Actresses Who Gained Weight for Roles and Kept It

It’s common for actors to change their bodies for roles, and while many actresses lose weight after filming, some choose to keep the weight on. They might feel more comfortable in their new bodies or find it opens up more opportunities for different roles. This article showcases talented actresses who intentionally gained weight for a project and decided to maintain that weight long-term, demonstrating evolving beauty standards and their dedication to their craft.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger is well-known for gaining weight to play Bridget Jones. She ate a high-calorie diet to convincingly portray the character’s physique. While she sometimes changed her weight for other roles, she regained the weight for several Bridget Jones sequels. This physical transformation became strongly associated with her most famous role and made her even more popular with fans. Later, she discussed the difficulties of dramatically changing her body for the films.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron dramatically changed her body for the movie ‘Tully’. She gained fifty pounds to realistically portray a tired and stressed-out new mother. It took her more than a year to lose the weight afterward, and she continued to maintain the fuller figure during that time, openly discussing the emotional difficulties she faced. Her commitment to the role resulted in a very real and honest depiction of what it’s like to be a mother.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens deliberately shifted away from her former teen star image by gaining weight for her role in the intense drama, ‘Gimme Shelter’. She fully immersed herself in the part of a homeless, pregnant teenager, committing to the physical changes the role demanded. Unlike immediately slimming down after filming, she chose to maintain a healthy, strong body that felt more authentic to her. This role proved to be a significant moment in her career, establishing her as a capable dramatic actress.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst intentionally gained weight to play Peggy Blumquist in the TV series ‘Fargo’, and she happily ate whatever she wanted while filming. After the show wrapped, she didn’t feel pressured to lose the weight quickly, and even kept the fuller figure for other roles. Her performance was highly praised, demonstrating her dedication to fully embodying her characters.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette famously gained forty pounds in a short seven weeks to play the lead role in the Australian film ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, working with a dietitian to achieve the transformation. Interestingly, she didn’t lose the weight right away, and remained larger for several years as she began her career in Hollywood. Her performance as Muriel is still considered a classic in independent film.

Hilary Swank

To prepare for her Oscar-winning role in ‘Million Dollar Baby’, Hilary Swank dramatically transformed her body, gaining nineteen pounds of muscle. She trained intensely for hours each day and ate a high-protein diet to convincingly portray a professional boxer. Remarkably, she maintained much of that muscle and athletic physique even after filming ended. Swank found she enjoyed the strength and fitness that came with it, and this commitment contributed to one of her most memorable performances.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera purposefully gained weight for her role in the film ‘Real Women Have Curves,’ which was a celebration of body positivity and challenged typical beauty standards in Hollywood. She continued to champion natural body types throughout her successful run on the TV show ‘Ugly Betty.’ Throughout her career, Ferrera has consistently spoken out about the importance of seeing realistic bodies represented in media, and her work has empowered many women to feel more confident about themselves.

Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard intentionally gained thirty pounds for a role on ‘Black Mirror’, where she played a character fixated on social media validation and desired a specific appearance. Surprisingly, she decided to keep the weight on after filming, feeling happy and comfortable with her body. Since then, she’s been vocal about the unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood and has become a well-known advocate for body positivity.

Allison Tolman

Allison Tolman became well-known for playing Molly Solverson in the first season of ‘Fargo’. The show asked her to weigh a certain amount to match the character’s role as a local police officer. Tolman has publicly stated she won’t change her body to get more acting jobs. Despite this, she continues to be cast in important roles and speaks out about the need for more realistic body types on TV. Her skill and dedication have earned her a strong reputation in the entertainment industry.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein intentionally gained weight for her memorable roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart.’ She became a prominent example of a new wave of actresses who challenge typical Hollywood beauty standards. Feldstein has continued to embrace her body and uses her visibility to advocate for inclusivity. She frequently chooses roles where her weight isn’t a defining characteristic, and her achievements have helped create more diverse representation in mainstream movies.

Danielle Macdonald

Danielle Macdonald intentionally gained weight to play the lead role in the film ‘Patti Cake$’ because the character, an aspiring rapper, needed a strong stage presence. She continued to embrace her body type in later films like ‘Dumplin” and ‘Bird Box’, prioritizing her acting over focusing on her appearance. This approach has helped her build a successful career playing a wide range of complex characters.

Nikki Blonsky

Nikki Blonsky became well-known after landing the starring role in the movie ‘Hairspray’. She was perfectly cast as Tracy Turnblad because of her talent and ability to embody the character. Throughout her career in film and television, she has proudly maintained her natural physique and often speaks about representing girls who share her body type. Her positive energy and skill have made her a beloved actress for many years.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley became well-known for her role as Mercedes Jones on the popular TV show ‘Glee’. She kept a consistent image throughout the show’s six seasons and continues to do so today. Riley uses her talent and platform to promote self-love and acceptance of all body types, refusing to feel pressured to meet traditional Hollywood standards for weight. Her ongoing achievements in television and theater serve as an inspiration to aspiring performers.

