Hari Nef, a trailblazing transgender actress, model, and writer, has made a significant mark in Greta Gerwig’s widely celebrated film, Barbie, where she portrays a character known as Doctor Barbie. Nef’s enthusiasm for her role was palpable; she even crafted an elaborate backstory to enrich her character’s portrayal. The film features a star-studded ensemble, with celebrities eager to embody unique “Barbie”and “Ken”identities for even brief appearances on screen. The appeal of this iconic Mattel brand highlights its cultural significance and the draw it has for actors from all walks of life.
As one of the chosen performers in the vibrant setting of Barbieland, Nef, who hails from Philadelphia, has garnered attention for her earlier work in the critically-acclaimed series Transparent, where she debuted as Gittel, and more recently in The Idol, where she plays Talia, a writer for Vanity Fair. Nef’s career is rapidly ascending in the 2020s, reinvigorated by guest roles in popular series like And Just Like That… and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Securing a role in Barbie stands out as a pivotal achievement for Nef.
Nef as Doctor Barbie in Barbie
Doctor Barbie: The Sole Medical Barbie in Barbieland
In her role as Doctor Barbie, Nef stars as the only medical Barbie in Barbieland, a whimsical world populated by myriad other Barbies, each representing various careers and personalities. Doctor Barbie, a close companion of the Stereotypical Barbie portrayed by Margot Robbie, comically reacts to the protagonist’s revelation of having flat feet by dramatically exclaiming, “Flat feet!” , which has become a memorable and quoted line from the film.
Throughout the narrative, Doctor Barbie provides insight into the eccentricities of Weird Barbie, played by Kate McKinnon, and underscores her acceptance of the label “Weird.”Upon Barbie’s return from the real world, she finds Doctor Barbie ironically dressed in a maid’s outfit, serving beer to the Kens due to Ken’s newly adopted patriarchal perspectives. Fortunately, Barbie and Weird Barbie rally to restore Doctor Barbie to her original, empowered self by celebrating her achievements.
Nef’s Detailed Backstory for Doctor Barbie
The Origin of Doctor Barbie: A Unique Connection
Although Doctor Barbie has a few standout lines, much about her background remains unexplored in the film. However, Hari Nef has creatively imagined her character’s story, proposing that each Barbie is linked to a real-world owner whose choices influence them. Nef shared her vision of Doctor Barbie’s owner in an interview with Vogue, stating:
“A doll collector. A gay man in his 50s who lives in a rent-controlled apartment in the West Village. I was given the most over-the-top, fashion-y, crazy costumes. And I was like, This is no child’s doll. I feel like every week he has his two or three friends over, maybe he’s a little lonely, and he shows them my new outfit. And I just kind of stay in my box.”
This detailed characterization captures the essence of an affluent, single gay man residing in the artistic and LGBTQ+-friendly West Village. The imagined connection adds humor and depth, offering a fresh perspective on the cultural phenomena surrounding Barbie dolls. Nef’s creativity hints at untapped narratives within the Barbie universe, encompassing the experiences of adult collectors.
Doctor Barbie: A Groundbreaking Cinematic Figure
Embracing Inclusivity Beyond Identity
Doctor Barbie’s character not only effortlessly blends into the whimsical world of Barbie but also marks a significant moment in film. Notably, there is no explicit reference to Nef’s character as a transgender woman throughout the movie. Instead, she is simply depicted as another Barbie among the colorful cast. This approach emphasizes that the most resonant representation often transcends gender and sexual identity, celebrating characters for their inherent qualities and roles rather than for labels.
Nef’s Passion and Commitment: A Heartfelt Plea
A Close-Knit Community of ‘Dolls’
Overjoyed upon learning she had landed the role in Barbie, Nef recognized an overlapping scheduling conflict that could jeopardize her participation. In an earnest effort, she penned a letter to Gerwig and Robbie, requesting a shift in the filming schedule. She was eager to be part of this monumental project. In her heartfelt letter, which she later shared on X, she expressed her sentiment:
“This is a big movie, made by a team whose work has played no small role in cultivating my love of sitting in the dark in front of big screens for an hour or two. But that’s just a part of why I want–my heart says ‘need’–to join in the making of this film. Identity politics and cinema aren’t my favorite combination, but the name BARBIE looms large over every American woman. Barbie’s the standard; she’s The Girl; she’s certainly THE doll.”
Nef’s connection to Barbie cannot be overstated; she is conscious of the historical and cultural imprint Barbie has left on generations of women. Adding a personal twist, Nef shared:
“Me and my girlfriends–okay, yeah, me and my other transgender girlfriends–we started calling ourselves ‘the dolls’ a couple of years ago…”
This term was intended as playful yet insightful; it acknowledges the perseverance of femininity while critiquing societal expectations of women. She thoughtfully elaborated:
“‘The Dolls.’ Maybe it’s a bid to ratify our femininity, to smile and sneer at the standards we’re held to as women. It’s a joke, of course; we throw our voices: ‘the do-o-lls!’ But underneath the word ‘doll’ is the shape of a woman who is not quite a woman–recognizable as such, but still a fake.”
Nef’s perceptive understanding of the film’s themes highlights her connection to its tone and sensibilities, reinforcing the importance of authenticity amidst fantasy.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Hari Nef
Upcoming Role in a Candy Darling Biopic
Nef is set to step into the spotlight again in an upcoming biopic centered on the life of Candy Darling, a pioneering transgender actress and Warhol superstar. Directed by Zackary Drucker, with John Cameron Mitchell as executive producer (via Variety), this project promises to trace Candy’s journey from Long Island to her influential role in New York City’s music and pop culture landscape. Nef’s role in Barbie symbolizes her ascent; such opportunities are paving the way for significant and diverse roles in her career.