For years, Hollywood has been criticized for its lack of representation and body diversity on the big screen. Thin, conventionally attractive actors and actresses have often been given the lead roles, leaving plus-sized actors and actresses to be cast in stereotypical, supporting roles.

However, times are changing and big girls are finally getting their chance to shine in leading roles.

Leading Ladies Taking Charge

One of the biggest changes we are seeing in Hollywood is the portrayal of plus-sized women as leading ladies. In the past, plus-sized actresses were often relegated to sidekick or comedic roles, but now they are being given the opportunity to lead the charge.

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     Universal Pictures

The first memorable examples of this was Melissa McCarthy in the hit film Bridesmaids. McCarthy’s character, Megan, was not only plus-sized, but also the most confident and successful member of the bridal party. This role helped pave the way for other plus-sized actresses to take on leading roles, such as Rebel Wilson in Pitch Perfect and Isn’t It Romantic, and Danielle Macdonald in the critically acclaimed Patti Cake$.

In television, we are seeing more plus-sized women taking on leading roles as well. Aidy Bryant stars as the lead in the Hulu series Shrill, based on the book by Lindy West, and Lauren Ash stars as Dina in the NBC hit show Superstore. These actresses are not only leading the charge on screen, but also helping to break the stereotype that plus-sized women can only be comedic relief.

Fat Suits? No More

     Netflix

In the past, thin actors and actresses would often don fat suits to play plus-sized characters. This not only perpetuated the idea that being plus-sized was a costume or a joke, but also took away opportunities for actual plus-sized women to showcase their potential. However, we are seeing a shift away from this practice in Hollywood.

One example of this is the Netflix original series Insatiable, starring Debby Ryan as a plus-sized teenager who loses weight and becomes a beauty queen. Initially, the show received backlash for casting a thin actress in a plus-sized role and using a fat suit. However, after the backlash and criticism, the show made the decision to recast the role with plus-sized actress Alyssa Milano and remove the fat suit.

This move not only helped to break the stereotype that plus-sized bodies are just a costume, but also gave opportunities to plus-sized actresses in Hollywood.

More Than Just The ‘Before’ In A Weight Loss Story

     STX Films

Plus-sized characters in film and television have often been portrayed as the before in a weight loss story, with the character losing weight and becoming beautiful by societal standards. However, we are seeing a shift away from this narrative in Hollywood.

In the film I Feel Pretty, starring Amy Schumer, the main character gains confidence and learns to love herself at her current size. The film received criticism for its initial trailer, which portrayed the character as ugly before her confidence boost, but the actual film focuses on self-love and body positivity.

In the HBO series Insecure, Issa Rae’s character, Issa, struggles with insecurities about her body and her worth, but the show never presents losing weight as the solution to her problems. Instead, Issa learns to love and accept her body as it is.

These storylines not only help to break the stereotype that big girls must lose weight to be happy or successful but also promote the importance of self-love and acceptance.

Plus-Sized Characters Being More Than Just The Punchline

     Bron Studios / Right of Way Films

In the past, plus-sized characters in film and television were often used as comedic relief and the butt of the joke. However, this is starting to change as plus-sized women are being given more complex and multidimensional storylines.

One example of this is the film Tully, starring Charlize Theron as Marlo, a plus-sized mother struggling with postpartum depression. Marlo’s weight is not the focus of the film, but rather her journey to self-acceptance and finding support in her own strength.

In the Netflix series Chewing Gum, actress and creator Michaela Coel stars as Tracey, a plus-sized, religious woman trying to lose her virginity and explore her own desires. Tracey’s weight in the story is far from being a punchline. Instead, the show focuses on her journey to self-discovery and agency.

These examples show that big girls are breaking the mold and being given more complex and multidimensional storylines. By featuring more plus-sized women in leading roles and giving them more than just comedic relief, Hollywood is curbing the stereotype that plus-sized bodies are not attractive or desirable and showcase the diversity of beauty and strength within the plus-sized community.

The Importance of Representation And Body Positivity In Media

     20th Television

Representation in media is important because it can shape how we view ourselves and others. When media shows people who look like normal individuals on screen, it can help to validate one’s own experiences and identities. This is especially true for plus-sized individuals, who have often been marginalized and stigmatized in media.

By featuring plus-sized characters in leading roles and portraying them in a positive light, movies and TV shows have the power to challenge societal beauty standards and promote body positivity. This can help to break the stereotype that plus-sized bodies are not attractive or desirable, and instead showcase the diversity of beauty and strength within the plus-sized community.

Representation in media can also help to combat body dysphoria and promote acceptance and inclusivity. By seeing plus-sized characters in a variety of roles and storylines, the industry is allowing viewers to recognize that their weight does not define them, and they are just as complex and multidimensional as any other character.

While Hollywood still has a long way to go in terms of representation and diversity, these examples show a promising shift towards inclusivity and breaking stereotypes. Plus-sized actors and actresses, as well as actors and actresses from diverse backgrounds, are finally getting their chance to take the lead and showcase their talents on the big screen.

Overall, it is important for the creators to continue to showcase body diversity and break stereotypes in order to promote a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of the world we live in. As plus-sized actresses continue to take the lead and diversify representation throughout, we can only hope that this trend will continue and create a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry.