Top Plus-Size Actors Who Said No to Hollywood’s Weight-Loss Demands

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For years, Hollywood has favored a very specific look for its male leads. However, many plus-size actors have successfully built thriving careers by staying true to themselves. They continued to work without trying to conform to unrealistic body standards, proving that skill and charisma are what truly matter. These actors – from those known for comedy to those in serious dramas – have demonstrated impressive range, lasting careers, and the ability to draw audiences. Here are some men whose talent has allowed them to succeed without sacrificing their bodies to achieve a thinner physique.

Jack Black

Jack Black first gained attention for his memorable roles in films like ‘High Fidelity’ and later starred in popular movies such as ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. Beyond acting, he’s known for his musical comedy duo, Tenacious D, which includes the film ‘Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny’. Many also recognize his voice work as Po in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise. Jack Black consistently balances acting with music, performing live shows and appearing in various projects across film and streaming platforms.

Kevin James

Kevin James is well-known for starring in the popular sitcom ‘The King of Queens’ and his later comedy series, ‘Kevin Can Wait’. He’s also a movie star, having led the ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’ films and appeared in comedies like ‘Grown Ups’. Beyond TV and movies, James performs stand-up comedy across the country and is known for his family-friendly humor. He also continues to do voice work for animated movies, including the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ franchise.

Gabriel Iglesias

Gabriel Iglesias, also known as Fluffy, has become popular around the world thanks to his stand-up comedy shows like ‘I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy’ and ‘Hot and Fluffy’. He’s also starred in his own TV sitcom, ‘Mr. Iglesias’, and hosted comedy specials where he combines personal stories with funny character voices. You might also recognize his voice from animated movies like ‘Coco’ and other family-friendly projects. Iglesias is known for performing constantly and often sells out large arenas.

Jorge Garcia

Jorge Garcia became a fan favorite as Hurley in the hit show ‘Lost’ and later had a recurring role on ‘Hawaii Five-0’. Before those roles, he appeared in the series ‘Alcatraz’ and the comedy ‘Becker’. Throughout his career, he’s worked on both independent and major studio films, showcasing his ability to perform in both dramatic and comedic roles. Beyond acting, Garcia is also involved in podcasting and has collaborated with musicians, often connecting these projects to his television work.

Kenan Thompson

Okay, let me tell you about Kenan Thompson. This guy is a comedy legend! He’s been on ‘Saturday Night Live’ longer than anyone, and he’s created so many memorable characters. But he didn’t just spring up overnight – a lot of us grew up watching him on ‘Kenan & Kel’ and ‘All That.’ He even had his own sitcom, ‘Kenan,’ more recently. Beyond TV, he’s popped up in fun family movies like ‘Good Burger’ and done a ton of voice work in animation. Honestly, he’s become a real all-rounder, hosting awards shows and even producing shows for kids. He’s a seriously versatile performer.

Craig Robinson

Craig Robinson first gained widespread recognition as Darryl on ‘The Office’ and went on to lead roles in shows like ‘Ghosted’ and ‘Killing It’. He’s also appeared in popular comedies such as ‘This Is the End’ and ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’. Beyond acting, Robinson is a talented musician who performs with his band, Nasty Delicious, often combining stand-up comedy with his music. He’s also a sought-after voice actor for animated projects from major studios.

Oliver Platt

Oliver Platt is a well-respected actor known for playing diverse characters in films such as ‘A Time to Kill’ and ‘Frost/Nixon’. He’s also made memorable appearances on TV shows like ‘The West Wing’, ‘Nip/Tuck’, and ‘Chicago Med’. Throughout his career on stage and in film, he’s received numerous award nominations. Platt consistently balances critically acclaimed work with popular projects, and he doesn’t feel pressure to change his appearance for any role.

John Goodman

John Goodman became a familiar face in American homes through his roles in the TV shows ‘Roseanne’ and ‘The Conners’. Beyond television, he’s built a diverse film career, appearing in movies like ‘The Big Lebowski’ and ‘10 Cloverfield Lane’. He often works with the Coen brothers, and is known for taking on roles in everything from funny comedies to gripping thrillers. He’s also a popular voice actor, well-known for his work in ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and other animated projects. In addition to film and television, Goodman has a substantial background in theater and frequently returns to the stage.

