The 20 Best Plus-Size Male Actors in Film and Television

Seeing people like ourselves reflected in media is important, and for a long time, audiences have connected with performers who realistically represent the world around them. Plus size male actors have successfully starred in comedies, been the central figures in serious dramas, headlined major film series, and created unforgettable characters in all kinds of movies and TV shows – both on the big and small screen.

This list showcases twenty male actors with impressive careers in a variety of roles – from popular sitcoms and highly-rated dramas to voice acting and successful comedies. For each actor, we’ve highlighted the projects that truly made their name, as well as the ongoing work they’re still doing in movies and television.

John Goodman

John Goodman first gained widespread recognition on the show ‘Roseanne’ and continues to be a key part of ‘The Conners’. He’s also appeared in many popular films, including ‘The Big Lebowski’, ‘Argo’, and provided voice work for animated hits like ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and ‘Monsters University’ – demonstrating his consistent work in both live-action and animated projects.
He often works with well-known directors on serious dramas and darkly humorous comedies. In addition to film and television, he has a background in stage acting and makes frequent guest appearances, with a career spanning independent films and large studio productions.

Kevin James

Kevin James became well-known as the star of ‘The King of Queens’ and later returned to television with ‘Kevin Can Wait’, establishing himself as a familiar face on network TV. He’s also led the film ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’ and been part of several comedic ensembles and family-oriented action movies.
He stays busy performing his stand-up routines on tour, and his releases on streaming platforms are helping him reach even more viewers. He continues to take on projects centered around sports, buddy comedies, and voice acting roles, allowing him to share his physical humor with new audiences.

Jack Black

Jack Black is known for combining music and humor in films like ‘School of Rock’ and the ‘Jumanji’ series. He’s the voice of Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ movies and frequently includes musical elements in his acting.
Beyond acting, he co-created the band Tenacious D and continues to record albums. He also stays active in entertainment through guest appearances, video games, and voice work in animated shows.

James Corden

Before becoming known for hosting ‘The Late Late Show’, James Corden was the co-creator and star of ‘Gavin and Stacey’. He’s also appeared in several films, including musical productions like ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘The Prom’, as well as family-friendly movies and voice acting roles.
Currently, he’s also developing and producing television shows with scripted content, while still taking on acting roles in limited series and comedies. He continues to balance these projects with stage performances and special appearances.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer stars in the sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’, where the stories center around the themes of community and family. He’s also known for his work in funny movies with large casts, like heist comedies, and popular animated films such as ‘Madagascar’.
Beyond acting, Cedric performs stand-up comedy across the country and creates opportunities for up-and-coming comedians through his produced specials. He’s also a frequent host for award shows and other events, keeping him well-known in various types of entertainment.

Josh Gad

Josh Gad first gained recognition as a leading actor in Broadway productions before transitioning to film. He became well-known for voicing Olaf in ‘Frozen’ and has since appeared in various comedies and adventure films. He’s featured in movies geared towards families, as well as mystery and biographical projects.
On TV, he takes leading roles in scripted comedies and limited-run series, and is also involved behind the scenes as a producer and co-creator of shows. He continues to work as a voice actor through frequent guest appearances and roles in animated series, keeping that part of his career thriving.

Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis became famous worldwide thanks to ‘The Hangover’ movies, and he’s since starred in comedies and dramas that showcase interesting characters. He also created and hosts ‘Between Two Ferns’, a humorous talk show that became a full-length film.
On television, he’s known for his voice work and quirky series with a distinctive, understated sense of humor. He consistently works on smaller, independent films, even as he continues to be seen in larger, more popular projects.

Nick Frost

As a movie lover, I’m a big fan of Nick Frost. He’s brilliant in those genre-bending comedies like ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’, and ‘The World’s End’. I’ve noticed he’s really versatile, working on everything from action and adventure films to family-friendly movies, and you can find him on both British and American TV.
He’s a fantastic collaborator, often working with a lot of different actors, and he doesn’t just *act* in series, he also gets behind the scenes as a producer! Plus, with his voice work and projects on streaming services, he’s reaching a whole new generation of viewers, which is great to see.

