Couldn't help but notice during a commercial for that heinous new Ron Howard film, "The Dilemma," that there isn't a whole lot separating Vince Vaughn (the supposed leading man) and Kevin James (the chubby sidekick) in the looks department these days. I don't really give a Hostess Cupcake (chocolate, please) about Vince Vaughn's weight. But I couldn't help but think how no Hollywood actress could ever get away with gaining a ounce -- much less 30 or more. Meanwhile, Alec Baldwin went from being the sexiest man in movies -- see hairychested proof HERE -- to be a rotund "funny" guy on TV -- and beloved character actor in films. And Adam Sandler and Vince Vaughn keep plugging along as film funnymen, despite middle-age "filling out." (OK, so maybe things didn't go so smoothly for Val Kilmer, but everyone knows America can be cruel to really overweight people.) The few female celebrities who have dared to gain weight -- most would sooner die -- either wind up virtually blacklisted (Kathleen Turner) or end up only working as pitch women for weight-loss products (Kirstie Alley, Marie Osmond, Valerie Berinelli, to name a few). Maybe I'm wrong about this. Can you name a leading lady whose career improved when she filled out?
12 comments:
Not sure why the suits in 'hollywood' continue to put this overweight mediocre actor packaged in bad movies as entertainment. I'd so rather see talented younger guys like a Zach Quinto or the stunning Matt Bomer on the big screen.I'm sure america would agree...
Does Judi Dench count?
It's brilliant that the first commenter is anti-overweight.
I think he's a great actor!
Shelley Winters comes to mind. She started as a blond bombshell, gained weight, and had a highly successful career as a character actress. But she had a long career, a crazy sense of humor, played Roseanne's grandmother!
Martin
Shelly Winters also slept with anything that moved. That's more of the reason why her career was so long.
Cagney AND Lacey.
The difference with the women being mentioned in the comments above is that they're all character actresses, or became character actresses when they gained weight. Vince Vaughn is still put forth as the leading man. But would Reese Witherspoon or Katherine Heigl still get leads in romantic comedies if they were 30-40 pounds heavier? No. If they got work at all they'd be relegated to playing the wise-cracking best friend.
Alec Baldwin is "rotund"? Really? You call Sandler and Vaughn "film funnymen" which kind of implies to me that they lean more as character actors than (traditional) leading men. But your point is taken, there is definitely a double standard. (However, one commentator pointed out Judi Dench who filled out and still takes lead roles in movies.)
Also manifested in TV shows like "King of Queens" and "According to Jim:" schlubby chubby hubby paired with skinny hot wife.
Hmm, Renee Zellweger's career was at its peak when she was at her heaviest. She's virtually invisible now that she's stick-thin (unless I'm remembering it wrong..).
Mattrett - we should all be anti-overweight as it is obviously not healthy nor is it remotely attractive! And yes, Shelley slept her way to the top...
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