It’s Friday, might as well get a little deep, right? Who needs to go into the weekend free-spirited and feathery.
Not I says the bear.
Since the movie Precious hit theaters, everybody (literally) has been talking about the performances of two people, Mo’Nique and Gabourey Sidibe (Gabby). She’s graced magazine covers and done the talk show circuit, even making it to Oprah. She was even nominated for a best lead actress Oscar that was handed to Sandra Bullock for playing a white person saving a Black person who also happens to be saving a white person.
I love magical Negroes. Bagger Vance.
Back to Gabby. America loves an underdog. And she is an underdog. But she is however, a very very talented actress. Thing is, she’s competing in an industry where Keanu Reeves still gets work. Which begs the question, does talent really win out in Hollywood. Such was the discussion on Howard Stern’s show the other day that caused somewhat of an uproar amongst the Black community (well, I don’t know many white people so its possible white people were up in arms too) as people couldn’t believe how ignorant and shortsighted Howard Stern and Robin could be regarding Gabby. But his comments got people to thinking and talking. To wit:
During Howard Stern’s Sirius satellite show on Monday morning, co-host Robin Quivers commented that Sidibe should have looked around at the Oscars and noticed that none of the other working actresses looked like her.
“What movie could she play in?” Stern questioned on his live broadcast. “You feel bad because everyone pretends that she’s part of show business, and she’s never going to be in another movie.”
While his premise is clearly flawed (she’s already been tapped for another movie and has a recurring role on a cable TV show), his point of major mainstream success and role-floodgates opening isn’t so far fetched. I mean, face it, there are only so many roles for Black women period and they keep going to the same people. She’s not classically pretty and she’s a rather big girl. She just so happens to have the personality and charm to win people over. But it’s still a business built on selling pretty people to people who want to be the pretty people.
I think that she has a future in movies, just not mainstream America movies. And I also think that she’s been exploited a little bit lately. We all love a good story of somebody making it despite the odds. The thing is, we have really short attention spans and the next person to make it despite the odds will knock her right off the front pages. I like to hope not, but Howard and Robin weren’t necessarily so wrong. Not in Hollywood anyway.
Then again, there is always Maggie Gyllenhall, a woman who is about as attractive as my left shoe but people find roles for her to play. Then again, she’s tall, thin, and white. I think the optimist in all of us wants to believe that there are big things in the future for her (no pun intended…seriously, I wasn’t trying to take a shot…no, for real), but reality is a motherf*cker.
So I bring it to you, my good pals of VSB, is there a place for Gabby at the table in Hollywood? Or have we seen the last of her (outside of a Tyler Perry movie and indy films and documentaries)?
What it be like?
(By the way, I know everybody loves her. That has nothing to do with anything here. If skills sold truth be told…well, you know the rest.)
-VSB P aka THE ARSONIST aka TANGLE JIG P aka GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRL, HE A 3
Kind of agree…I’m not sure what else she’d be in either. She might even have the typecast danger…
I do feel that she is an excellent actress though. After watching that movie and seeing her as herself, I couldn’t believe it was the same person! She is so completely opposite of her role in Precious…a bit valley girl-ish but still positive, charming, and effervescent!
@KaNisa,
“She might even have the typecast danger…”
This is actually what i think is going to happen her. *shrug*
@Made In Hawaii, think? that’s defintely going to happen to her.
@Panama Jackson,
Especially since Tyler Perry was one of the producers for Precious. That mofo has Sugar Plum “Madea Juniors” dancing in his head.
@KaNisa, “She is so completely opposite of her role in Precious…a bit valley girl-ish but still positive, charming, and effervescent!”
I agree. I was even more impressed by her acting after I saw her interview.
“She might even have the typecast danger…” That immediately makes me think of Nikki Blonsky, the girl who played the main character in “Hair Spray” and then went on to star in a TV movie called “Hair Spray”. I feel like a director would have to find a way for the audience to overlook her weight or “non-mainstream” look by giving her some amazing ability or talent so we see past the exterior.
My fault, delete please! lol Thanks!
“She might even have the typecast danger…”
That immediately makes me think of Nikki Blonsky, the girl who played the main character in “Hair Spray” and then went on to star in a TV movie called “Queen Sized”. I feel like a director would have to find a way for the audience to overlook her weight or “non-mainstream” look by giving her some amazing ability or talent so we see past the exterior.
@KaNisa,
“She is so completely opposite of her role in Precious…a bit valley girl-ish but still positive, charming, and effervescent!”
I love that because it was the least I expected. Which only gives her acting skills more validity. I haven’t even seen Precious yet (will soon), but just from the previews and watching some of her audition tape, I never expected her to be the way she is. I was like, That chick is a rabid NSYNC fan…lmao.
unless she has some comedic timing and can sang. The roles will be few and far between once the novcelty wears off
Its f!cked up and I hope she proves us wrong but…
(And all yall wrong for thinking of any fat lady sings puns)
@shay-d-lady,
Yeah, I really don’t think she’s been tested enough in the Hollywood arena. Her first gig was somewhat a fluke, she just so happen to knock it out of the park. The next couple of years will really tell how she does. If she gives a not-so-great performance or one of her near-future gigs tanks, it could be a wrap.
@shay-d-lady, so basically you’re sayign she needs to get ready to be in The Wiz 2???
@Panama Jackson,
Dont even joke about a remake of the damn Wiz.. I dont think my soul could take it.
As far as Gabourey Sidibe – i believe that she will fall into a lack of work and then out of the lime light and as KaNisa mentioned, ” After watching that movie and seeing her as herself, I couldn’t believe it was the same person!” which only speaks for her acting talent meaning that she’s worthy of much more work.
As far the rest of your post… “there are only so many roles for Black women period and they keep going to the same people.”
Am I the only one bothered by black men portraying the roles of black women? (ex. Eddie Murphy in Nutty Professor & Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, or Martin Lawrence in Big Momma’s House and Big Momma’s House II or Tyler Perry in Madea’s Films) I feel like these movies take it farther (in the sense of the emasculation of the black man) than Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire OR am I making a mountain out of a molehill?
@J. Delicious, “Am I the only one bothered by black men portraying the roles of black women?”
I’m more bothered by non-black women taking on roles portraying black women like Angelina Jolie in A Mighty Heart. That really bothers me.
@Leila,
I feel ya on that. As much as I like Angelina Jolie, they could have found a black woman, especially a European black woman that could have played Mariane Pearl. She is French so they could have found a French or even British black woman to play her.
@ComicBookGuy,
I agree but Marianne Pearl herself wanted Angelina to play her. So…maybe she herself doesn’t see herself as a black woman. I mean, I won’t be asking Sarah Jessica to play me in a movie.
@ComicBookGuy, i dont its that marianne pearl does not see herself as a black women, but i think she thought Angelina jolie would be best at embodiying her as a person, as they are apparently close friends.
@V.E.G, @michelle,
I feel both of you on that. To me, your statements really show how much of emphasis we as Americans can place of race in so many aspects, where as people in other countries don’t concentrate on it as much.
@ComicBookGuy,
YES. There are pickings slimmer than Kristen Stewart’s pinky finger for Black actresses in terms of roles and here along hops YT taking those, too?!
It’s like 2520s hijacking brothas, but the Hollywood version… okay I’m just gonna cross this out. lol@J. Delicious, the only reason i don’t have a problem with these dudes playing women’s roles is b/c of the context that they’re playing. you still need Martin’s personality to carry off his Big Momma. it’s part of the joke. Same with Eddie Murphy. It’s more liek a great comedy sketch and somehat impressive.
Tyler Perry on the ohter hand, i have NO clue why he insists on being Madea. none whatsoever. i cant knock him for it though you’ve got to wonder why any man would consistenly want to be a woman.
@Panama Jackson, i have NO clue why he insists on being Madea. none whatsoever.
um, you really have no clue why tp insists on being madea? i’m guessing that before he even wrote the script, he already had the wig, pumps, and dresses on deck.
@a plus,
i’m guessing that before he even wrote the script, he already had the wig, pumps, and dresses on deck. .
Okay this made me laugh. Methinks the same thing too.
@a plus,
“he already had the wig, pumps, and dresses on deck.”
I cosign this theory. I’d put Monopoly money on it.
@J. Delicious,
I hadn’t really thought about if I feel indifferent at all about Black men portraying Black women in film…..
I know that I lmbo @ Eddie Murphy’s characters and Tyler Perry’s Ma’dea reminds me of a few women from my father’s hometown.
My brother loathes these roles and refuses to watch any coonery.
*shrug* I dunno….
I don’t find a whole lot of white women attractive in the first place, but Maggie Gyllenhall is a particularly hideous creature. And if I were ever to hate someone solely for being so f*cking ugly, she’d be a great place to start.
