Rebel Wilson’s Memoir: A Raw Look at the Traps for Plus-Sized Celebrities
The “fat funny friend” trope has long been a fixture in film and television, often relegating plus-size actors to roles that rely on stereotypes and lack depth. Rebel Wilson, known for her role as “Fat Amy” in Pitch Perfect, has candidly discussed her experience with this stereotype and the challenges she faced when deciding to lose weight.
Wilson’s recent memoir, “Rebel Rising,” delves into her journey of losing 80 pounds (36kg) during her “year of health” in 2020. She reveals that not everyone supported her decision to lose weight, with some fearing that she would lose her niche in Hollywood as the “fat funny girl.” This highlights the industry’s tendency to typecast plus-size actors into specific roles based on their appearance.
The “fat funny friend” trope perpetuates harmful stereotypes and limits the opportunities for plus-size actors to portray nuanced and multifaceted characters. These characters are often relegated to providing comic relief or serving as sidekicks to thinner, more conventionally attractive leads. When they are not cast as comedic relief, plus-size actors are sometimes cast in roles that depict them as evil, unlovable, or grotesque.
Studies have shown that thin women are overrepresented on screen, and there is a correlation between weight-related humor in media and real-life fat-phobic attitudes. Plus-size performers like Rebel Wilson and Daisy May Cooper have faced backlash when they decided to lose weight for health reasons, with some audiences claiming that they were no longer funny.
While progress has been made in recent years with more nuanced portrayals of plus-size characters in shows like “Shrill” and “This Is Us,” there is still a long way to go. The industry continues to struggle with casting plus-size actors in roles that go beyond their weight and allow them to showcase their talent and range.
Ultimately, the “fat funny friend” trope reflects the industry’s narrow view of body diversity and its reluctance to challenge stereotypes. However, actors like Rebel Wilson and Da’Vine Joy Randolph are pushing back against these limitations and advocating for more inclusive representation in Hollywood.
Comment Template