The 1990s, a decade known for its vibrant cinema and television, was also a time when plus size actresses began to gain prominence, challenging traditional beauty standards and paving the way for future diversity in representation. These women not only brought their talent to the screen but also inspired generations by embracing their bodies and advocating for inclusivity.
Before delving into the incredible contributions of these actresses, it's crucial to understand the societal context. The 90s was a period of significant cultural shifts, with conversations around body positivity and acceptance starting to gain traction. Plus size actresses were at the forefront of this revolution, using their platforms to challenge stereotypes and reshape societal norms.
Pioneering Roles and Iconic Characters
The 90s saw plus size actresses securing leading roles and creating iconic characters that left an indelible mark on pop culture. These roles were not merely sympathy-inducing or comical, but complex, multifaceted, and often challenging to the status quo.
One such groundbreaking character was apricot farmer Edna Turnblad, played by the late, great Divine in the 1998 musical comedy "Hairspray". Divine's performance was a testament to the power of embracing oneself, with Edna singing "I am beautiful, and I'm here" in the film's openingsequence.
Divine and "Hairspray"
Divine's casting in "Hairspray" was a triumphant moment for the plus size community. Her performance as Edna, a loving and accepting mother, was not only hilarious but also heartwarming, subverting expectations and stereotypes. Divine brought a vulnerability and authenticity to her role that resonated with audiences worldwide.
"Hairspray" also sent a powerful message about integration and acceptance, with Edna and her daughter Tracy (Ricki Lake) fighting against racial segregation in Baltimore. Divine's performance added another layer of depth to this narrative, demonstrating that size is just one aspect of diversity.
Queen Latifah in "Set It Off"
In 1996, Queen Latifah starred as Cleo, one of the four bank robbers in F. Gary Gray's crime thriller "Set It Off". Cleo was not just a plus size character; she was a dynamic, complex woman navigating poverty, violence, and sexism in South Central Los Angeles. Queen Latifah's powerful performance brought depth and empathy to Cleo, making her a relatable and compelling anti-heroine.
Queen Latifah's casting represented a significant shift in how plus size actresses were portrayed. She was not cast to be the butt of jokes or the Nice Fat Girl™ trope. Instead, she played a pivotal role in a high-stakes heist film, proving that plus size actresses could command the screen in blockbuster movies.
hbar serials and Sitcoms in the 90s
The 1990s television landscape was also ripe for change, with plus size actresses securing meaty roles in primetime series. They brought gravitas, humor, and warmth to their characters, transforming the viewing experience for audiences.
In the late 90s, Roseanne Barr's eponymous sitcom "Roseanne" featured tipsy, blue-collar matriarch Roseanne Conner, played by Barr herself. Despite its working-class Chicago setting, the show tackled issues ranging from politics to body image, with Barr's performance earning her multiple award nominations and wins.
Roseanne Barr in "Roseanne"
Roseanne Conner was an unconventional leading lady when "Roseanne" premiered in 1988. She was loud, brash, and proudly plus size, challenging the dainty, domesticated stereotype of suburban housewives. Barr's unapologetic portrayal of Roseanne marked a significant shift in primetime television, paving the way for later sitcoms like "The Middle" and "Mom".
Throughout the series, Barr's character authored books, ran for president, and even came out as a lesbian in a groundbreaking 1994 episode. These storylines not only showcased Roseanne's versatility as a character but also expanded the narrative possibilities for plus size women on television.
Mo'Nique in "The Parkers"
In the 1999 sitcom "The Parkers", Mo'Nique played Nicole "Nikki" Parker, a single mother and cosmetology student. Nikki was a caricature compared to Roseanne Conner, but her character was still groundbreaking for its time. She was a plus size woman navigating college as an older student, struggling with finances, and grappling with her daughter's estranged father.
Mo'Nique's portrayal of Nikki was marked by her character's resilience and humor. "The Parkers" was a sitcom steeped in melodrama, but Mo'Nique's performance brought a warmth and authenticity to Nikki that made her relatable and loveable. Through her role, Mo'Nique demonstrated the range and depth of plus size acting talent on primetime television.
From Divine's empowering performance in "Hairspray" to Queen Latifah's commanding turn in "Set It Off", and Roseanne Barr's and Mo'Nique's transformative roles in primetime sitcoms, plus size actresses in the 90s broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and paved the way for better representation. As we look to the future, it's clear that their work set the stage for more diverse, inclusive, and authentic storytelling.