Anyway, I can’t really answer either way. I haven’t seen Precious, but pretty much everything I’ve heard about it lauded her performance. Now like you said, she doesn’t fit the typical mold of an actress, but clearly people think and have seen that she can act, plus there are lots directors and writers and crap out there who create roles with a specific person in mind (this may or may not help her). Admittedly I’m not much of a film buff, but can y’all think of anyone who delivered such a heralded performance yet wasn’t able to find work afterwards? I just went through a list of movies in my head and I couldn’t (and by “list” I mean I thought of Pulp Fiction and Tron, so surely you can give a better effort than I did.).
@P., while i cant think of any movies off the top of my head i’m sure there are plenty of one-hit wonder women actors. i say women b/c they would probably only pair a chick who’s untested next to a proven star or something for box office sales (unless its indy).
it seems to me that women have to work hard and be that much better to stay current and relevant.
except in Black films where the same actors and actresses show up for all the films.
which brings me to this, do you know who’s career doesn’t get enough credit?? f*ckin Donald Faison. that dude has been in so many offbrand black movies and shows. from sugar hill and new jersey drive to waiting to exhale to trippin’. can’t hardly wait, clueless…
like dude’s been in all kinds of shit. hats off. lol.
@Panama Jackson,
“Donald Faison”
You ain’t lying…he’s like a younger D-List Sam Jackson, all over the place.
@Panama Jackson, anthony mackie is severely underrated and to an extent regina king
@Panama Jackson,
“except in Black films where the same actors and actresses show up for all the films.”
If showing up in every Black film had a higher education program, Jenifer Lewis would have a PhD.
@P.,
I don’t know. After watching secretary, I will never see her in the same light. That movie was like permanent beer goggles for me when it comes to her.
I haven’t seen Precious and I am not sure I plan to but I expect her to take her place among other AA actors/tresses who are waiting for work. For some reason I see her doing Broadway.
On another note, while I agree with everyone on the Maggie sentiment, Gabby is a very large girl. This may also disproportionately hurt her chance at future roles.
@lulu, On another note, while I agree with everyone on the Maggie sentiment, Gabby is a very large girl. This may also disproportionately hurt her chance at future roles.
i think you’re being nice. it will DEFINITELY affect her ability to get future roles.
I’m just mad that one of the first clips they showed of her at The Oscars was the one of her running off with a bucket of chicken. I still haven’t seen the movie, but I’m sure there was a more poignant clip to show.
@Miss Patterson,
i know, right!
@Miss Patterson, That scratch me the wrong way too
@Miss Patterson,
Right! They’ve already began to “play” her in a sense. The way Hollywood play n*ggas will result in what type of roles she does get. She may come across as this positive young girl, but let’s see if she gets roles as such. They’ll continue to put her as one big stereotype.
@Miss Patterson, you know us Black folks eat chicken though. why you mad?
@Miss Patterson,
YES!! I did the BFW (Black Folk Wince) when I saw that. Like, forreal? THAT showcased the reason why she got the nomination? Her running down the street with a greasy bucket of chicken. Standing ovation to you, Academy. Very nice. *major eyeroll*
@Miss Patterson,
When they showed that clip. I just shook my head and chuckled inside. Moms looked over @ me and she immediately knew that my reaction to that clip was me saying & thinking “Those muthafluckers!”.
Hold up!
She seems to get diss rather often over here on VSB.
Is Maggie Gyllenhall really that bad, ya’ll? LOL!
I swear I can think of worst… I think… give me a minute…
@Made In Hawaii,
I know right?! Y the hate against Maggie?
@Made In Hawaii, Now come on, you know Maggie is just a fugly chick. All the cute genes from the units went to her brother Jake.
@Hershey’s Kiss,
“Now come on, you know Maggie is just a fugly chick”
Exactly…and I don’t even think Jake is cute.
He’s odd looking too.
@miss t-lee,
Yeah but at least Jake is healthy looking and has seen the inside of the gym. Maggie on the other hand, is skinny-fat and looks like she has the jaundice.
@RocktheCatbox,
Jaundice. That is the best way to describe her look…lol
*side note
everytime I read your sn I start singing “Rock The Casbah” by the Clash.
LMAO
@miss t-lee,
skinny-fat?!?!?!? LMAO!
@Hershey’s Kiss,
Yes. Jake took ALL the cute. ALL OF IT.
Maggie is not the worstt but…um…yeah.
@Made In Hawaii,
Maggie is the bust for busted. She looks like one of those creatures on Willow with the pig nose. There are worst (Kirsten Dunst and those other two lily white girls who were on stage at the oscars) but, they are 2520′s! You know the rules are different. Silly rabbit…
Bond.
@Made In Hawaii, Is Maggie Gyllenhall really that bad, ya’ll?
yes.
@Made In Hawaii,
I am with you… I don’t get the whole “Maggie is soo ugly thing”…
Anyways, I think she is extremely talented (I’ve seen almost all her indie movies) and she gets roles because of that… and from what I’ve heard, she is easy to work with.
@Made In Hawaii,
Yeah, I can definitely think of worse, but Maggie always looks like disappointment. Even when she smiles, she makes baby Jesus wept.
@Cheekie, well you know disappointment ends in ointment, so . . . maybe . . . all hell, I don’t know where I’m going with that, I just wanted to say that : )
Well… I guess that settles it (in a majority wins case).
All of you speak truth, but I think she can have a vital career (I didn’t read all the comments so forgive me if I repeat somethign previously said):
1. There are tons of supporting actors in film and TV that get roles and are not what some people deem to be heartthrobs. She might get another starring role, she may not, but she can definitely work. Folks are overweight, skinny and lanky, got buck teeth etc. etc. Steve Buscemi gets work. All those dudes in the Superbad movie get work. Plus, Toby McGuire got to play Spiderman….3 times! That weird lady in Poltergeist who was small (in height) with the erie voice. God rest her soul, but she worked up until she passed.
2. I see her in roles not necessarily written for “black” characters. She might get these roles and bring another quality to a film. If Seth Rogen can play the love interest of Katherine Heigl (who still annoys me after he role as Izzy Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy and she seemed hella ungrateful about the role that put her on the map..but I digress), who some white people think is hot, Gabby can make it happen.
3. It’s a big wide world outside of the U.S. and if Gerard Depardieu can be a sex symbol Gabby again, can make it happen. There are so many international films she can do.
4. There is always animated voice over work, which I think is cushy as heck (maybe I’m wrong). You get that paper and you can have a bit of privacy because the paparazzi may not be on you as much. I always think the Simpson’s voiceover folks stay paid (not to mention voices who may do it in other languages). Plus, Cree Summer hasn’t been in front of the camera much since “A Different World” but her cartoon voices keeps that sister paid. I can also say the same for Phil Lamar (brother from Mad TV), and Mark Hamil who is the Joker in Batman animated shows and movies and he’s really good.
5. She can always go the role of Kevin Smith & Woody Allen and create her own films and roles.
@legitimate_soul,
oh, yasssssssssss, honey. i agree with all o’ this. lol
@legitimate_soul,
Co-sign!!!
@legitimate_soul, Is Phil Lamar the brother who played in Pulp Fiction? If so i have’nt seen him in anything since then, has anyone else?
@Just X,
Man, Phil Lamarr really ain’t tripping on not being in front of the camera. That dude is getting stupid paid doing cartoon voices and voices for video game characters. He was the voice of Samurai Jack and that cartoon won 4 Emmy Awards.
@legitimate_soul,
*applause*
@legitimate_soul,
That’s what the helll I’m talking about! She’s pretty savvy so I’m sure she knows she has to be resourceful. She’s got a kind of sparkle that’ll encourage people to make an exception and allow her some favor.
And I luv Maggie, she’s an Indie queen and I favor indie films. So while she may not be on the biggest marquis, she gets meatier roles. The Secretary? Lostsa Hollywood sweethearts woulda shunned that role.
@bittersweet’s baby, i agree i really like maggie and for one she is TALENTED. i loved her in sherry baby.
@bittersweet’s baby,
And I luv Maggie, she’s an Indie queen and I favor indie films. So while she may not be on the biggest marquis, she gets meatier roles. The Secretary? Lostsa Hollywood sweethearts woulda shunned that role.
Glad I am not alone. Maggie (like Mark Ruffalo) is an actor’s actress. She is not mainstream. I don’t see anybody else who could have played Crazy Heart like she did. Not a one.
@legitimate_soul,
Good points. For her sake, hopefully she hs the right agent or agency that’s savvy enough to keep her working.
@legitimate_soul,
There are tons of supporting actors in film and TV that get roles and are not what some people deem to be heartthrobs. She might get another starring role, she may not, but she can definitely work. Folks are overweight, skinny and lanky, got buck teeth etc. .
I agree with all of your points, especially this ^^. The “pretty” stars happen to have the spot light on them, but like you said there are TONS of normal looking actors. There has to be, how else would a story be believable if everyone in the movie was walking around looking like Sandra B.
