Top 20 talented plus-size actresses who are making it big in the movie industry
What comes to mind when you think of the ideal movie actress? Indeed, women like Halle Berry, Lupita Nyong'o, and Angelina Jolie come to mind. But have you ever considered plus-size actresses? These women are making a fortune in Hollywood by starring in some of the best films. Learn about some of the top plus-size actresses who are making it big in Hollywood.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Summary of the top talented plus-size actresses: Top 20
- Top 20 talented plus-size actresses
- 1. Melissa McCarthy
- 2. Octavia Spencer
- 3. Bria Samoné Henderson
- 4. Natasha Rothwell
- 5. Da'Vine Joy Randolph
- 6. Michelle Buteau
- 7. Nicola Mary Coughlan
- 8. Nikki Garza
- 9. Raven Goodwin
- 10. Mo'Nique
- 11. Gabourey Sidibe
- 12. Beanie Feldstein
- 13. Aidy Bryant
- 14. Queen Latifah
- 15. Shannon Purser
- 16. Chrissy Metz
- 17. Rebel Wilson
- 18. Brooke Elliott
- 19. Nikki Blonsky
- 20. Sharon Rooney
- Which female celebrities are plus-size?
- What is the difference between curvy and plus size?
- At what weight are you plus size?
In the past, size was always a consideration to make it big in the entertainment industry as an actress. Tall and slim was the benchmark for many aspiring actresses, with some even undergoing procedures to achieve the desired look. However, in recent years, there has been a change in what is perceived as attractive. Plus-size actresses are becoming popular and getting more screen time, as witnessed in the many shows and films released today.
Summary of the top talented plus-size actresses: Top 20
| NO | Name | Place of birth |
| 1 | Melissa Ann McCarthy | Plainfield, Illinois, United States |
| 2 | Octavia Spencer | Montgomery, Alabama, United States |
| 3 | Bria Samoné Henderson | Richmond, Virginia, United States |
| 4 | Natasha Rothwell | Wichita, Kansas, United States |
| 5 | Da'Vine Joy Randolph | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| 6 | Michelle Buteau | New Jersey, United States |
| 7 | Nicola Mary Coughlan | Galway, Ireland |
| 8 | Nikki Garza | New Jersey, United States |
| 9 | Raven Goodwin | Washington, D.C., United States |
| 10 | Mo'Nique | Woodlawn, Maryland, United States |
| 11 | Gabourey Sidibe | Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York, United States |
| 12 | Beanie Feldstein | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| 13 | Aidy Bryant | Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| 14 | Queen Latifah | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| 15 | Shannon Purser | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| 16 | Chrissy Metz | Homestead, Florida, United States |
| 17 | Rebel Wilson | Sydney, Australia |
| 18 | Brooke Elliott | Fridley, Minnesota, United States |
| 19 | Nikki Blonsky | Great Neck, New York, United States |
| 20 | Sharon Rooney | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom |
Top 20 talented plus-size actresses
If you are looking for the top plus-size Hollywood actresses, you will be glad to know that there are many. Despite stereotypes and profiling, these celebrities have defied the odds to achieve greatness in the acting industry. Here are the hottest plus-size actresses making it big in the movie industry.
1. Melissa McCarthy
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Melissa Ann McCarthy
- Date of birth: 26 August 1970
- Age: 54 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Plainfield, Illinois, United States
McCarthy's name cannot be avoided when mentioning beautiful plus-size actresses. Melissa McCarthy is an American actress, comedian, producer, writer, and fashion designer. Melissa has graced the silver screen with classics such as The Heat, The Hangover and Spy.
The actress has received numerous honours, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and nominations for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
2. Octavia Spencer
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Octavia Lenora Spencer
- Date of birth: 25 May 1970
- Age: 54 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Octavia Spencer is a well-known and successful plus-size black actress. If her resume is anything to go by, Octavia Spencer is destined for great things. She has received numerous honours, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
Her accolades made her one of only two women of colour to have received three Oscar nominations and the first black actress to receive two consecutive nominations. As a result, Octavia is among Hollywood's top successful plus-size black actresses.
3. Bria Samoné Henderson
- Full name: Bria Henderson
- Date of birth: 31 December 1992
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Bria Samoné Henderson is best known for her roles as Dr. Jordan Allen in The Good Doctor and Margaret Sloan in Mrs. America. She is also a spoken-word poet, youth mentor, and theatre artist.
Henderson was nominated for the Women in Film Pathmaker Grant by Niecy Nash, which included a profile in Essence Magazine. Bria Samoné Henderson also starred in the short film Prepared, for which she received the award for Outstanding Comedic Actress (Short Film) at the 3rd Annual Micheaux Film Festival.
