Celebs Who Promoted Body Positivity Through Their Roles

How people are shown in movies and on TV greatly influences what society considers beautiful and acceptable. When actors of all body types play believable characters, it helps break down damaging stereotypes common in the entertainment world. Here are some celebrities who have used their influence and roles to promote self-love and body positivity.

Aidy Bryant

Aidy Bryant played Annie Easton in the series ‘Shrill,’ which was based on a memoir about accepting your body. The show follows Annie as she builds her career in journalism and explores her relationships, all while learning to value herself regardless of her weight. Bryant helped write the show to make sure her character felt real and wasn’t reduced to a stereotype or a joke. ‘Shrill’ honestly addresses issues of self-love and challenges society’s negative attitudes toward larger bodies, but it does so in a hopeful, not depressing, way.

Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz played Kate Pearson on the popular show ‘This Is Us,’ a role where she deeply explored issues of weight and self-image. Her character’s emotional struggles with body image connected with many viewers. Metz has often spoken about her own personal experiences, and she felt the role helped bring much-needed representation to plus-size women on television. The show made it clear that while Kate’s weight was a part of who she was, it didn’t define her completely.

Nicola Coughlan

Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington on the popular show ‘Bridgerton,’ has become a fashion inspiration. She asked for her character to be portrayed in a romantic and positive light to demonstrate that women of all sizes deserve loving relationships and compelling stories. Coughlan often pushes back against interviewers who focus too much on her appearance rather than her work as an actress. Her role is helping to break the traditional mold of period dramas, which historically have featured mostly thin actors.

Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira became well-known for playing Kat Hernandez on the TV show ‘Euphoria’. Her character goes from being a shy writer to a self-assured young woman who feels comfortable with her body and sexuality. Ferreira collaborated with the show’s creator to tell a story about accepting yourself and the challenges of presenting a certain image online. Her portrayal connected with many young viewers who wanted to see more realistic depictions of teenage bodies on screen.

Melissa McCarthy

As a critic, I’ve always admired Melissa McCarthy’s impact. She didn’t just break into comedy with ‘Bridesmaids,’ she blew the doors off, and then proved it wasn’t a fluke by headlining massive hits like ‘Spy.’ What consistently impresses me is how she plays genuinely capable and funny characters – and crucially, their weight is never the punchline. She uses physical comedy brilliantly to make these women strong and engaging, not to make fun of them. And it’s fantastic to see her extending that empowering message with her clothing line, offering stylish choices for women of all sizes. She’s not just funny, she’s a force.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson became famous for playing Fat Amy in the movie ‘Pitch Perfect’. The character confidently embraces the nickname to shut down any potential teasing and remains self-assured throughout the films. Wilson’s portrayal was full of energy and bravery, quickly making her a crowd favorite. She showed audiences that anyone, regardless of size, can be skilled, athletic, and attractive.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has long been a strong advocate for accepting all body types, and this is clear in her films like ‘Last Holiday’ and ‘Hairspray’. In ‘Last Holiday’, her character, Georgia Byrd, fully enjoys life and indulges in luxury after receiving a serious diagnosis. Latifah brings a natural confidence and powerful presence to her roles, pushing back against the limited beauty standards often seen in Hollywood. She continues to work on projects, both as a producer and actress, that showcase a wider range of stories and body types.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera became well-known for her roles in the film ‘Real Women Have Curves’ and the popular TV series ‘Ugly Betty’. Her early work notably explored the challenges young Latinas face with body image and family expectations. Ferrera is a strong voice for accepting natural beauty and challenging unrealistic body standards. Throughout her career, her characters often achieve fulfillment by being true to themselves.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet, who played a detective in ‘Mare of Easttown,’ was determined to portray a believable middle-aged woman. She famously asked the director not to digitally alter her body in a nude scene and refused to allow retouched images to be used for publicity. Winslet wanted viewers to see a genuine portrayal of a woman’s life and experience reflected in her appearance. This dedication to realism earned her praise and started important discussions about accepting the natural process of aging.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling both created and starred in ‘The Mindy Project,’ playing a fashionable and pop-culture-loving OB/GYN. Her character, Mindy Lahiri, was known for her confidence and refusal to conform to beauty standards. Kaling intentionally wrote the character to be attractive and stylish while being a more realistic size, and the show was important for providing representation for women of color with average bodies.

Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham’s show ‘Girls,’ which she created and starred in, often featured her character nude or in revealing outfits. This was unusual for television at the time, as Dunham’s character, Hannah Horvath, treated her body without shame or judgment. Despite facing criticism, Dunham believed it was important to show a realistic body type, one not typically seen in Hollywood. Her work helped open the door for more diverse and authentic portrayals of women’s bodies on television.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is known for her heartfelt performance as Tasha Jefferson on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Beyond acting, she’s a strong voice for plus-size women of color and has appeared in prominent fashion campaigns. Her work has allowed her to portray complex stories about motherhood and strength, even within difficult circumstances like the prison system. Currently, she’s championing greater diversity in superhero films and television with her role in ‘Peacemaker’.

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe first gained recognition for her powerful performance in the movie ‘Precious’, where she portrayed a character dealing with significant emotional hardship and feelings of being overlooked. Since then, she’s written about her life experiences and openly discussed building her confidence and finding success in an industry known for its narrow beauty standards. Sidibe consistently chooses roles that allow her to demonstrate her versatility as an actress.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is known for portraying strong and dignified characters, as seen in her Oscar-winning role in ‘The Help’ and her depiction of Madam C.J. Walker in ‘Self Made’, where she beautifully showcased the ambition and resilience of Black women. She consistently plays intelligent, capable leaders, and her work in mainstream films helps to create a more inclusive representation of women – particularly those with diverse body types – in positions of power.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley, known for her role as Mercedes Jones on ‘Glee,’ was a standout singer on the show. Her character wasn’t afraid to take center stage and challenged the idea that her body size should hold her back. Riley’s performances often focused on themes of self-worth and body positivity. She further demonstrated her talent and athleticism by winning ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ proving that skill and grace come in all sizes.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained recognition for her role in the comedy ‘Booksmart,’ where she played a smart and successful high school student. What made the role special was that the story didn’t focus on her weight or create conflict around her body. Feldstein intentionally chooses to play well-rounded, humorous female characters who are simply allowed to be themselves. Her work helped to show a wider range of body types in teen comedies, moving away from the typical storyline of physical transformations.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser quickly became popular with audiences for her role as Barb in ‘Stranger Things’ and went on to star in ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’. In ‘Sierra Burgess’, her character explored the challenges of not feeling like she fit typical beauty standards. Purser has often discussed how important it is to see diverse body types represented in romantic stories. She uses her social media to promote both mental health awareness and self-acceptance.

Retta

Retta is well-known for her role as Donna Meagle on ‘Parks and Recreation.’ Donna was a confident, successful woman who loved the finer things in life and had a lively dating life. Retta’s portrayal was funny and self-assured, challenging common expectations for plus-size characters. The show highlighted Donna’s personality and achievements without ever making jokes about her weight.

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco is famous for playing Dayanara Diaz on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and also appeared in ‘In the Heights’. She’s known for confidently showing off her figure on the red carpet and is a strong voice for body positivity, especially within the Latinx community. Polanco often portrays characters who are both strong and vulnerable, making them feel very real. She also encourages the fashion industry to be more inclusive and dress people of all body types.

Amy Schumer

In the movie ‘I Feel Pretty,’ Amy Schumer plays Renee, a woman who suddenly feels incredibly confident. The film looks at how believing in yourself can change your life, suggesting that true confidence comes from within, not from how you look. Schumer is known for tackling tough topics like body image with honesty and humor, both in her stand-up comedy and her movies.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence chose not to go on a strict diet when playing Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’. She believed Katniss should appear strong and resourceful, not overly thin. Lawrence has often spoken out against Hollywood’s focus on extreme thinness and the expectations it puts on young actresses. Her position contributed to a growing acceptance of strong, athletic physiques for women in action films.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh spoke out about how her body was altered in promotional images for ‘Black Widow,’ and reaffirmed her pride in how she looked in the film. She explained that she worked hard to portray her character as a believable and physically capable fighter. Pugh often shares unedited photos and videos on social media to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and inspire her fans to feel confident in their natural bodies.

Melanie Lynskey

Melanie Lynskey, known for her role in ‘Yellowjackets,’ has responded to criticism about her character’s storyline, which some critics unfairly focused on her body. She plays a strong and multifaceted survivor who challenges typical Hollywood beauty standards. Lynskey has expressed frustration with constantly being asked about her weight instead of her acting. Critics and audiences alike are praising her performance for its powerful and moving portrayal of emotion.

Brooke Elliott

Brooke Elliott played Jane Bingum in ‘Drop Dead Diva,’ a show about a model who comes back to life inside the body of a plus-size lawyer. The series looked at how society judges women based on how they look. Throughout the show, Elliott’s character learns to accept and love her new body while finding both professional success as a lawyer and happiness in her personal life. ‘Drop Dead Diva’ was unique because it featured a plus-size woman as the lead in a legal drama.