@legitimate_soul, 2. I see her in roles not necessarily written for “black” characters. She might get these roles and bring another quality to a film. If Seth Rogen can play the love interest of Katherine Heigl (who still annoys me after he role as Izzy Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy and she seemed hella ungrateful about the role that put her on the map..but I digress), who some white people think is hot, Gabby can make it happen.
seth rogen is writing those movies though (well with judd apatow).
gabby better get to writing.
@Panama Jackson, Off topic: Am I the only one who thinks Katherine Heigl looks like a fake azz Charlize Theron?
@Miss Patterson,
I can see where you’re going with it. LOL
@Miss Patterson,
Heigel is to Charlize Theron what Dodge 300s are to Rolls Royce Phantoms. You think “hey they kind of look a like” but if you ever see them next to each other…
@Miss Patterson, no, I thought the same thing, and it’s part of the reason I don’t like her.
Charilze Theron is on the ‘list’, and Ms Heigl you are no Charlize.
@legitimate_soul,
“2. I see her in roles not necessarily written for “black” characters. She might get these roles and bring another quality to a film. If Seth Rogen can play the love interest of Katherine Heigl (who still annoys me after he role as Izzy Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy and she seemed hella ungrateful about the role that put her on the map..but I digress), who some white people think is hot, Gabby can make it happen. ”
Seth Rogen and any chubby guy with hot chick are the epitome of the double standard in Hollywood when it comes to gender, though. Just like when it comes to age. The older the women get, the more they play mothers (like that bullish of an idea to have Sally Field play Tom Hanks mother in Forrest Gump…don’t get me wrong, she was really good in it, but for real? dayum…lol) The older men get, they can STILL play with chicks my age without it always being a “cougar snabs cub” storyline attached. So, yeah, while men can do that easy, it probably won’t be so easy for Gabby or any other chick her size for that matter. Which is a dayum shame.
@Cheekie,
Well hot chick with chubby guy happens more often than unattractive lady with heart throb, and when the latter happens the male is often on the receiving end of much shade.
@Dash,
When the former happens, questions of “What is she doing with HIM?!” kinda questions form, too, though. It may not be as harsh, but they do arise. And there are a lot of people questioning why the trend of chubby guy/hot chick are in TV/Hollywood. And usually, it is for comedic purposes.
@legitimate_soul
Amen and co-sign!
Also,dude I looked up Ms. Cree Summer’s wikipedia and you ain’t neva lied. She has like all the voice roles.
The thing about Hollywood and the film industry is that it’s made up of types. There’s definetely a “fat black woman” type. When you think of an actress, yeah, you think of a Farrah Fawcett type (RIP Farrah, by the way) or some generic, pretty, thin ingenue, but the reality is that there are tens of thousands of working actors who are not stars, are not beautiful, and will never be asked for an autograph, yet they work as actors and have full lives.
So having said that, I definitely think Gabby should look into getting more fit, from a health perspective. I also think that her current size would limit the roles she would be up for. But, while she should probably wanna lose some lbs, she wouldn’t have to lose 200 pounds and fit into a size 12 to continue to work as an actress. I seriously doubt that she would get much MAINSTREAM work or be able to do very much of the type of work where she would be nominated for an Oscar again. But that’s very rare anyway. If acting is what she wants to do, there are definitely parts for her. She would just have to look outside of Hollywood for more earthy, independent, real people-type, black momma parts (and maybe work a daytime job, too). But that’s what she did in the first place, and it worked out very well for her. So………I guess what I think is, she’ll be fine. I seriously doubt she’ll be playing the Julia Roberts parts. (Just like there’s a crapload of size 2, blonde white girls who will also never do such a thing.) But she’s a smart girl and I’m sure she knows that.
And p.s., Howard Stern is a douchebag and that coon Robin is one Halls coughdrop away from being obese again her damn self. I mean, really, you betch…
@charli skipper,
“And p.s., Howard Stern is a douchebag and that coon Robin is one Halls coughdrop away from being obese again her damn self. I mean, really, you betch…”
^Love this comment and I agree!
Furthermore, how they gonna talk about anyone’s looks and them fools work in radio, lol!
@legitimate_soul,
“Furthermore, how they gonna talk about anyone’s looks and them fools work in radio, lol!”
*cracking up* Truth.
anybody ever heard of the pine sol lady? hell, don’t sleep. national commercials pay WELL. not so well that ms. pine sol may not have a day job or side hustle, but i wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t been able to purchase a nice home with that clean, smelllin money. anyway, the point is that you’d look at her and think, “actress? you ain’t beautiful. you ain’t makin no money. sit your large ass down.” but you’d be dead.ass.wrong. lol. there are things gabby can do. she just has to stick with and be realistic about it.
@charli skipper,
Shooo pine sol lady is making it happen…lol
@charli skipper,
“anybody ever heard of the pine sol lady? hell, don’t sleep. national commercials pay WELL. not so well that ms. pine sol may not have a day job or side hustle, but i wouldn’t be surprised if she hasn’t been able to purchase a nice home with that clean, smelllin money. anyway, the point is that you’d look at her and think, “actress? you ain’t beautiful.”
Mainstream America has always been accepting of motherly overweight Black women selling household cleaning products.
@charli skipper, “And p.s., Howard Stern is a douchebag and that coon Robin is one Halls coughdrop away from being obese again her damn self. I mean, really, you betch…”
NODDING HEAD IN AGREEMENT *-amazing to me that anyone even listens to the two of them, and that ish is on effin pay radio…UGH
@bajanflchick, that’s what offends me more about Robin…she used to be hella fat, and you’re hating on someone else? Howard has always been skinny (and ugly).
@charli skipper, good comment. good job, skipper.
@charli skipper, you’re right, Robin is a coon. She should just add tap shoes and jazz hands to her radio routine.
@charli skipper,
I love what you said and those are my sentiments exactly. Gabourey Sidibe will be fine.
p.p.s: that Robin chick reeks of “acceptance at all costs” syndrome… She needs to work on getting a self-esteem instead of trying to be funny (and failing miserably).
If they can find roles for Toni Collette…
@kidSistah,
Toni Collete GAINED weight for her first major film, and then she lost it.
@kidSistah,
Toni Colette is talented…
@kidSistah, WHAT?! I love Toni Collette. She’s a brilliant actress in my book.
is there a place for Gabby at the table in Hollywood?
She’s a great actress and has an amazing confidence that makes people like her. She also landed an Oscar nomination with her first role and an intro by Oprah at the awards show. Gabourey Sidibe isn’t the typical Hollywood actress and she’ll face the same battles that Queen Latifah and Monique faced because of weight, but they both overcame that and became very successful. I see Gabby losing some weight and changing up her image a bit to fit more in, but the talent is definitely there and I see a future for her.
@Leila,
Of course she gonna lose some weight! ain’t no fat women in Hollywood! Mo’nique who always oh: “I’m fat and beautiful.. skinny bitches this and that” look at her now she is shrinking by the minute and queen Latifah is not that big and she cute in the face. I haven’t seen precious yet but homegirl got her work cut out for her. I’m sure she has some tough skin to make it this far… but journey just begin. Unless she revolutionize the game in Hollywood and take it back to renaissance days where big women was sexy!
And another thing…I would even venture to say that the fact that Gabby is so outside the norm in terms of what a young actress is “supposed” to look like could work to her advantage. Sure, there are certainly not that money roles written with a largely overweight, young, “articulate” (shoutout to white people) black woman in mind. But she’s the only type of such a character that’s really well known right now, so in the event that something comes up, I mean, hey…….. In my former life……(*sad face*), I would attend auditions and classes and worked a little and things like that and the room would ALWAYS BE chock full of young, pretty girls. There are too many young, pretty girls for everyone with that look going for them to get an opportunity. So, hell, at least she has her own thing goin.
I’m sure people didn’t think they’d be seeing Queen Latifah very much either, and she made people recognize her type of beauty. Although they’re totally different…..but not really when you’re talking within the context of “Hollywood Squares and Round Holes.”
p.s.-I’m not saying that Gabby isn’t a beauty. Just, obviously, not in the traditional sense.
@charli skipper, And another thing…I would even venture to say that the fact that Gabby is so outside the norm in terms of what a young actress is “supposed” to look like could work to her advantage.
yeah, i totally disagree with this. it works for the novelty factor. that’s about it. after a while, novelty wears off. unless the role specifically calls for an overweight Black girl with a mid-range voice nobody is gonna swap her out for miley cyrus and be like, “hmm, let’s take a shot on this one.” it’s still a business.