4. Natasha Rothwell
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Natasha Rothwell
- Date of birth: 18 October 1980
- Age: 43 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Wichita, Kansas, United States
Natasha Rothwell is a writer, actress, teacher, and comedian from the United States. Rothwell's career in comedy began while she was in college, studying theatre and establishing herself in improv comedy. In 2013, she was hired to write for Saturday Night Live.
In 2015, Natasha Rothwell was nominated for a Writers Guild Award for Comedy/Variety—Sketch Series. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree in theatre performance.
Natasha has been nominated for thirteen Primetime Emmy Awards, winning three. Her work in HBO's The White Lotus earned her a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
5. Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Da'Vine Joy Randolph
- Date of birth: 21 May 1986
- Age: 38 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Da'Vine Joy Randolph is a famous American singer and actress. She rose to prominence in the Broadway production of Ghost: The Musical as Oda Mae Brown.
She received critical acclaim for her performance as Lady Reed in the biographical film Dolemite Is My Name. In 2020, Da'Vine Joy Randolph appeared in the romantic comedy television series High Fidelity.
6. Michelle Buteau
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Michelle Buteau
- Date of birth: 24 July 1977
- Age: 47 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New Jersey, United States
Michelle Buteau is an American stand-up comedian, actress, television host, and podcast host. She has appeared in Isn't It Romantic (2019), Work It (2020), and Marry Me (2022). Michelle Buteau is among the plus-size Hollywood actresses who began their careers as stand-up comedians before transitioning to acting.
7. Nicola Mary Coughlan
- Full name: Nicola Mary Coughlan
- Date of birth: 9 January 1987
- Age: 37 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Galway, Ireland
If you're a fan of Netflix's Bridgerton TV series, you've probably heard of Nicola Mary Coughlan. She appears in the show as Penelope Featherington. She has also appeared in other works, including Derry Girls as Clare Devlin.
Nicola has seventeen acting credits and has received the Irish Film and Television Awards' Rising Star Award. If her current success is anything to go by, then the Irish-born actress is ranked among the top plus-size actresses under 40 making positive strides in showbiz.
8. Nikki Garza
- Full name: Nikki Garza
- Date of birth: 10 January 1994
- Age: 30 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: New Jersey, United States
Nikki Garza's most notable roles include Lone Star Bull, The Waltz Dynasty, and #Subtext. She is one of the top plus-size actresses who are young, and despite only having thirteen acting credits, she has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Nikki Garza is among Hollywood's top young plus-size actresses.
9. Raven Goodwin
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Raven Goodwin
- Date of birth: 24 June 1992
- Age: 32 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
Raven Shamira Goodwin is an actress from the United States. She made her debut in the comedy film Lovely & Amazing, for which she was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Raven Goodwin has thirty-six acting credits, according to IMDb, including roles in The Station Agent (2003), Lovely & Amazing (2001), and Snatched (2017).
10. Mo'Nique
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Monique Angela Hicks
- Date of birth: 11 December 1967
- Age: 56 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Woodlawn, Maryland, United States
Monique Angela Hicks, better known as Mo'Nique, is a stand-up comedian and actress from the United States. She has won the Academy Award, the BAFTA Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award.
Mo'Nique began her mainstream film and television career as Nicole "Nikki" Parker in the UPN series The Parkers (1999-2004). Monique Angela Hicks also appeared in Phat Girlz (2006) and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins (2008).
11. Gabourey Sidibe
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Gabourey Sidibe
- Date of birth: 6 May 1983
- Age: 41 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York, United States
Gabourey Sidibe is an actress from the United States. She made her acting debut in the 2009 film Precious. Gabourey Sidibe's performance in the film earned her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead and Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.
Gabourey Sidibe has thirty-three acting credits, including the flicks Precious, Tower Heist, Seven Psychopaths, and Antebellum.
12. Beanie Feldstein
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Elizabeth Greer Feldstein
- Date of birth: 24 June 1993
- Age: 31 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Elizabeth Greer "Beanie" Feldstein is an actress from the United States. She rose to prominence after starring in the comedies Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Booksmart and Lady Bird. Booksmart earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Beanie Feldstein has twenty-five acting credits and five wins out of twelve nominations.
13. Aidy Bryant
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Aidan Mackenzy Bryant
- Date of birth: 7 May 1987
- Age: 37 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Aidan Mackenzy Bryant is a comedian and actress from the United States. She was a cast member on the late-night variety show Saturday Night Live from season 38 to the end of season 47. Aidy Bryant has 38 acting credits, including Saturday Night Live (1975), Shrill (2019), and Human Resources (2022).