James Corden

James Corden first gained popularity in the UK with the show ‘Gavin and Stacey’ and later became well-known in the US as the host of ‘The Late Late Show’. He’s also acted in films, including musicals like ‘Into the Woods’ and various family-friendly movies and animated features. Beyond performing, Corden has hosted award shows and created both scripted and unscripted television programs. He’s still actively writing and developing new content for TV and streaming services.

Wayne Knight

Wayne Knight is most famous for playing Newman on ‘Seinfeld’ and Don on ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’. He also made a big impact in popular movies like ‘Jurassic Park’ and continued to lend his voice to characters in ‘Toy Story’ and other animated shows. Throughout his career, Knight has often appeared as a guest star on both comedy and drama series, working consistently in stage, film, and voice acting roles, often as part of a larger cast.

Jeff Garlin

Jeff Garlin is known for his roles in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and as the lead in the long-running sitcom ‘The Goldbergs’. He’s also a voice actor, famously playing the Captain in ‘WALL-E’, and has appeared in various independent films and documentaries. Beyond acting, Garlin performs stand-up comedy, directs projects, and continues to work as a producer for television comedies.

Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt is a very busy and successful comedian. Many people first discovered him through his voice work as Remy in the movie ‘Ratatouille’. He’s a familiar face on TV shows like ‘A.P. Bio’ and ‘Justified’, and often appears in science fiction and other genre projects. Beyond performing, Oswalt also writes books and articles, creates stand-up specials for streaming services, and frequently lends his voice to animated shows and video games.

Louie Anderson

Louie Anderson was a celebrated comedian known for his dramatic role in the series ‘Baskets’ and initially gained recognition with the animated show ‘Life with Louie’. He also appeared in the films ‘Coming to America’ and its sequel, and was a popular headlining stand-up performer. Beyond performing, Anderson wrote books on comedy and his own life, and continued to be a frequent guest on talk shows and at comedy festivals throughout his career.

James Avery

James Avery is fondly remembered for his iconic role as Uncle Phil on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Beyond television, he had a successful voice acting career, notably in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’. Avery consistently worked as a guest actor on both dramatic and comedic shows, and also performed on stage. He was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of talent, teaching and mentoring young performers through various arts programs.

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths was a highly acclaimed actor, best known for playing Vernon Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies and for his role in ‘The History Boys’. He also had a successful career on stage, winning awards for performances in both London and New York. Throughout his career, he appeared in many British television dramas and comedies, often delivering memorable supporting performances that helped bring entire casts to life.

Orson Welles

Orson Welles revolutionized filmmaking with ‘Citizen Kane’ and continued to create impactful films like ‘Touch of Evil’. Beyond directing, he often acted in other directors’ movies and pursued his own creative projects for many years. He was also a talented voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to radio and even the animated film ‘Transformers: The Movie’. Welles was a true innovator, developing independent filmmaking techniques that continue to inspire filmmakers today.

Bob Hoskins

Bob Hoskins was a versatile actor known for bringing both toughness and heart to his roles. He starred in critically acclaimed films like ‘Mona Lisa’ and the popular ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’, seamlessly moving between serious British dramas and big-budget Hollywood movies. He also worked in television and theater, and had a talent for making even the most unbelievable stories feel real and relatable.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr became famous for playing lawyers on TV, most notably Perry Mason and, later, Ironside. He also acted in well-known movies like ‘Rear Window’ and participated in films made around the world. Beyond television and film, Burr was a supporter of theater and worked in radio and various episodic series. His successful portrayal of a courtroom lawyer created a lasting model for how similar characters were presented in later shows.

Brian Blessed

Brian Blessed is well-known for his incredibly powerful voice and memorable performances in films like ‘Flash Gordon’ and historical series such as ‘I, Claudius’. He often narrates documentaries and animated movies, and has a long history performing Shakespeare on stage. He’s also a popular figure on British television panel and talk shows, often sharing stories from his adventurous travels.

John Rhys-Davies

John Rhys-Davies is a well-known actor who played memorable characters like Sallah in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and Gimli in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He’s also appeared in TV shows like ‘Sliders’ and various fantasy and historical miniseries. Beyond live-action roles, Rhys-Davies frequently lends his voice to animated projects and video games. He remains active in the film industry, working on projects both around the world and with independent filmmakers.