@Panama Jackson,
But there’s always a novelty factor. That’s what show business is. I just think the fact that she’s overweight shouldn’t have us thinking “Oh. The poor fat girl’s going to be the only one not able to star in a film.” (Many working actresses will never do that.) OR “Once she loses that weight, she’s going to be a star.” (Many thin working actressess will never be that either.) At least she has a type. For an actor,
“typecast” > “not cast”. So you capitalize on your novelty factor until its gone. Very few actors will have Clint Eastwood type career where they’re A list from beginning to end. So she should work the novelty like Danny Devito and then find her niche in indy films/voiceovers/theatre/production/bit parts/whatever. She can work it.
@charli skipper, see, i disagree with there always being a novelty factor. the novelty in hollywood is the new and interesting roles actors find ways to place themselves into and their ability to recreate themselves. thing is…the novelty of gabby is this uber-underdog rising above the rest to become a standout in a movie. somebody said above she may have already peaked and i agree with that. her novelty is her unexpected stardom, but that fizzles after everybody knows who you are and roles tailor made for you don’t show up anymore. at this point, she’s gonna have to compete for roles (unless they’re specifically created for her) and like i said, nobody is gonna roll the dice to see if some shit will work b/c she’s a novelty. the thrill is gone.
@charli skipper,
I am co-signing on everything you are writing today, young lady. Good job! I like!
@Sula,
Yes, she’ll be fine. Gabby oozes charisma at interviews. Performance-wise she a monster, I think will see her in couple more movies and/or TV show appearances for a while before she finds her niche. If the only thing that was stopping her is the way she looks…well she doesn’t have problem.Talent is Talent, looks be damn. She is Big, she is dark. I think all of us know too well the way we look have close some doors, but when did that stop anybody? I couldn’t have imagine MoNique as a decent actress before Precious. So seeing her give a great speech in front of REAL credible actors/actresses FTW. Hell, anything possible. Hollywood just has a problem with someone who looks like her being proud of herself. They’re too conformable to women being embarrassed about their weight.
As for Howard, in the words of her mom “Get a life”. When Chris Rock is on his show, he has to listen to “Nword this and Nword that” from callers. Robin smh, she been battling weight for years. To sit there and have her boss talk shit like that nodding her head. I shed a tear for her dignity.
Question: should I say ninja instead of that actually word??
@Mr. Gundam,
“Hell, anything possible. Hollywood just has a problem with someone who looks like her being proud of herself.”
Exactly. This would be most of the world though.
@Mr. Gundam, while i applaud your optimism, the thought that talent wins out is naive. its hollywood, the place where the beautiful and created-beautiful people play. like i said, keanu reeves is a terrible actor, but he keeps getting roles b/c women like looking at him. its a bottom line game. you put people on screen that will sell tickets. will smith is will smith b/c he’s a good actor but b/c people like looking at him. period. halle berry. terrible actress.
in fact, in entertainment, talent rarely wins out over everything. sure jay is the GOAT and shit b/c of talent, but it took biggie and tupac dying to open the lane. lol. i’m just saying.
i like optimism, but there are a gang of talented mofos running the streets of Everywhere, USA, wishing for a shot that will never come.
@Panama Jackson,
It’s not as naive as you seem to think… if Maggie Gyllenhaal, as fugly as people say she is, keeps getting roles.
How we define “success” is probably at play here. Since to me Gabbie has already accomplished a lot more than her peers will ever accomplish. She has been nominated for an Oscar, no less! So talent still has a place in hollywood, I believe.
@Sula,
“It’s not as naive as you seem to think… if Maggie Gyllenhaal, as fugly as people say she is, keeps getting roles.”
I think skinny trumps everything though in Hollywood. There are several “butterfaces” (I use this term loosely because looking malnutritioned is not what’s hot to me, but it is to Hollywood) right now steadily working just because they’re thinner.
@Sula, if Maggie Gyllenhaal, as fugly as people say she is, keeps getting roles.
yeah, no. her parents have connects for days. her success is as much who she knows as her abilities. as much as i love Sanaa Lathan, and despite her being a trained actress at Yale, it isnt like you see her and are like, wow, that is an ACTRESS right there. but her pops is stan lathan. hell, if i’m somebody you better believe i’m gonna have my kid doing whatever they want.
and despite our eyes, there is a huge segment of people (hell there are people in these comments) that think maggie is hot,or at least not busted.
@Panama Jackson,
wow. you think Halle is terrible though? i don’t think she’s the best… but terrible?
@Muze, halle has been in like 30 some odd movies. the only movie i can remember her performance better than how hot she was is “losing isiah”. monster’s ball i STILL was focused on how hot she looked being all sweaty and country.
just saying, on your list of best actresses…would she make the top 20?
@Panama Jackson,
I suppose alot relies more on her agent to keep her mainstream than anything else. But, as of right now Hollywood is not gonna past up the chance to put her in something else. Outside of her looks is the fact that they will test her longevity in this business. That’s why I’m comfortable saying will see her in more stuff. Thinking about all the venues one could take in Hollywood her chances are pretty good. As being part of mainstream…well that’s gonna be pretty difficult. You bring up an interesting point with other actors/actresses like keanu: people want to see them. Gabby is a hot topic right now but we’re wondering if she can be a walking cash cow(No pun) like halle. Since she still has America’s attention, will wait and see whether or not she can keep it. “Talent wins out in the end” naive, really??? I thought the problem was she didn’t “look” like an actress. I brush that off cause black actors/actress never “looked” the part anyway. (Even with her weight, she has to overcome her solid skin tone as well.)
But, the thing that intriguing about her is Hollywood just can’t handle that she not embarrass about her looks or that just she not embarrass period. She not waving the flag for the big girls like Monique but, she is rather comfortable with herself and not afraid to show it on national TV. When Monique didn’t campaign for winning the award Hollywood didn’t know how to handle that either. What’s naive is Hollywood not keeping up with amazing stuff thats been coming out in the past ten year(i.e. Oscars would never live down snubbing The Dark Knight or tossing in twilight in there horror movies tribute)
@Mr. Gundam, “Gabby oozes charisma at interviews.”
I agree. For those of you who were watching the pre-oscar fashion show, she cracked me the eff up when she said “If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot.” That was a great moment in E! history.
UMMMM, unfortunately really not sure on this one, while I’m sure she will have at least a few more movie roles , Black actresses in Hollywood don’t usually get too many roles, outside of the T-Perry stuff at least on the regular, ya’ll know how fickle they are, hell Angela Bassett ain’t been in anything in a minute, and she is someone who got much press back in the day for her acting skills, AND she ain’t got no weight issue..I can see Gabby getting as many roles as any other Black actress does these days..the only one who seems to get the roles in the mainstream things is Halle Berry, they seem to like her better than the rest for the most part …but errybody else seems to have had their moment, they were hot on Sanaa, Nia, & maybe even Tarajai for a minute , but now they’ve been sitting on the sidelines, saying all of this to say as with pretty much errything else, we need more Black folks in the background helping us through…just my 2 cents
@bajanflchick,
I gotta co-sign on this one! For his statement to be valid, you first have to suspend reality and pretend that Black actresses (regardless of size) are considered “part of show business”. We can all pretty much name the Black actresses who are considered part of “mainstream Hollywood” on one hand.
So Gabby will most likely have an outcome similar to any other young, Black actress. Not many of us have been nominated for Academy Awards, so she already has a bit of a head start. Besides, Hollywood tends to slim people down after a few years (Queen Latifah, Monique–I refuse to spell her name with an apostrophe, Jennifer Hudson).
@bajanflchick, is angela bassett really a good actress? i’m asking b/c when i think good actress, she never pops into my head.
@bajanflchick, ok so i hear alot about it being harder for black women in hollywood and many not being nominated for academy awards, but how much is down to racial and gender discrimination rather than the parts that black women audition for? because the only black actress i can think of who does the indie circuit and always plays different characters is kerry washington and she stays working.
@michaboa,
Word.Life.
@michaboa,
“but how much is down to racial and gender discrimination rather than the parts that black women audition for? because the only black actress i can think of who does the indie circuit and always plays different characters is kerry washington and she stays working.”
This is definitely true. And while I love me some indie films and don’t see them as a “consolation prize” by any means, I don’t think Black actresses should be pigeonholed into those roles and only those roles. It’s the variety that 2520 actresses have that Black actresses don’t. That’s the core problem, IMO.
@Cheekie, but i think as a whole indie films always offer more variety than mainstream films and allow actors and actresses more artistic freedom.
@Cheekie,
“but i think as a whole indie films always offer more variety than mainstream films and allow actors and actresses more artistic freedom.”
They do, most definitely. I’m just sayin’ actors dig variety in general. They like to play the complex character one day but also be able to be in a big fun blockbuster film the next. I’m just sayin’, why can’t we have both
unless your last name is Smith and your first name is Will?@Cheekie, ok i get your point
Damn Maggie aint that bad. I mean really? I actually love the way she looks, and i find her attractive and kind of refreshing in that she’s not the usual hollywood type. Same thing applies with Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.
