recently passed away, so it was my first Christmas without him. I remember lying in bed thinking 'life sucks' and holding back tears when my agent called to tell me I'd got the role.
We first met in rehearsals and she was dressed like an old maiden. There was a meme at the time that began with, 'Hey, maid,' and she responded with the second part immediately. We clicked! We leaned on each other a lot as she was away from home, so I adopted her into my family and we explored London together. I'm grateful for our friendship. She's a special human.
The role that will always be closest to my heart is Robin in Two Strangers. You don't often get to see women of colour playing love interests. I didn't initially see them casting someone like me, but that role changed my life and I'll always be grateful.
The Color Purple. Every time I listen to it, I get goosebumps.
When Zendaya came to watch Two Strangers. It made me realise that the people you admire could be privy to what you do. We spoke about the [Sag-Aftra] actor strikes and her living in London, and she was super complimentary of the show. It was a cool moment.
Every actor has their hustle. When I'm not acting, I design costumes for Notting Hill Carnival and I take headshots for other actors. When I'm not working, I'm out of the country. I love travelling, and I go back to the Caribbean as often as I can. I also binge-watch Real Housewives.
Strong, multi-faceted and exuberant. I hate being called strong, but I'm that friend who people will come to [when they're] in need.
I would love to play Princess Tiana in The Princess And The Frog. Or, if they remade The Cheetah Girls, then I would want to be involved in any capacity.
When my brother had a daughter, I realised that I can't look at her one day and say, 'I gave up.' I tell myself that I am good enough despite what this country or industry tells me. No one can want it for me, more than me.
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