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco is well-known for playing Dayanara Diaz on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She’s celebrated for representing a relatable body type and has become a fashion inspiration. Polanco embraces her figure and often discusses the limited clothing choices available for plus-size women. She actively works to broaden beauty standards in Hollywood, and her self-assurance and fashion sense have made her a role model to many.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is well-known for playing Taystee in ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ She’s stayed in great shape and has even become a model, working with brands that promote body positivity. Brooks has openly discussed her path to self-acceptance, especially within the challenging entertainment industry. She regularly connects with her fans online, inspiring them to love and appreciate their bodies as they are. Beyond television, she continues to impress audiences with her talent and charm on Broadway and in films.

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe gained recognition for her compelling role in ‘Precious’, even earning an Academy Award nomination. Throughout her career on shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘American Horror Story’, she chose to stay true to her body and herself. Sidibe has openly discussed her journey with self-acceptance and the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing. Despite the challenges of fame and public attention, she’s remained authentic, and continues to be a significant and impactful figure in television and film.

Mo’Nique

I’ll never forget Mo’Nique’s powerful performance in ‘Precious’ – she deserved that Oscar! What I’ve always admired about her, though, is how she’s always been a champion for body positivity and called out unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood. She was unapologetically herself for so long, and I loved seeing someone who didn’t feel pressured to conform. Later on, she focused on getting healthier, but always stayed true to what she felt good in. Honestly, she’s just a total icon and a really talented performer – a legend, plain and simple.

Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz gained fame playing Kate Pearson on the hit show ‘This Is Us’. The show often focused on Kate’s struggles with weight and body image, which connected with many viewers. Throughout the series, Chrissy consistently portrayed this character. She’s spoken about how important it was to show a realistic depiction of someone dealing with weight issues on TV. Her honesty and acting skills have made her a fan favorite.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates became a Hollywood icon with her unforgettable performance in ‘Misery’. Throughout her impressive career, she’s consistently remained true to herself and never let concerns about her weight hold her back from taking on diverse roles. She’s earned many awards for her work in film and television, and her lasting success is a clear demonstration of her talent and commitment to acting.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy rose to fame with her funny and memorable role in ‘Bridesmaids.’ For a long time, she stayed true to her personal style while consistently appearing in hit comedies. McCarthy has frequently emphasized the importance of health over a specific clothing size, and she even created her own clothing line to offer a wider range of sizes for women. Her skill in both comedic and serious roles has established her as a leading force in Hollywood.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is an Academy Award-winning actress, known for her role in ‘The Help’ and a string of other successful films. She’s consistently prioritized believable characters over focusing on her appearance, and this dedication to her craft has made her one of the most in-demand actresses working today. Her career proves that skill and dedication are more valuable than fitting traditional beauty standards.

Retta

Retta is well-known for playing Donna Meagle on ‘Parks and Recreation,’ and she’s kept a consistent look as she’s continued to act, including her role in the drama ‘Good Girls.’ She’s always been comfortable with how she looks and often uses her wit to talk about body image. Many women who share her body type find her a fashion icon. Retta’s engaging performances consistently make her a memorable part of any show or movie she’s in.

Aidy Bryant

I’ve been a big fan of Aidy Bryant for years, especially when she was on ‘Saturday Night Live’ – she always stood out! I also loved that she co-created and starred in ‘Shrill’, which was so refreshing because it was based on a real story about learning to love your body. What I really admire is that she didn’t change her weight to fit any expectations, and she used her voice to share stories you rarely see in mainstream media. She’s been so honest about finally accepting herself, and I think her work has really helped change how we talk about body image in TV and movies.

Margo Martindale

Margo Martindale is a remarkably busy and talented actress with a long list of film and TV credits. Throughout her decades-long career, she’s stayed in great shape and is celebrated for completely transforming herself to fit each role. She’s received several Emmy Awards, including for her work on shows like ‘Justified’ and ‘The Americans.’ Her achievements demonstrate that a skilled actor doesn’t need to fit a typical Hollywood mold to be successful.

Ann Dowd

Ann Dowd is a highly respected actress known for her powerful and realistic performances. She’s become recognizable for her consistent look while playing unforgettable characters in shows like ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Dowd prioritizes understanding her characters’ emotions over changing her appearance for a role. Her talent for portraying complex women has earned her widespread praise and awards, and she continues to thrive by taking on demanding new roles.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell rose to fame in the early 1990s with movies like ‘A League of Their Own’ and continued to be a familiar face as a talk show host and actress. She’s openly shared her experiences with health issues and body image, always choosing to be genuine and connect with her audience rather than conform to expectations. For more than three decades, she’s had a lasting impact on both television and film.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash is well-known for her funny roles in shows like ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She’s always been proud of her body and openly encourages others to feel confident in theirs. Even as she’s taken on more serious acting roles lately, she’s stayed true to herself. Nash frequently talks about the power of loving yourself and the need for more representation of different kinds of beauty in movies and television. Her energy and talent have made her a fan favorite in the entertainment industry.