As for Gabby, i wasn’t planning on watching Precious at all but i actually quite enjoyed the movie, and didn’t come out of there with the same sense of negativity and anger all those reviews invoked in me.
@mateosmuse, Damn Maggie aint that bad. I mean really? I actually love the way she looks, and i find her attractive and kind of refreshing in that she’s not the usual hollywood type.
so you like her b/c she’s not beautiful?
@Panama Jackson,
I don’t think she’s not beautiful. I think she’s attractive. She’s def not the run of the mill hollywood beautiful, but there’s something very charming about her brand of beauty.
@mateosmuse, i agree i actually think shes * gulp* pretty and she has acting chops for days.
@mateosmuse, Cate, yes, Tilda….um…she scares me..
Maggie just looks average.
@mateosmuse,
“Damn Maggie aint that bad. I mean really? I actually love the way she looks, and i find her attractive and kind of refreshing in that she’s not the usual hollywood type. Same thing applies with Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton.”
I love Tilda Swinton with her “Conan O’Brien Day Job” lookin’ self.
@Cheekie, omg I love Tilda too!!! [ i'm sure my comment did not advance the conversation but I thought I was the only one]
@MissingBerlin,
Yeah, she is the bomb. She’s super tall and androgynous and she’s not really the Hollywood “type”. She’s like, different. And she’s a helluva actress.
@MissingBerlin,
I also love Tilda.
@mateosmuse,
Gotta co-sign this comment.
@mateosmuse, Tilda is a hurt piece. lol. she is a good actress though–and the androgyny look works for her. Maggy is well, yes that bad. I actually think Cate Blanchett isn’t so bad looking ,though…
@Reecie,
“I actually think Cate Blanchett isn’t so bad looking ,though…”
Me either.
The only person I dislike more than Howard Stern is Robin. She used to be very heavy and if nothing else, she has proven there is room for a big Black woman in show business if you are willing to lick a white man’s boot and sell your soul.
That being said, Gabby is definitely talented BUT she is too heavy for her own good. I think it will eventually affect the roles available to her but also her own health. It’s nice that she’s a media darling at this moment but that will probably change and the tabloids will eventually sink their teeth into her. Additionally (and I say this as a woman struggling with my own weight), I think it’s terrible for our little girls that the predominately acceptable body images are rail thin
whitewomen but I don’t want them to get the message that morbidly obese is okay either. There is a healthy, happy and curvy medium and that’s where I want her to get to (for her own sake).@Rapture,
THANK YOU!!!! I was telling my homegirls this yesterday. She likes to forget that she was a team chunk member not too long ago.
@miss t-lee,
Exactly!
hey, i like Maggie Gyllenhall. she’s a really superb actress. i do think it’s a little unfortunate that her brother Jake got all the hot genes, but she isn’t that terrible.
now about Gabby… i was having this convo with someone the other day. i likened it to the dude who played Big in Notorious. have we seen him in anything else? nope. we might, but we haven’t. at least i haven’t. now, his performance wasn’t recognized nationally and deemed Oscar worthy, but both films were hugely successful in the box office, and both of them were non-actors specifically picked to play THAT role. i think they both did excellent jobs, but unless Gabby loses some weight for her health above anything, she won’t get too many more roles… unless they are in the same vein as Precious, and then she’ll be type-cast forever.
also i don’t think you can compare her to Monique or the Queen. monique is a comedian first, and Queen latifah is usually behind most of the projects she does in some way, and both have paid major dues. not saying they couldn’t get roles anyway because they are both talented, but even the two of them, who were nowhere near as big as Gabby, lost weight to be more ‘mainstream’.
she doesn’t have to and shouldn’t lose 200 pounds and get rail thin, but i do think she’s going to have to change her image and play a role opposite of the Precious type to solidify herself as an actress in the minds of casting directors, producers, filmmakers to maintain this level of interest in her.
tyler perry will always give her roles… but i’d be highly surprised if it wasn’t some variation of a Precious type every time.
@Muze,
Yep. What she said. Except that part about a hot Gyllenhaal, lol…
Bond
@Muze,
“tyler perry will always give her roles… but i’d be highly surprised if it wasn’t some variation of a Precious type every time.”
I would hope that she would get more roles in other movies before she does a Tyler Perry movie. IMHO doing that would just help with typecasting.
@Muze, you bring up a good point about comparison’s to Mo’Nique too, which brings me to this…
…her ass ain’t finna be all over the silver screen either. i consider her performance to be more fluke than Gabby’s.
perhaps i’m a hater. it’s a 3-insecurity thing.
@Panama Jackson, I co-sign 100% on that. Plus Mo’Nique has the advantage because she is/was a comedian. Hollywood ain’t really trying to make her a bonafide actress and I don’t think she’s really trying to be one.
@Panama Jackson,
oh no, i agree. i think monique did a great job in Precious being as though i’m used to seeing her cracking jokes, but i don’t think she’ll ever be a ‘serious’ actress.
will managed to do it, jamie managed to do it… but i don’t think monique is all that interested in being taken so serious anyhow. but the fact that she HAS put in dues over the years and we still look at it as a fluke doesn’t help Gabby’s (less fame, less appeal, less experience, less acceptable-role range) cause at all.
I don’t get the hype around being in “Precious”. The entire movie she just sat around and pouted.
In terms of her roles she’ll be the funny girl big that’s friendss with everyone and always is somehow cheery and happy. Once she gets older she’ll be casted as the sassy black woman in a supporting role.
I just hope she doesn’t get stuck doing those “Oh Lawd, Why Can’t I Find A Good Man” type plays opposite of Monica Calhoun and Cole from “Martin”.
@D-weezy,
“I just hope she doesn’t get stuck doing those “Oh Lawd, Why Can’t I Find A Good Man” type plays opposite of Monica Calhoun and Cole from “Martin””
this just killed me. lol. oh so true about the both of them.
@D-weezy, that might be her best bet actually. though i could totally see her in a TV Show like “community” or “glee”.
some TV show where the focus is on the collection of people, not just who they are individually.
@Panama Jackson, glee already has one fat black sassy chick.
@Dee,
amber! i looooooooooovvvvvvvvvve glee!!
@D-weezy,
“Cole from “Martin”.”
LMFAO
…
Wait…
He’s doing stuff? I mean, other than being on syndicated Martin airings?
@D-weezy,
lol.
*sigh* she’s such a talented actress and her spirit is so engaging..she has that “friend to the end” quality about her.
My heart says heck yeah she will be successful but my head is like “Ion’t know” which is a shame, because above all of it, Hollywood is Hollywood and Hollywood beauty standards are strict and I’m afraid that at first she will be typecast like most of “Black” Hollywood until she would be able to have enough star power to call her own shots…smh
Some people believe that perception is reality. I’m not one of those people. Am I the only one who doesn’t buy this “perceived” confidence that everyone seem to think that Gabby has? Even the most confident humans has a level of insecurity that rears its head when you pay attention to their actions and their words. This woman comes off as having the confidence of a wealthy, priviledged white man…and I’m not buying it. As many has stated, she has proven that she CAN act and I believe that she has done just that in numerous talk show and magazine interviews. The interviewer seems to always mention just how “confident” she is and this is partly due to the fact that it’s so unbelievable and they play it up. I know strikingly attractive models who don’t possess the confidence of this girl and I know for fact that no woman that size can be TOTALLY secure with their appearance and how other people view them with no regard whatsoever.
I see a little bit of her co-star, Mo’Nique, in her. Mo carries herself to be this big, bad confident woman but I see otherwise from how she constantly would diss “skinny” or smaller chicks in her routines. She would flaunt her size and use it as a defense mechanism. But then, all of a sudden, she wanted to lose weight…for her husband. That shows she wasn’t completely comfortable with it to begin with. Not to mention, she gives her husband the liberty of screwing off any chicks he pleases. Willingness to share your spouse is another sign of insecurity in my book.
The thing is, we want to see the underdog win and be great and defy the odds. Gabby’s a media darling and everyone is catering to her because it’s not politically correct to do anything otherwise. This is why she can’t do the HARD interviews like Barbara Walters (who may ask the more in-depth questions to get beyond the surface to see what really makes her tick) or actually be on Howard Stern’s show and have him tear her to shreds as easy as making a baby cry.
I believe that she will fair well as an actress, although she may have already reached her defining moment. I like her and I want her to win, but I think in due time, we’ll get to see the real Gabby and her insecurities will clearly emerge and show her not to be the uber-confident young lady she’s portraying.
