13 Inspiring Plus-Size Actresses Who Show Confidence Is the New Standard

13 Inspiring Plus-Size Actresses Who Show Confidence Is the New Standard

Hollywood is finally embracing body diversity, with plus-size actresses breaking barriers and reshaping the conversation around beauty standards. Many of these talented women are already household names, while others are rising fast—winning prestigious awards and captivating audiences worldwide. With their confidence and authenticity, they inspire millions and prove that talent and charisma matter far more than outdated size expectations.

1. Queen Latifah – The Regal Multi-Talent

From her groundbreaking rap career to becoming a CoverGirl spokesperson, Queen Latifah has redefined what it means to be a star on your own terms. Her Emmy and Golden Globe wins for “Life Support” and “Chicago” showcase her incredible range as an actress who never compromised her identity.

Throughout her decades-long career, she’s been outspoken about body positivity before it was even a mainstream concept. “I was not born a size 2. I’m not skinny, period,” she once famously declared.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Queen Latifah’s business ventures and production company have created opportunities for diverse stories and performers, cementing her legacy as both an entertainment icon and cultural pioneer.

2. Melissa McCarthy – The Trailblazing Comedy Queen

From scene-stealing roles in Bridesmaids to headlining blockbuster comedies, Melissa McCarthy redefined what a leading lady looks like in Hollywood. Her impeccable timing and physical comedy chops earned her multiple Emmy Awards and two Oscar nominations.

McCarthy seamlessly transitioned into dramatic roles with films like Can You Ever Forgive Me?, proving her range extends far beyond comedy. Her production company champions diverse stories often overlooked by mainstream studios.

What truly sets McCarthy apart is her refusal to let industry standards dictate her worth. “I’ve been every size in the world, but I feel sexy in all of them,” she once declared, embodying the confidence revolution she helped create.

3. Danielle Brooks – The Powerhouse Performer

Bursting onto screens as Taystee in Orange Is the New Black, Danielle Brooks immediately captivated audiences with her emotional depth and authentic presence. Her Broadway debut in The Color Purple earned her a Tony nomination, showcasing her extraordinary vocal talents alongside her acting prowess.

Brooks’ refusal to be typecast has led to diverse roles spanning comedy, drama, and musicals. Her portrayal of Sofia in the film adaptation of The Color Purple further cemented her status as a formidable talent.

Beyond performing, Brooks champions body positivity through fashion collaborations and candid social media posts. “I’m not just existing – I’m thriving in this body,” she proudly states, inspiring fans to embrace their own unique beauty.

4. Aidy Bryant – Breaking Barriers on Saturday Night Live

Few comedians have left their mark on Saturday Night Live quite like Aidy Bryant, whose eight-season run featured unforgettable characters and pitch-perfect impressions. Her comedic brilliance lies in finding humor without resorting to self-deprecation about her body – a revolutionary approach in comedy.

Bryant’s semi-autobiographical series Shrill took her talent to new heights, tackling body image issues with nuance and humor. The show resonated deeply with viewers who rarely see their experiences authentically portrayed on screen.

Her fashion sense has become legendary, with Bryant embracing bold colors and patterns that many plus-size women were once told to avoid. “Wear the horizontal stripes!” could be her rallying cry for women everywhere to dress for joy, not concealment.

5. Octavia Spencer – The Oscar-Winning Icon

With an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and countless nominations to her name, Octavia Spencer stands as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation. Her breakthrough in The Help showcased her extraordinary ability to balance humor with heartbreak, creating unforgettable characters.

Spencer has consistently chosen roles that challenge stereotypes and expand representation. From historical dramas to sci-fi thrillers, her versatility knows no bounds.

Her production company champions diverse storytelling, with Spencer personally mentoring emerging talent. “I want young girls who look like me to know they belong in every room they enter,” Spencer has said, using her platform to create pathways for the next generation of performers who don’t fit Hollywood’s narrow mold.

6. Mo’Nique – The Fearless Trailblazer

Few performers have shown the raw courage of Mo’Nique, whose unflinching portrayal in Precious earned her every major acting award, including an Oscar. Her willingness to embrace deeply complex characters showcases her extraordinary range and commitment to authentic storytelling.

Long before body positivity became mainstream, Mo’Nique celebrated her size through her comedy specials and groundbreaking reality show Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance, which featured plus-size beauty pageants. She created visibility when media largely ignored larger women.

Her outspoken challenges to industry discrimination have come at professional cost, yet she remains unbowed. “I won’t diminish my worth for anyone’s comfort,” she famously declared, embodying a fearlessness that continues to inspire those fighting for equity in entertainment.

7. Amber Riley – The Triple Threat

Blessed with one of the most powerful voices in entertainment, Amber Riley first captured hearts as Mercedes Jones on Glee, where her showstopping performances regularly brought audiences to their feet. Her remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery have made her a standout in both television and theater.