Dan Fogler

Dan Fogler is a versatile performer known for his comedic timing in films like ‘Balls of Fury’ and his work in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series. He’s also a familiar face on television, with recurring roles in ‘The Goldbergs’ and a recent dramatic appearance in ‘The Walking Dead.’ Beyond acting, Fogler is a writer and artist who creates graphic novels and performs stand-up comedy, often combining humor with different storytelling genres in his projects.

Paul Walter Hauser

Paul Walter Hauser first gained recognition with his role in ‘I, Tonya’ and then impressed audiences as the lead in ‘Richard Jewell’. He recently received significant award buzz for his performance in the limited series ‘Black Bird’. Hauser is a versatile actor who appears in both funny and serious films, and also does voice work for animated projects. He’s worked on a variety of films, from small independent productions to big studio releases.

Vincent D’Onofrio

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always been impressed by Vincent D’Onofrio’s range. He can deliver incredibly intense performances, like his work in ‘Full Metal Jacket’, then settle into a long-running role like he did on ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’. And then he completely surprised me by becoming such a compelling villain – Wilson Fisk – in the Marvel shows ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Hawkeye’! It’s amazing to see he also directs and produces his own independent films, and even shares his knowledge by teaching master classes. He really balances everything – jumping between extended TV roles and memorable parts in films – it’s a fantastic career.

Mark Addy

Mark Addy is a versatile actor known for a variety of roles. He starred in the sitcom ‘Still Standing’ and famously played Robert Baratheon in ‘Game of Thrones’. He first gained recognition for the film ‘The Full Monty’ and has since appeared in many British comedies and dramas. Addy continues to act in both theater and television, often bringing a mix of humor and realism to his characters.

Tyler Labine

Tyler Labine is an actor known for his comedic roles in films like ‘Tucker and Dale vs. Evil’ and TV shows such as ‘Reaper’ and ‘Deadbeat’. More recently, he’s appeared in ‘New Amsterdam’ and continues to work on genre films and thrillers. Beyond acting, Labine also produces and sometimes directs TV episodes. He’s particularly good at playing relatable characters with a quirky sense of humor.

Kevin Smith

I’ve always been amazed by Kevin Smith. He really burst onto the scene with ‘Clerks’ and then cleverly built this whole interconnected world, especially with ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back’! What I find so cool is that he’s not just a director – he’s in his movies, and you can spot him acting in other films too. Plus, he’s a total multi-hyphenate, hosting podcasts and doing live shows. He even created ‘Comic Book Men’ and directs episodes of superhero shows! And if that wasn’t enough, he’s constantly on the road, doing Q&A screenings and hitting up festivals. It’s incredible how much he does and how dedicated he is to connecting with fans.

Peter Kay

Peter Kay is a hugely popular British comedian known for his stand-up routines and successful TV shows like ‘Phoenix Nights’ and ‘Car Share’. He’s famous for his live performances, which have repeatedly sold out arenas across the country. Beyond his own shows, he often participates in charity events and makes appearances in holiday television specials. He also has experience acting on screen and doing voiceover work, adding to his decades-long comedy career.

James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini is best remembered for his iconic role as Tony in ‘The Sopranos,’ which earned him many awards. He skillfully blended drama and humor in films like ‘Enough Said,’ and also worked behind the scenes as a documentary producer and supporter of new filmmaking talent. Beyond his acting, Gandolfini left a lasting impact by guiding younger actors and helping to pave the way for more nuanced and complex characters on television.

John Candy

John Candy was a beloved comedic actor known for starring in iconic films like ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ and ‘Uncle Buck,’ as well as ensemble comedies like ‘Spaceballs.’ He began his career with the Canadian comedy troupe SCTV and later transitioned to starring roles in major studio productions, working with acclaimed directors such as John Hughes and Mel Brooks. Candy’s films, particularly those geared towards families, remain popular today thanks to the genuine warmth and relatable humanity he brought to his characters.