@Monk, I see what you’re saying Monk and I actually kind of agree. But confidence isn’t really a requirement to be successful in Hollywood. Appeared confidence is all you need because folks are so superficial. We only pay attention to the surface so if she appears cool on the surface, she’s “confident,” and that’s all that really matters. Hell, most of Hollywood is comprised of some of the most insecure folks you’d ever meet so I don’t think lack of confidence will be her Achilles (provided that she really has a lot of it). And confidence aside, Hollywood likes not just the underdog, but the “charity case” underdog (for lack of better words). Someone said it above that there has never been a black woman as big as Gabby around and that’s a huge selling point for her. You look at her and the first reaction is “Wow, that’s a big girl!” Which then inspires the “Oh poor thing, she’s so big. Where can she fit? (both literally and figuratively) (no dis). But then she opens her mouth and “she speaks so well!” (Gotta love Chris talking about the whites!) There are a few actresses that are not the norm and they get steady work. Now you may only know them as Pine-Sol lady, chick with attitude in all the damn shows, and other such titles, but they do work regularly. The question is, what standards are we using to define “successful”? Seriously, she already has a recurring role on a TV show, she’s already pulled for 2 more movies. Will she be an A-list megastar with the likes of Halle, Angelina, Jennifer and ‘nem. Probably not. But will she be a steady working actor. Probable. It’s not really as far fetched as it seems. Unless an even bigger black actress that pulls an Oscar worthy performance comes along to snatch it all from her.
@Hershey’s Kiss,
I completely agree. She’ll get work and all that, my comment was really about how people consistently talk about how “confident” she is and I just see right through that.
@Monk, Oh no I feel you. That’s why I said I agree. It’s like I said, if you say the right things people will buy the whole “confidence” because they only pay attention to the surface. And she’s got to play up the confidence to get taken seriously in Hollywood.
@Monk,
I agree.
@Monk,
interesting.
everyone has insecurities and i applaud her for showcasing her confidence, real or not, because as someone said… it’s what’s perceived that matters most in Hollywood. i do however, think that if she isn’t insecure, she will be after a few years in LaLa land once she starts showing up in tabloids with made-up stories of her ‘eating herself into a depression/to death/’.
i’m rooting for her though. hopefully she won’t succumb and be pushed into obsolete-ness.
@Monk,
“Am I the only one who doesn’t buy this “perceived” confidence that everyone seem to think that Gabby has? ”
Is it because she’s really overweight or is it because of how she portrays the confidence (very showy and overdone)? Because though I do believe her confidence, I can see where you’re coming from if it’s the latter.
I always thought Gabby was younger than she actually is…she’s older than I am. I think they said 26? I though that chick was still in her teens. Like 19 or maybe 20. She has such a baby face. But on the real, if she’s 26, I think she’s old enough to accept her body and not be riddled by the same insecurities that she would’ve been had she been a teenager in this world. She’s still young, yes, but she’s heading toward 30 and becoming more confident with who she is. I find myself doing the same thing once I hit 25…it was like a threshold in self-confidence. Sure, I’m still working on insecurities and I’m not nearly her size. All women have some insecurites, even the confident ones. So, while I don’t believe that she does’t have any bouts of insecurities (especially with what she has to look at everyday in terms of comparison), I think she has truly come to terms with herself and wants to flaunt it. I haven’t seen her diss skinnier women the way Mo’Nique has, though.
As far as the other actresses that lost weight, wasn’t that for health reasons? I mean, let’s face it. As far as Hollywood goes, whether Mo’Nique is the size she was then or the size she is now, she’s still gonna be set aside as a “bigger actress”. There is no middle ground. It’s either curvy or thin. And the range of curvy is high as HELL, because *Senator Clay Davis voice* sheeeeeeeeeeit, a size TWO can be considered curvy in Hollywood depending on how a woman carries it. And I think Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique both knew that they would ALWAYS be bigger women, but knew they had to lose the excess weight in order to live to even get more roles. But best believe, they’re still considered big to any fashionista in Hollywood no matter how they say how “great” those two ladies look. They’re still gonna get the label. Same with Gabby. I would like to see her get healthy if she is at risk, but I also want her to fully embrace that she is a bigger girl. And I’m glad she is. I truly hope it is sincere…
@Cheekie,
I agree with you.
Often our “perception” of someone depends a lot more on ourselves, than it does on the person we are “perceiving”…
@Sula, Nice!
@Cheekie,
“Is it because she’s really overweight or is it because of how she portrays the confidence (very showy and overdone)? Because though I do believe her confidence, I can see where you’re coming from if it’s the latter.”
I think it’s both. She doesn’t come across to me as being 100% comfortable with being that size. She maybe accepts herself and deals with it, but the way she over-does it shows me otherwise.
@Monk, I agree 100%!!! You made some great points. It is hell living in this country being plus size. And she in hollywood so it’s ten times harder for her. I am just a 14 and I feel the pressure from society about my weight. I can’t imagine what it feels like for Gabby. I do believe she is comfortable in her skin, but I also believe that she feels its me against the world type of confidence which means your insecure at the end of the day.
If she wants to be in the entertainment industry she is going to have to lose some weight. She is not just plump or thick, she is actually morbidly obese. If for no other reason than for health reasons she needs to consider weight loss. To be competitive in this industry she is going to have to lose some of that weight. She is extremely talented the only thing that will hold her back is her size. She needs to lose the weight, it is doable and I think that she will do it……
Well she’s already in an upcoming show on Showtime, so I think she’ll be able to get future work. Everyone likes to act their aren’t folks of all sizes working in Hollywood. Ugh…
@miss t-lee,
Everyone likes to act their aren’t folks of all sizes working in Hollywood. Ugh…
I feel you, darl. Maybe those people only watch one type of movie, then they can’t really say much about the industry as a whole now can they?
@Sula,
*what’s up head nod*
I haven’t seen Precious ( I know, shame on me), but I’m always pulling for black actresses, so I am definitely in Gabby’s corner. I want her to succeed. Her first role was major success, and I’m willing to wait until I see her in another role before I decide if she can have a thriving Hollywood career. However, being a black woman in Hollywood is no walk in the park, and being an obese black woman is not scoring her any extra points.
@N.I.A. naturally,
I’m with you…I definitely root for all Black actresses and I hope Gabby has continued success. It’s going to be hard because of obvious reasons and once her hot season is fading, she’s gonna really have to start paying her dues then since she has peaked so early in her career.
I think if Hlooywood toid more of “our” stories. she would have constant work, but alas we know that only a minute fraction of the black experience is portrayed in major motion films.
@OrangeStar616, agreed but why are black actors and actresses relying on hollywood to tell our stories?
@OrangeStar616, and what stories would those be exactly?
I would hope that Gabby does have a solid career void of Tyler Perry-esque productions (unless that is her choice). The odds are stacked against her because she is in a business where skills may often be over looked in lieu of aesthetics. She has two strikes against her already.
Strike one is she’s a black woman in Hollywood. Talent has little to do with anything in Hollywood. Sonja Sohn acted her ass off as Kima Greggs for five years and all she get’s is “G” and a bit part on “Brothers and Sisters”. Hollywood is notorious for casting white women who couldn’t play dead in a cowboy movie because of their looks.
Which leads to strike two. She’s not a “classical European” looking woman. (Honestly, some of the people that the star makers say are “hot” look rather ill to me…Gwyneth Paltrow anyone.) Even the Sanaa, Regina King, Gabriel Union, Nia Long, and many other sisters who would be described as FINE by the public struggle to work.
It would seem acting is a more f**ked field than the music industry. It’s good to know that she has a role on an upcoming Showtime series. Cable seems to give more chances than film or network TV because Regina King is doing her thing on Southland.
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
I loved Southland. I hate that it got cancelled on NBC. I thought it was a good show and Regina was doing her thing! I gotta check out the new episodes.
@miss t-lee,
Southland picked up where the last season left off as far as story telling. Great show. Who knew the kid from the O.C. could actually act? I’m still pissed that NBC canned Life too. That was a great show that had was on the verge of developing a strong ethnic, female cast Gabriel Union, and the Iranian chick but oh well America apparently didn’t have the attention span for it.
Regina’s character, Lydia on Southland is a great. I think a major problem with the roles for all women on tv is that America likes to see it’s female leads in the “weak and whiney” or “ball busting b*%ch” arche-types and not strong women who actually don’t have to portray themselves a fire-breathing dragons to be respected by their male counterparts.
p.s. Regina’s character Lydia going into her safe, getting her shotgun and defending that witness in her house was the sexiest thing I’ve seen on tv in some time. *ending rant*
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
LMAO@ your last paragraph.
Yeah the OC kat is from here, so I was familiar with him before the OC. I just hope that one kat gets his whiney azz wife in check. I’ma search for the episodes online.
NBC–they didn’t know what to do with that show. They thought that since it was taking over ER’s old time slot it would automatically be a hit. I don’t even believe they gave that show any promo. I’m running across people who think it’s a brand new show since it’s on TNT, and they didn’t even realize this is the 2nd go round…lol
They did the same thing with Kings. Oh NBC…*shakes head*
@miss t-lee,
Dude’s wife is a bit nuts! I’m wondering if they are going to work her mental issues into his/her story.