14. Queen Latifah
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Dana Elaine Owens
- Date of birth: 18 March 1970
- Age: 54 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Queen Latifah, born Dana Elaine Owens, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. If you have watched any of her works, you will agree that she has been one of the world's most beautiful plus-size actresses over 40.
Latifah has received a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. Queen Latifah has over 100 acting credits, including roles in the films Set It Off, The Equalizer, and Taxi.
15. Shannon Purser
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Shannon Purser
- Date of birth: 27 June 1997
- Age: 27 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Shannon Purser is one of the plus-size actresses in their 20s. She made her debut on the screen when she was featured in the television series Stranger Things. Shannon Purser has been featured in television series such as Rise, Final Space, Equal and Riverdale.
16. Chrissy Metz
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Christine Michelle Metz
- Date of birth: 29 September 1980
- Age: 43 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Homestead, Florida, United States
Chrissy Metz is an American actress and singer best known for her role as Kate Pearson on the NBC drama series This Is Us. She has appeared in films such as Breakthrough, Solving Charlie and Loveless in Los Angeles.
She is the executive producer for the American drama Stay Awake. Chrissy Metz won both the 2018 and 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards and the CinEuphoria Awards.
17. Rebel Wilson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson
- Date of birth: 2 March 1980
- Age: 44 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress and producer famous for her role as Fat Amy in the Pitch Perfect film series. She has also appeared in films such as Senior Year, Cats, How to be Single and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
She is the executive producer for television series such as Super Fun Night, Bogan Pride and LOL: Last One Laughing Australia. Rebel Wilson has won awards such as the Razzie Awards, Tropfest and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.
18. Brooke Elliott
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Brooke Elliott
- Date of birth: 16 November 1974
- Age: 49 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Fridley, Minnesota, United States
Brooke Elliott is best known for her lead role as Jane Bingum in the television series Drop Dead Diva. In the show, she portrayed a plus-size lawyer who, after a tragic accident, ends up with the soul of a shallow fashion model inhabiting her body. Brooke Elliott has also been featured in films such as Trew Calling, Crazy Wonderful, What Women Want and Furst Born.
19. Nikki Blonsky
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nicole Blonsky
- Date of birth: 9 November 1988
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Great Neck, New York, United States
Nikki Blonsky is an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in the 2007 film adaptation of the musical Hairspray.
She has also been featured in films such as Bosco, Ghost in the Graveyard, and The English Teacher. Nikki Blonsky has won various awards, such as the Critics Choice Awards, Hollywood Film Awards, Accolade Competition, and Young Hollywood Awards.
20. Sharon Rooney
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Sharon Rooney
- Date of birth: 22 October 1988
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Sharon Rooney is a Scottish actress best known for her role as Rae Earl in the British TV series My Mad Fat Diary. She has been featured in films such as Deep Heat, The Teacher and Zapped. Sharon Rooney won the 2015 BAFTA Awards, Scotland, for the best actress.
Which female celebrities are plus-size?
Some popular female celebrities who are plus-size include Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Octavia Spencer, Sharon Rooney, Danielle Brooks, Gabourey Sidibe, and Queen Latifah.
What is the difference between curvy and plus size?
The term "curvy" generally refers to body shapes with pronounced curves, especially in the hips, waist, and bust, and can apply to various sizes. Plus size, on the other hand, specifically refers to clothing sizes that are typically 14 and above. While all plus-size individuals can be curvy, not all curvy individuals are considered plus-size.
At what weight are you plus size?
There isn't a specific weight range for plus-size clothing, as it varies based on height and body composition, but it typically begins around 180-200 pounds for average-height women. In men's clothing, plus-size generally starts at XL or waist sizes of 38 and above.
Plus-size actresses are breaking through in Hollywood. They are carving out a niche for themselves, gaining fans and followers for their skill and self-assurance in their weights. The future looks bright for these stars as Hollywood embraces them and offers them more leading roles in big-budget films.
Yen.com.gh released a piece about the most prominent Japanese actors. They include well-known stars like Ken Watanabe from The Last Samurai and Tatsuya Nakadai from Harakiri and Kwaidan.
Japanese actors rank high worldwide and are featured in high-budget, critically acclaimed movies and TV shows. These prominent actors have helped showcase talent in the country.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Chris Ndetei (Lifestyle writer) Christopher Ndetei is a junior reporter writer who joined the Yen team in May 2021. He graduated from the Machakos Technical College in 2009 with a diploma in ICT. Chris has over two years of experience in content creation and more than ten working in the hospitality industry. He covers lifestyle/entertainment, focusing on biographies, life hacks, gaming and guides. In 2023, Christopher finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach him at chrisndetei@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Yen.com.gh where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