Riley’s triumph on Dancing with the Stars shattered misconceptions about size and athleticism. Week after week, she delivered technically perfect routines with grace and energy that left judges awestruck.

Her West End performance in Dreamgirls earned her the prestigious Olivier Award, confirming her status as a world-class performer. “I’ve never let my size stop me from doing anything,” Riley has shared. “My body can dance, sing, act – it can do anything I train it to do.”

8. Beanie Feldstein – The Broadway and Film Star

With an infectious enthusiasm and remarkable talent, Beanie Feldstein has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers. Her breakout role in Lady Bird showcased her ability to bring depth and nuance to supporting characters, while Booksmart proved she could carry a film with her perfect comedic timing.

Broadway embraced Feldstein’s considerable talents when she took on iconic roles in Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl. Her stage presence and vocal abilities demonstrated her versatility across performance mediums.

Feldstein approaches her career with refreshing authenticity, often speaking about the importance of representation. “I never saw someone who looked like me as the lead in romantic comedies growing up,” she once noted. “Being that person for younger generations means everything to me.”

9. Gabourey Sidibe – The Groundbreaking Debut

Few actresses have made the impact Gabourey Sidibe achieved with her very first film role. Her raw, powerful performance in Precious earned her an Oscar nomination and announced the arrival of a formidable talent who refused to be defined by Hollywood’s narrow standards.

Sidibe went on to build an impressive career with memorable roles in American Horror Story, Empire, and Antebellum. Her ability to move between drama, horror, and comedy demonstrates her remarkable versatility as a performer.

Her memoir This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare revealed the strength behind her success. “I was born to stand out,” Sidibe wrote, a philosophy evident in her fearless career choices and her refusal to let industry prejudices limit her potential.

10. Chrissy Metz – The Heart of This Is Us

Chrissy Metz’s portrayal of Kate Pearson on This Is Us brought unprecedented depth to a plus-size character on network television. Her performance earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, with viewers connecting deeply to her character’s journey of self-acceptance.

Metz’s willingness to portray vulnerable moments, including intimate scenes rarely afforded to plus-size actresses, helped reshape television’s approach to body diversity. Her character’s storylines focused on her relationships, career, and family – not just her weight.

A talented singer as well as actress, Metz showcased her musical abilities both on the show and in the film Breakthrough. “When I started loving myself enough to speak my truth, that’s when my career took off,” Metz has shared, embodying the authenticity that makes her performances resonate so powerfully.

11. Natasha Rothwell – The Multifaceted Talent

As Kelli on Insecure, Natasha Rothwell created one of television’s most memorable characters – confident, hilarious, and unapologetically herself. Behind the scenes, Rothwell’s talents as a writer and producer for the series showcased her creative brilliance beyond acting.

Her scene-stealing performance in The White Lotus revealed her dramatic depth, earning critical acclaim and expanding perceptions of her range. From HBO comedies to Disney blockbusters like Wonder Woman, Rothwell consistently delivers standout performances.

A former drama teacher turned comedy performer, Rothwell brings authenticity to every role. “I’m interested in telling stories about people who look like me living full lives,” she’s explained. Her success both in front of and behind the camera is creating pathways for diverse creators throughout the industry.

12. Michelle Buteau – The Bold Comedy Star

Stand-up sensation Michelle Buteau has conquered every corner of entertainment with her infectious energy and razor-sharp wit. Her Netflix comedy special Welcome to Buteaupia won a Critics Choice Award, cementing her status as one of comedy’s brightest stars.

Buteau’s acting career includes scene-stealing roles in Always Be My Maybe, Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, and First Wives Club. Her hosting talents shine on The Circle, where her commentary adds an extra layer of entertainment.

Creating and starring in the semi-autobiographical series Survival of the Thickest represents Buteau’s most personal achievement. “I’m telling the story of a plus-size Black woman living her best life, not just surviving,” Buteau explained. The critically acclaimed show proves that authentic representation resonates with audiences hungry for diverse stories.

13. Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Oscar-Winning Breakthrough

Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s masterful performance in The Holdovers earned her an Academy Award, marking a career-defining moment that showcased her extraordinary emotional range. Her portrayal of grief, resilience, and quiet strength resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

A Juilliard-trained performer, Randolph first gained recognition on Broadway in Ghost: The Musical, earning a Tony nomination. Her seamless transitions between stage, television (High Fidelity, Only Murders in the Building), and film demonstrate her versatility.

Randolph approaches each role with remarkable authenticity and depth. “I’m interested in the full humanity of characters – their flaws, their desires, their contradictions,” she’s shared. Her Oscar win represents not just personal triumph but a meaningful step forward for representation in an industry still evolving toward true inclusivity.