As for my last paragraph… you know damn well that sh*t was sexy. If I ever see my GF do anything remotely that gully in front of me I gorilla **** her until the cops come knocking!
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
You just made me laugh for like 30 whole seconds.
Make sure you tell your GF that, I’m sure she will appreciate it.
Yeah, ol’ boys wife clearly had some issues, they seemed so mismatched to me.
*kanye shrug*
@miss t-lee,
She’ll get the message soon. Real soon. Just waiting on quiting time.
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
Hi-larity.
What made her good in my opinion is when I was introduced to her out of character. Then I was like wow she was acting.
I think the cable move is a good one. If she can get some Lifetime movies and what not she will do fine.
I think she should slim down a bit for her. From her various sound bytes etc she has a great sense of humor. She could put that to use. She could also take up the banner and learn how to make parts for herself and other heavier and thinner black actresses.
I agree with someone who said she might get roles that are general.
I wish her the best.
@stormeka magnegro, welcome and sh*t (i think)
i listened to the show where they were discussing this. i don’t think i was offended with the general idea of what they were saying because honestly i was thinking the same thing. i was offended with crassness in which they described her. they even went as far as to say the only role she would ever land again is starring in the blind side 2. smh.
I think Gabby has the skills to make it in Hollywood. I just hope she has the heart for the negativity that will come her way. She should invest in herself and hire a personal trainer & chef and put in the work. I also think that EVERY actor or actress in a Tyler Perry movie is typecast. Take Jill Scott. I finally get around to watching that No. 1 Detective series on HBO On Demand, and as I’m watching her walk through an African town at night, I can’t help but think that the mountain police dude from Why Did I Get Married, is gonna come outta the bushes! Sure, Tyler’s movies are blockbusters, and the plays sell out in every city, but Hollywood still won’t completely co-sign on this movement.
Howard Stern has always been a douchnozzle, and he’s definitely played the fux out.
I have commented above and agree with most of the posters.
The one aspect I can’t seem to get past (maybe it’s my 3rd eye flickering) is the role she played in and her. Part of me can’t help but think that the establishment (media, film, WASPs, etc.) are patronizing. Give me a sec:
1. Denzel wins for playing a corrupt Black cop. Not for his role as Malcolm. Not for his role in Glory. Not For his role in Philadelphia. I loved Training Day also, but…C’MON SON!
2. Three-6-Mafia wins for best music. Yeah, that’s right. The same people who had us tearing the club up freshman year at the warehouse. Of ALL the Black people who have been trained in music who have scored soundtracks (Stevie Wonder, Bill Lee, Terrence Blanchard, etc.) they give the win to 3-6. AND they perform the very song at the Oscars with ‘dancers’ in the background.
Now, a film about a Black woman with nothing going for her, abused to no end, etc. is a winner to the actress in the lead role?! I’m sensing a little subliminally-patronizing-backhanded compliment. I’m not saying you all are not right, maybe she can act, maybe she does have the personality of Richard Pryor in 85′, but I’m just taking a deeper look at how these things have played out. They even go so far as to keep bringing up her ‘crush’ on Timberlake. Why? They know she has no snowball’s chance in hell of that happening.
I think she should take her newfound money (and success) and lose some weight. Become a groundbreaking new artist in the truest sense. After she loses the weight other high profile roles may open. I mean…we don’t know what she may look like w/o the weight. Even if not for the biz, do it for you (i.e. Kelly Price). Sorry, I’m just not one of these people who can look past her looks and see a personality that’s so charming it makes me want to put her as the lead in the next Trey Songz video: ain’t happenin’.
Bond.
@BlkBond,
“Sorry, I’m just not one of these people who can look past her looks and see a personality that’s so charming it makes me want to put her as the lead in the next Trey Songz video: ain’t happenin’.”
*chuckles*
I think she definitely needs to lose some weight. That’s not taking away from her talent…but I really don’t see her “surviving” the industry if she remains at that weight. People have brought up Queen Latifah and Monique, and yes they are not Hollywood’s standard body sizes. However, both women have lost weight and are (I’m supposing) more healthy. And yes, they are still on the large size…but a more acceptable standard of large…if that makes sense.
@BlkBond, Oh, and Denzel def should’ve won for “X”. I mean, perhaps I need to watch it again…but Training Day just didn’t do it for me.
@LaBakir, Agreed, X was a good movie, but but it had some flaws. One, was it was entirely too long. Great DVD for home, but in the theatre, where the movie doesn’t stop? Not so much. Training Day? Excellent. I forgot for a minute that it was Denzel, and thats what made that performance Oscarworthy.
@DirtyJerz,
Yes, X was a bit long. But I’d rather take that as opposed to a water downed movie that doesn’t properly represent the book.
See, that’s how I felt about X….I forget it was Denzel. I’m def gonna try and watch it again, but I really did not see what all the hoopla was about.
@DirtyJerz,
“I forgot for a minute that it was Denzel, and thats what made that performance Oscarworthy.”
I actually agree with this, but I also apply that same principle to his portrayal of Malcolm. He got Malcolms voice to an effing TEE, let alone is mannerisms. The mofo studied him and became him.
As for Training Day, I think a bit of people’s excitement with that has to do with him not playing that type of character before. Which, he did nail it. He was such an a*shole that folks were sayin’ “I didn’t like Denzel in that movie…naw, I don’t like him doing that”. Yeah, but he was playing a character. He did his job. He made you believe he was truly an a-hole. Still, though, I believe he should’ve gotten his first Oscar a while before for X. I think a lot of politics had to do with the decision regardless of how I felt about his performance. It also reeked of, “Well, we didn’t give you this Best Actor Oscar yet and you’re long overdue” that happens with other actors as well…like Peter O’Toole (albeit his was WAY longer…lol).
@DirtyJerz, it was long but have you seen Harry Potter and those Lord of the Rings films (Return of the King actually won best picture one year)? they are long as HAYLE. X was an awesome movie. someone already said Denzel did indeed win for Glory, but I do think X was Oscar-worthy as well.
@LaBakir,
I knew you were going to comment on that, knowing how much you love Malcolm.
@ComicBookGuy,
I also think the film rocked b/c Spike Lee stayed true to the book for the most part. I can’t begin to express how disappointed I’ve been lately in book to film movies. How you just change the damn book like that?!! As an avid reader, and movie junkie that pisses me off,lol
@LaBakir,
Thank you! Can we talk about why a cop from L.A. would have a heavy NYC accent? Geez, Denzel. Find a dialect coach.
@BlkBond,
“1. Denzel wins for playing a corrupt Black cop. Not for his role as Malcolm. Not for his role in Glory. Not For his role in Philadelphia. I loved Training Day also, but…C’MON SON!”
He did win for “Glory”. That was his first Oscar. But for Supporting Actor. But yeah, I’ve been shouting from the rooftops how PISSED I was that he didn’t win for “X”. Was my fave role of his…and still is to this day. And yeah, we saw the politics behind his win for Training Day. Hell, so did he. (His “kill two birds with one stone” comment made me DIE with glee in reference to he and Halle both winning in the same night)
@Cheekie,
his ‘two birds with one stone’ remains my favorite Oscars comment thus far.
i think Philedelphia should have earned him one too. and yes, the acting was superb in Training Day, but that’s what he does. he acts. well. so giving him an Oscar for a role that probably didn’t take nearly as much ‘work’ as X did… made me side eye the Oscars henceforth.
@Muze,
I agree that he acts well. He was good in “Book of Eli” too.
@Muze,
“his ‘two birds with one stone’ remains my favorite Oscars comment thus far.”
Same. It cemented the great love I already had for him. I mean, there is NO turning back after that moment. And I think it went over a lot of the Academy’s heads.
Co-sign on Philadelphia, too. He shoulda won for that as well.
I have Book of Eli on my list of movies to watch most definitely.
@Cheekie, where have you been all my life first you have half nelson on dvd and you know who peter o’toole is??? lawd lawd lawd i migte just bat for the other team for you. The ruling class is one of my favs.
@michaboa,
Girl, yes. I am a film girl…unpaid screenwriter at the moment. I try to keep on top of my ish. lol
@BlkBond,
This is off topic, but I love me some Denzel. AND his daddy fine. **fanning myself**
@BlkBond,
nodding in agreement with this whole post.
lol at that last statement.
that three-6 Oscar and performance killed me. definitely. i couldn’t even watch i was so embarrassed.
halle has played better roles as well as denzel than the ones they won oscars for, but i guess that’s how the system works. we still have a long way to go. and i can def see the backhandedness of this flaunting of Gabby around hollywood. maybe we’re being too cynical though. lol.
@Muze,
Sometimes, I get accused of being cynical. Just when I’m about to concede that I may be, I notice something that’s bugged. Bourgie JD had an article on her site (Bourgie Adventures) where there were a group of Black people who were questioning the motive of Planned Parenthood. Ironically, the week before I peeped a story a little over a year old about underlying racism at PP. Then my minds starts at it again: all the doomsday talk to Black women, state of black relationships, etc. Hmm.