Brooke Elliott

Brooke Elliott played the main character, Jane Bingum, in the TV show ‘Drop Dead Diva,’ a comedy-drama about the legal world. The show’s premise centered on a model who, after her death, came back to life in the body of a plus-size lawyer. Brooke Elliott kept her weight consistent throughout the show’s six seasons and has received a lot of positive attention for her authentic and inspiring depiction of a working woman. Her performance has been instrumental in breaking down traditional expectations of how lead actresses are supposed to look.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a trailblazing entertainer, known for both her music and acting. Throughout her career, she’s proudly maintained her natural physique and become a strong voice for positive body image, even working with several beauty companies. With starring roles in popular films like ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Equalizer,’ she’s remained authentic and become a highly influential figure in Hollywood.

Camryn Manheim

Camryn Manheim earned an Emmy Award for her work on the TV show ‘The Practice.’ She famously dedicated her acceptance speech to all women who don’t fit typical beauty standards. Manheim has continued to prioritize her health and has written about her experiences navigating weight issues in Hollywood. She’s been a pioneer for actresses who challenge the industry’s traditional expectations, and her successful career proves that talent and authenticity matter.

Shelley Winters

Shelley Winters was a celebrated actress best remembered for gaining weight to play a courageous passenger in ‘The Poseidon Adventure’. She received an Academy Award nomination for that role and chose to keep the weight on, continuing to act consistently in supporting parts throughout her career. Winters was highly respected for both her incredible talent and her dedication to fully embodying her characters. She remains a lasting example of a versatile and brave performer.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor intentionally gained weight to convincingly portray the character of Martha in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’, aiming for a more mature and worn appearance. This performance earned her an Academy Award, and she maintained the weight for several years. Later in life, she became well-known for her activism while continuing to be a major fashion influence. Throughout her decades-long career, she remained a globally recognized and celebrated figure.

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling has talked about how her body changed while filming ‘The Mindy Project.’ She purposefully maintained a relatable figure and didn’t want her character’s success to be tied to her weight. Kaling has been honest about the pressures of Hollywood and choosing to be happy rather than strictly dieting. She continues to be a powerful writer and producer, and her work is inspiring for women who want to see more realistic body types represented on TV.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is well-known and loved for playing Shirley Bennett on the comedy series ‘Community’. She generally kept the same appearance throughout the show and in her later work. Brown has frequently talked about her personal health journey and how important it is to feel comfortable and confident. She’s successfully expanded her career into hosting and more serious acting roles, all while staying true to herself. Her kind personality and talent have made her a familiar and cherished face on television.

Phyllis Smith

Phyllis Smith became popular for playing Phyllis Vance on ‘The Office’. She was a seasoned character actress who consistently portrayed a down-to-earth and relatable persona throughout the show’s run. Her character was loved for her sweet nature and understated wit, not her appearance. Smith has continued to thrive in television and voice acting, landing roles in major animated movies. She’s a great example of how talent and dedication can lead to a lasting career in Hollywood.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine has been a major force in entertainment ever since her memorable performance in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. Throughout her decades-long career, she’s remained in fantastic shape while taking on diverse roles in theater and film. A celebrated actress with numerous awards, she’s instantly recognizable for her unique voice and captivating presence. Devine has always stayed true to herself, refusing to be defined by typical Hollywood beauty standards, and remains one of the most respected performers in the industry today.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey intentionally gained weight to play the role of Sofia in ‘The Color Purple,’ delivering a remarkably powerful and moving performance. While she later adopted a healthier lifestyle, she openly discussed her weight struggles after the film and became a strong voice for body positivity and self-acceptance. Her performance in ‘The Color Purple’ is still considered one of the most impressive first film roles ever seen.

Jennifer Coolidge

As a movie fan, I’ve always loved Jennifer Coolidge! She totally shines in comedies like ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Legally Blonde,’ and honestly, she has this instantly recognizable look that’s just her. I’ve noticed she often plays characters who are super confident and glamorous, no matter what, which is fantastic. And it’s so great to see her having a huge moment right now with ‘The White Lotus’ – that role is amazing and so well-deserved. She’s been a hilarious and beloved part of Hollywood for years, and her comedic timing is just perfect.

Let us know what you think of these amazing actresses and how impressive their changes have been – share your thoughts in the comments below!

2026-02-12 05:19