Yahoo News Janel Parrish calls for "more diversity" on screen
Pretty Little Liars star Janel Parrish has spoken out about her desire to see more diversity in film and television.
Currently starring in new Netflix romcom To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Parrish made the comments this week at the film's premiere at ArcLight Culver City in California.
Paired with Asian-American star Lana Condor in a red carpet interview, Parrish agreed with the actor's comments that she rarely felt represented growing up.
"It got to the point where there was so little representation," said Condor. "I just thought it was normal. My whole reason for doing this is so girls who look like me feel seen."
Hawaiian-born Parrish responded: "It's time, that's all I have to say. Let's keep on going, more diversity, all of it. I'm so happy to represent the community."
The comments come at a time when new movie Crazy Rich Asians - the first studio film in 25 years to feature an all Asian-American cast - has sparked debate concerning a lack of racial diversity on the big screen.
Best-known for her role as Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars, Parrish will return to the part for a spin-off series entitled The Perfectionists.
Based on Pretty Little Liars writer Sara Shepard's book, the series follows the adventures of five high school students who bond over their mutual hatred of a school bully.
Also set to return to the show is Sasha Pieterse, who played Alison DiLaurentis.
Sydney Park, Eli Brown and Hayley Erin have also been cast alongside Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford, who played family matriarch Lily van der Woodsen in the Warner Bros. production.
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