Faizon Love

Faizon Love has appeared in many films, including popular titles like ‘Friday’ and ‘Elf’, as well as comedies focusing on sports and crime. He often plays supporting characters who help establish the setting in movies with large casts, particularly in holiday films, workplace comedies, and buddy movies.
He’s also been on television in sitcoms and sketch comedy shows, and he performs stand-up comedy on tour. Currently, he continues to act in streaming movies and makes regular appearances as a guest star in various shows.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson has been on ‘Saturday Night Live’ longer than anyone else, and he’s known for leading comedy sketches and hosting funny musical performances. Before that, he starred in the show ‘Kenan’ and first became famous on ‘All That’ and ‘Kenan and Kel’.
He’s also appeared in many movies, including comedies for families, sports films, and animated features. In addition to his TV work, he often hosts events and does voiceover work.

Eric Stonestreet

Eric Stonestreet became well-known for his long-term role as a main cast member on ‘Modern Family’. Since then, he’s been in various types of shows and movies – including police procedurals, comedies, and animated films – often in memorable supporting roles.
His credits also include providing voices for family-friendly movies and appearing as a guest star in short-run series. He also uses his public image to support good causes by participating in charity events and competition shows.

Jorge Garcia

I’ll always remember Jorge Garcia as Hurley from ‘Lost’, and it was great to see him on ‘Hawaii Five-0’ too. He really has a knack for bringing a warm, inviting energy to the screen, which is why he’s perfect for comedies, mysteries, and those genre shows we all love.
But he doesn’t just act! He also does stand-up and makes appearances at fan conventions for shows that have a dedicated following. He’s constantly working, bouncing between independent films and guest spots on TV – a truly busy guy!

Billy Gardell

Billy Gardell famously co-starred in ‘Mike and Molly’ and later led ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. He started his career doing stand-up comedy before transitioning to network sitcoms that often featured relatable, working-class characters.
He frequently appears in guest spots on both procedural dramas and comedies, and still enjoys performing stand-up on tour. He also adds to his extensive television work with voice acting roles and appearances in holiday films.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is well-known for playing Guillermo on ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He expertly blends horror and comedy in the show’s mockumentary style, and his character develops throughout the series.
Beyond that, he provides voices for animated superhero and adventure projects and also appears in various genre films. He further expands his work through roles in video games and guest appearances on other shows.

Paul Walter Hauser

Paul Walter Hauser has become known for his powerful and detailed performances in crime and biographical films. He’s starred in both leading and supporting roles in movies based on real-life stories.
On TV, he often takes the lead in limited series that focus on investigations. He’s also versatile, appearing in comedies and action films, and even lending his voice to animated projects.

Dan Fogler

Dan Fogler successfully juggles big-budget franchise films with roles in both dramatic and comedic television series. He’s known for his work in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films and has had long-running roles in various genre TV shows.
With a strong foundation in stage acting, he also continues to lend his voice to animated projects and video games. Beyond on-screen acting, Dan explores his creativity through appearances at conventions and work on graphic novels.

John C. Reilly

John C. Reilly is a versatile actor known for comedies like ‘Step Brothers’ and ‘Talladega Nights’, as well as more serious, award-winning dramatic roles.
He provides the voice for the character Ralph in the ‘Wreck It Ralph’ movies and has also been involved in projects centered around music.
On television, he’s appeared in miniseries and historical docudramas. Beyond screen work, he’s also taken on roles in stage productions and has credits as a producer, showcasing his talents in both comedic and dramatic genres.

James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini truly shaped the way we see complex characters on TV, most famously with ‘The Sopranos’. He also starred in many crime dramas and smaller, independent films.
Beyond acting, he produced documentaries and helped new talent in television grow.
Even after his passing, released works and projects using old footage keep showing how much of an impact he had. His diverse film work – including war movies, suspenseful thrillers, and in-depth character studies – continues to inspire television series today.

John Candy

John Candy was known for his heartwarming performances and excellent comedic timing in movies such as ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and ‘Uncle Buck’. He excelled in a variety of films, including family comedies, buddy movies, and ensemble comedies.
Besides films, he made appearances on television in variety shows and anthology series, and he also lent his voice to animated characters. His work continues to be enjoyed today through television broadcasts and the restoration of his classic films.

Wayne Knight

Wayne Knight is best remembered for his work on Seinfeld, as well as appearances in films like Jurassic Park and popular animated movies including the Toy Story franchise. He often plays characters who work in offices or within bureaucratic systems on both film and TV.
He still makes guest appearances on sitcoms and provides voice work for animated shows, and he also attends events for fans. Consistent work in streaming films and recurring roles in comedies ensures he remains a familiar face on screen.

Tell us in the comments which plus size male actors you admire, and let us know who else we should consider adding to the list!

2025-09-30 01:17