The Stranger Things actress, Shannon Purser speaks about the treatment of fat actors in Hollywood. She is well known for playing the role of Barbara, Nancy’s friend, who was killed by the Demogorgon. Barbara was a likable character and the first one to have died in the series which really avoids killing characters. Recently, she is back in the news due to her comment on Hollywood’s treatment of fat actors.
Despite movements toward accepting our bodies no matter how it looks, Hollywood has been having some trouble casting fat actors, even to play iconic fat characters.
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Stranger Things star speaks up against Hollywood’s treatment of fat actors
The actress, Shannon Purser spoke against the treatment of oversized actors after the photo of Emma Thompson wearing a fat suit for the upcoming remake of Matilda was released. The actress was given a number of prosthetics and implants to play the iconic fat character in the movie, Agatha Trunchbulll. It has sparked some debate as well.
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they’re not hiring fat actors for iconic fat characters because they want a big name star. there are almost no fat big name stars because fat actors aren’t allowed upward mobility. we aren’t allowed upward mobility because the industry sees us as two-dimensional set pieces.
— Shannon (@shannonpurser) June 20, 2022
Shannon Purser took Twitter to speak her opinion, “They’re not hiring fat actors for iconic fat characters because they want a big-name star. There are almost no fat big-name stars because fat actors aren’t allowed upward mobility We aren’t allowed upward mobility because the industry sees us as two-dimensional set pieces.”
Shannon Purser receives the support on Twitter
After the actress posted her views on Emma Thompson being cast to play a fat character, donning a fat suit, many have come to support the actress. As it is something everyone can agree upon that casting a fat actor for an iconic fat character is way easier than casting the big names and making them wear fat suits to make them look fat. It is a surprise to see that Hollywood is still doing it in 2022.
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One of the Twitter users commented on the post, “It makes me sad too, because there are a lot of talented fat actors, and we are fine playing villains because we want diverse and complex roles on par with those who fit societal standards, as long as we stop being typecasted in roles that are negative BECAUSE we are fat.”
Check out other Twitter comments below:
I can relate to this on so many levels. The amount of roles I’ve been turned down for is unbelievable and you can always guarantee the person who gets the role is slim. And god forbid I do get the role I’m (my character) is always described as ‘the friend’ 😭
— Laura Saxon (@LauraSaxon) June 21, 2022
It would also ruin their precious beauty industry, if they place relatable women in film, they lose control. I was inspired and loved the moment I saw you on screen because I felt seen. I would love to act but I know it wouldn’t be likely because of the exact issue you stated.
— Jordan (@JKKT_1995) June 21, 2022
Totally agree! The industry has been off base for a long time. Go Sharon! 💕
— Lisa Endicott (@LisaEndicott2) June 22, 2022
Many other actors have spoken up against this issue as well. Back in 2019, James Cordon also highlighted the issue existing in the industry. He said “chubby’ actors do not get to play major roles in movies.
Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 comes out on July 1, 2022.
Related: Stranger Things: A Major Character Can Die In Vol. 2