Chris Farley

I’ll always remember Chris Farley as a whirlwind of energy. He exploded out of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and quickly became a movie star with hits like ‘Tommy Boy’ and ‘Black Sheep’. What really struck me was his commitment – he wasn’t afraid to throw himself completely into a character, and his physical comedy was just hilarious. Before the films, he was a dedicated stand-up performer, and he clearly loved working with his fellow SNL buddies. Honestly, you can still see his influence all over comedy today, both in sketch shows and movies. He was a truly special performer.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer is well-known for his role in the TV show ‘The Neighborhood’ and for movies like ‘Barbershop’ and ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’. He’s also a popular host for comedy specials and award shows, and continues to perform stand-up. Beyond performing, Cedric produces TV shows and helps up-and-coming comedians. He’s comfortable and funny in both family-friendly and more mature comedic roles.

Faizon Love

Faizon Love is a familiar face in comedy, known for his roles in movies like ‘Elf’, ‘Friday’, and ‘Couples Retreat’. He regularly appears in both TV shows and films, and also performs stand-up comedy across the country. His stand-up often includes funny stories about his experiences in the entertainment industry, as well as relatable observations about everyday life. He’s built a career playing memorable supporting characters that audiences instantly recognize.

Zach Galifianakis

Zach Galifianakis became well-known after starring in ‘The Hangover’ and then created the popular ‘Between Two Ferns’ series and film. He also starred in and led the critically acclaimed show ‘Baskets,’ which was praised for its mix of humor and emotional depth. He’s lent his voice to popular animated films like ‘The Lego Batman Movie,’ and continues to perform stand-up comedy and work on unique projects.

Nick Frost

Nick Frost is known for his collaborations with Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright on popular films like ‘Shaun of the Dead’, ‘Hot Fuzz’, and ‘The World’s End’. He’s also appeared in the TV series ‘Into the Badlands’ and co-created the comedy show ‘Truth Seekers’. Frost works on a wide range of projects, both in the UK and the US, from small independent films to large studio productions. Beyond acting, he’s also a writer and producer, taking on more creative roles behind the camera.

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson is a highly respected actor known for his roles in films like ‘In Bruges’ and ‘Calvary’. He’s also recognizable for playing Mad-Eye Moody in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and starring in the limited series ‘The Comey Rule’. Gleeson consistently delivers compelling performances in both leading and supporting roles, working on projects in Ireland and around the world. He skillfully juggles work in television, film, and even occasionally music.

John C. Reilly

John C. Reilly is a versatile actor known for both dramatic roles in films like ‘Boogie Nights’ and comedic parts in movies such as ‘Step Brothers’. He’s also a talented voice actor, famously playing Ralph in ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ and its sequel, and has received praise for his musical abilities. On TV, he starred in ‘Winning Time’ and frequently performs in large-scale stage productions. Beyond acting, Reilly is a producer and often works with other creatives on a diverse range of projects.

Josh Gad

Josh Gad is known for playing Elder Cunningham in the original Broadway production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ and for voicing the beloved Olaf in ‘Frozen’. He’s also a television creator and actor, having co-created and starred in ‘Central Park’ and appearing in ‘Avenue 5’. Gad’s film work is diverse, spanning comedies, family-friendly adventures, and live-action remakes. Beyond performing, he also writes and produces, frequently focusing on musical and animated projects.

Danny McBride

Danny McBride is the creative force behind comedy shows like ‘Eastbound & Down’, ‘Vice Principals’, and ‘The Righteous Gemstones’, where he also takes the lead role. Beyond television, he’s a writer for films such as ‘Pineapple Express’ and has been involved in bringing back the ‘Halloween’ franchise. McBride also heads a production company focused on developing innovative and edgy comedy, and he often works with the same group of talented actors and directors on his projects.

Eric Stonestreet

Eric Stonestreet is best known for playing Cam on the hit show ‘Modern Family,’ a role that earned him several awards. Beyond that, he’s worked on many TV dramas and comedies, and has also lent his voice to animated movies and shows for families. When he’s not acting, Stonestreet enjoys supporting charities and attending sporting events.

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane was a highly respected actor known for his roles in both comedic and dramatic productions. He gained widespread recognition for playing Hagrid in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and for his acclaimed performance in the series ‘Cracker’. He also appeared in James Bond films like ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘The World Is Not Enough’, and was a popular figure with audiences of all ages, earning several awards for his television work.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us who else deserves a spot on this list.

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2025-11-11 20:25