Nikki Blonsky

Nikki Blonsky charmed audiences as Tracy Turnblad in the 2007 movie ‘Hairspray’. Her character passionately advocates for inclusivity and accepting all body types on a popular local dance show. Blonsky’s performance was full of vibrant energy, emphasizing the joy of dancing no matter your size. The film continues to be a beloved source of inspiration for body positivity and self-acceptance.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez, who played Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ was a pioneer for inclusive representation on television. Their character was a talented orthopedic surgeon who was comfortable and confident with her body and sexuality. The show included scenes of Ramirez in underwear, presenting a realistic and positive body image without shame. This portrayal was important for increasing the visibility of curvier women in professional careers.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became famous on Disney Channel’s ‘That’s So Raven,’ where she was known for her funny physical comedy and great style. She even designed many of her own outfits on the show to make sure they looked good and felt comfortable. As a young star, she inspired a lot of girls by showing them someone they could relate to on television. Today, she still talks about the challenges she faced growing up in the spotlight, particularly regarding body image.

Mae Whitman

Mae Whitman played the lead role in ‘The DUFF,’ which stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend. The movie challenges the hurtful high school practice of labeling people and shows the main character learning to ignore the negative opinions of others. Whitman’s acting emphasizes how silly social rankings can be and how important it is to define yourself. She plays the character with humor and likability, showing someone who won’t let others judge her based on how she looks.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of Selena not only honored the Tejano music star but also helped bring more realistic body types to the forefront of popular culture. The film celebrated Selena’s natural shape and style, and Lopez’s performance contributed to a change in beauty standards, moving away from the very thin look that was popular in the 90s. Lopez remains a role model for strength and staying fit at all ages.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff, known for her role in ‘How I Met Your Father,’ has openly discussed her journey with body image after becoming a mother. She resisted the urge to quickly lose weight after pregnancy, prioritizing her mental well-being instead. Her character on the show, Sophie, deals with dating in today’s world in a way that’s both realistic and promotes a positive self-image. Duff frequently uses her public platform to talk about what bodies really look like after giving birth.

Viola Davis

To prepare for her role as a warrior general in ‘The Woman King,’ Viola Davis underwent rigorous physical training. She built a strong, muscular body, challenging typical Hollywood expectations for actresses. Davis has said she felt liberated focusing on her body’s capabilities instead of its appearance. Her performance is a celebration of the power and beauty of Black women’s bodies.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron purposefully gained weight to realistically play a tired mother of three in the movie ‘Tully.’ The film honestly shows how pregnancy and the time after giving birth can physically affect a woman. Theron has talked about how challenging the weight gain was, and how it made her feel down. Her commitment to the role resulted in a refreshingly honest portrayal of motherhood in the film.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore, known for her role in ‘Santa Clarita Diet,’ consistently champions a positive and realistic view of body image. She openly shares her fitness experiences online, but stresses that happiness is more important than striving for an impossible ideal. Barrymore rejects strict Hollywood expectations and embraces the natural changes her body goes through at different times in her life. She also creates a welcoming environment on her talk show where people can openly discuss self-acceptance.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates is a celebrated actress known for powerful performances in films like ‘Misery’ and ‘Titanic’. Unlike many stars, she’s never felt the need to fit a specific image. Instead, she brings a serious depth and energy to every role, earning the attention and admiration of audiences. Bates demonstrates that true acting success comes from skill and personality, and she continues to impress with her range, as seen in shows like ‘American Horror Story’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is a celebrated actress, known for her Oscar-winning role in ‘Precious’ and her compelling portrayal of Ma Rainey in ‘Bessie’. She’s always been proud of her body and advocates for respect for larger women in an industry that often ignores them. Through both her comedy and dramatic acting, Mo’Nique promotes self-acceptance and body positivity, encouraging audiences to recognize beauty and talent in women of every size.

Jack Black

Jack Black is known for his energetic and confident performances, especially in movies like ‘School of Rock’. He fearlessly uses his physicality for both comedy and music. His character, Dewey Finn, embodies unwavering self-belief, proving that genuine charisma and passion are more important than fitting traditional expectations of a leading man.

David Harbour

I always admired David Harbour’s approach to playing Jim Hopper in ‘Stranger Things’. He intentionally pushed back against the typical Hollywood expectation to get super ripped. He felt Hopper, as a small-town sheriff, should look, well, real. And honestly, his physique became a surprisingly beloved part of the character! He did transform his body later on because the story needed it to, but he’s always been a champion for seeing more realistic body types represented on screen, and I really appreciate that.

Jason Segel

Jason Segel, who wrote and starred in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall,’ included a memorable nude scene after a breakup to portray vulnerability and humor without being overtly sexual. He intentionally didn’t get in shape for the role, wanting to keep his character relatable. The scene is well-known for its honest and brave depiction of male nudity.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen has been a popular comedic actor for years, known for movies like ‘Neighbors’ and ‘Knocked Up’. He often plays the romantic lead, but unlike many actors, he maintains a normal, everyday physique. This makes him relatable to audiences, suggesting that regular guys can also be successful in love and life. Lately, Rogen has been sharing his passion for creative hobbies like pottery, shifting the focus away from typical fitness obsessions.

Bridget Everett

‘Somebody Somewhere’ is a series starring Bridget Everett, inspired by her own life, and set in Kansas. The show follows Sam, her character, as she discovers a sense of belonging and finds her voice through music and connection with others. Everett delivers a powerful and authentic performance, and her character’s relatable, everyday style adds to the show’s charm. Ultimately, ‘Somebody Somewhere’ is a heartwarming story about finding your people and embracing who you are.

Michelle Buteau

‘Survival of the Thickest’ is a new series created by and starring Michelle Buteau, inspired by her book. It centers on a stylist who’s starting over and finding her way in the fashion industry as a plus-size woman. Buteau plays Mavis, a character who designs outfits that embrace and celebrate all body types. The show is a joyful and humorous tribute to loving yourself and bouncing back from life’s challenges.

Gwendoline Christie

Gwendoline Christie’s portrayal of Brienne of Tarth in ‘Game of Thrones’ was groundbreaking, as she defied typical expectations for female characters with her tall and strong physique. Christie fully embraced the physical demands of the warrior role, moving away from traditional ideas of femininity. She’s shared how playing Brienne helped her feel confident about her own height and individuality. Ultimately, her performance paved the way for more diverse representation in fantasy and action films and television.

Alison Brie

As a film fan, I was really impressed with ‘GLOW’. Alison Brie actually trained as a wrestler for the role, and what struck me was her focus on getting strong – not just looking a certain way. The show itself was amazing because it featured a really diverse group of women learning to use their bodies in such powerful and entertaining ways. Brie talked about how empowering it felt to lift heavy weights and do her own stunts, and honestly, the whole series just celebrated what the female body is capable of – it was really inspiring to watch.

Betty Gilpin

Betty Gilpin played Debbie Eagan in the show ‘GLOW,’ alongside Alison Brie. Her character dealt with the expectations of being an ideal mother while also finding strength through professional wrestling. Gilpin has thoughtfully discussed the unusual experience of being a woman and an actress in Hollywood. Her performance beautifully showed the nuances of female friendships and the challenges of competitive sports.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox’s groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ significantly raised the visibility of the trans community. She helped start important worldwide discussions about trans identity and what it means to be beautiful. Cox encourages everyone to embrace what makes them unique and to be true to themselves. Her work has also pushed for more diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

Lizzo

Lizzo created and hosted the reality show ‘Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’, which searched for talented plus-size dancers who are frequently ignored in the entertainment world. Unlike typical competitions, Lizzo focused on creating a positive space where the dancers could prioritize their well-being and self-esteem. Lizzo herself remains a worldwide role model, celebrated for her message of self-love and embracing joy.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is celebrated for her Emmy-winning role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ She skillfully portrayed a complex and sympathetic character, adding layers of depth that went beyond a simple stereotype. Aduba has openly discussed overcoming early insecurities about her gap tooth and her name, resisting pressure to conform to conventional standards. Her achievements demonstrate the importance of self-acceptance and celebrating individuality.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill has been a public figure since his teenage years and has experienced changes in his weight. In his documentary, ‘Stutz’, he openly talks about his struggles with body image and the negative impact of media attention. He’s asked fans to refrain from commenting on his body, prioritizing his mental well-being. This act of setting boundaries is a strong example of promoting positive body image for men.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani dramatically changed his body for his role in Marvel’s ‘Eternals.’ He was very open about how extreme the process was and how much work and money it took to get in superhero shape. He shared that he became overly focused on tracking his progress and that maintaining that physique wasn’t realistic or healthy long-term. His honesty offered a much-needed dose of reality about the bodies we see in superhero movies.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger famously gained weight to play Bridget Jones, and the character’s struggles with weight and journey to self-acceptance connected with women everywhere. Zellweger made Bridget a lovable and relatable character, even with her imperfections. The movie is still well-known today as a way to talk about body image and relationships.

Share your favorite performance from this list in the comments.

2026-01-24 20:21