“My mind warps and bends/floats the wind/count to ten..”
Bond. BlkBond.
@BlkBond, ITA agree with your points as well.
Sidenote, I’d love to see Will Smith play a villain,bad guy, something totally outside of what he has done so far, truly talented but makes VERY BORING sleep inducing flims, and/or is the magic negroe.. I’d like to see some, range, edgier character potryals from him!
@BlkBond, Denzel won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “Glory.”
I think that there are alot of newcommers that get excellent reviews for thier first role and never get another mainstream role. Black white hispanic and asian men and women. And these are people who are traditional actors in size. ( Google lead actress nominees and see how many people you don’t know and then IMBD then and see that they haven’t worked in 5 years…) Gabby maybe one and she may not. Rickie lake got more work at 250 lbs than I have seen her in since she lost weight, but she did get that TV show that I watch faithfully in highschool before I knew better.
Refocusing
I think that if you have drive and want to work you will can we say she will always work in hollywood? No but Hollywood is not the end all be all.
Ron howard was great as Opie and Richie but he still works in hollywood after people said he would not because he would be typecast as Opie forever.
Whoopi Goldberg is not pretty, black and has dreadlocks… and her career is AMAZING b/c she can ACT and has a good personality and knows how and who to charm…
Gabby may have the same gift…
@SouthernBelle, Yeah, I feel you. But Whoopi isn’t morbidly obese. Ugly is much easier of the eyes than fat for Hollywood. Where as Whoopi may be described as “quirky” or “different”….Gabby is just fat. I’m not sure how people will be able to get past that for other roles that are non-Precious like.
@LaBakir, she isn’t morbidly obese, but she dresses like she is.
@Dee, lol, shiiiii…t she look like she about to die to me
@SouthernBelle, and whoopi plays more of a personality in all those movies than a “looker”. she plays the smart allecky comic.
comedians get way more chances in movie than just ugly unfunny people.
@Panama Jackson, I’m so glad you said that. Folks don’t realize comedians get away with much more.
@Hershey’s Kiss, I think a lot of people forget Whoopi is a comedian. but that’s because she can do it all. she’s great.
And, the above is to say that Whoopi is the opposite of “white female beauty” that rules Hollywood
@SouthernBelle,
You know what’s NOT amazing?!?!?! Her lack of eyebrows. LOL
@V Renee, DAMMIT FOR THE EYEBROWS!!!!
@V Renee,
She should be a Nair spokesperson on the real.
@Cheekie,
Bwhahahaha @ Nair spokesperson!
I think there’s so much hostility toward Maggie G. because she got the lead part in The Dark Knight and none of us could believe/accept that Batman and Harvey were both feuding over her. I was so annoyed that I looked her up and learned that her dad is a major Hollywood director and producer. So that explains it. Unless Gabby’s dad turns out to be Stephen Spielberg, I don’t suspect that she’ll have as much luck being an unlikely actress in major films like Maggie Gyllenhaal.
While I don’t want/need to see a bunch of ex-Guess jeans models wandering across the screen while attempting to ‘act’… I also find it painful to watch Hollywood’s interaction w. Gabby S. Why? Not simply because of her weight, but rather because of the way folks try to ‘over praise’ her for every move she makes in spite of her weight. Basically, she is our Susan Boyle: the ‘ugly underdog’ who manages to charm the pants off of folks…. only to have them treat her like a pity-party-leper behind her back.
There was some popular British ‘lad-type’ actor standing behind Gabby (Jude Law?) on the red carpet while she was drinking some champagne. She made a coy comment to an interviewer: “Why don’t me and “british boy” finish the bubbly and see where the night takes us!!” o_0
The dude’s face flashed over for a brief 30 sec. w. a look of “You fat, horrible, **&&((&, why the f&&k did u have to say that LIVE on camera!!!” THAT face is Hollywood’s true feelings for Gabby. While I think she’s a talented girl, the whole cute, cuddly BBW thing is not helping Black folks anywhere further. We have enough dopey Amos’ & Sapphire characters running around in the entertainment world. (Re)adding the sweet, lovable Big Mammy character back into the playing field= just call me Aunt Sarah…..
@GeekChicness,
them treat her like a pity-party-leper behind her back.
There was some popular British ‘lad-type’ actor standing behind Gabby (Jude Law?) on the red carpet while she was drinking some champagne. She made a coy comment to an interviewer: “Why don’t me and “british boy” finish the bubbly and see where the night takes us!!” o_0
The dude’s face flashed over for a brief 30 sec. w. a look of “You fat, horrible, **&&((&, why the f&&k did u have to say that LIVE on camera!!!” THAT face is Hollywood’s true feelings for Gabby. .
WHOA!! I didn’t see that at all
I also didn’t watch the red carpet…nor the majority of the Oscars either….Off to go search for it.@GeekChicness,
I saw that red carpet incident and thought it was funny.
@Humble_One, lol i think it was gerard butler
@michaboa,
lmfao. I saw that moment too and can’t remember if it was him or not. You sure it was him? Because later on she interviewed that she and her girl walked past Gerard Butler one time and said to her girl “I’d hit that”. And then Gerard overheard her and said, “I’m here. I’m available”. (which, I woulda called his bluff because he makes me randy lol) I mean, still, that don’t explain his face because sh*t, you can say anything to humor someone but your face don’t lie. DAYUM.
@GeekChicness, eh, I took it as shock that ANYONE would say such a thing and not be remotely embarrassed about it. I was more annoyed at the interviewer…he looked like he was trying to set Gerard up and it blew up in his face.
@GeekChicness,
Heres a link:
http://jezebel.com/5490262/gabby-tells-gerard-shed-hit-that-photobombs-jake-g
Its the second vid: priceless
I’ve always adored Gabby since the moment I saw her first interview, but she effing sealed that adoration on the Oscar red carpet when she said to Ryan WeeCrest, “If this dress was [pron], then this would be the money shot!”. That bish is the bomb. And her confidence is off the charts, which makes folks uncomfy. Her size alone probably makes folks give the side-eye, but the confidence that matches it really makes people look at themselves. Because with all those actresses that eat (and resemble) only a toothpick on the day of the awards so that they can fit into their Chanel couture vintage dress, they MUST look at Gabby with a bit of envy. I mean, THEY are the ideal in terms of beauty (even if their face resembles that of a “foot” per Peter Griffith), but what they have to sit with is themselves. And they know they’re a pawn in this game. Eating grass stalks and ish for breakfast so they can fit in a designers dress or so they don’t have to suck their tummies in for the duration of the red carpet interviews while Gabby is strutting up and down with her hands on her hips proud of who she is physically.
I have to admit, I was also thinking what Howard Stern said out loud. I mean, right now she is riding the Oscar buzz train, but when that train reaches its destination, then what? I mean, Halle Berry herself went from Oscar to Catwoman. Why wouldn’t it happen to Gabby? And in a much more hurtful way? I know for one thing, is that I don’t want to see her typecasted, which I’m afraid she will be. As soon as she said in one interview that she wanted to do comedy, I was like, “Oh, sh*t”.
And as for Hollywood changing its status quo, well, I guess the people who have to change it are the same people who started it. Or maybe it’ll be more beneficial if the people who followed it (and are now tired of it) changed it?
@Cheekie,
“THEY are the ideal in terms of beauty (even if their face resembles that of a “foot” per Peter Griffith),”
LMAO… I see ya SJP.
@miss t-lee, i still laugh at that jock( loudly i may add) every time i watch thar episode. i went from a flat stomach to an 8 pack because of peter griffin
@michaboa, erm… i meant joke
I didn’t see Precious. I didn’t want to see it. I did see her on the Tonight Show. That aside, if she is as talented as everyone say she is I think that she will find work. The downside of that is that she may not be hollywood popular. I don’t want to come off as mean but if she wants to increase her chances of having broader appeal she should lose weight. Hollywood is superficial. I hope she doesn’t end up doing chitlin circuit plays and Tyler Perry movies. I want to think that she will be a big name. But since “The #1 Ladies Dectective Agency” has been cancelled but “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” are still running I have a hard time believing.
Side Note: I don’t know who is more unattractive but everyone says they’re hot. Maggie Gyllenhall or Uma Thurman.
@Humble_One,
Uma Thurman isn’t neccessarily pretty, but she’s secksy IMO.
@Humble_One,
Please add Kirsten Dunst to that list. How did she get to be Mary Jane in the Spidey movies?
@Wuyoung Agent of M.E.,
I was asking the same question. She didn’t do the Mary Jane from the comics justice.
@Humble_One,
I can cosign on that. Mary Jane is a fireball in the comics. If they would have done the whole Gwen Stacy thing before MJ, and show how she was fiesty and wasn’t what Peter was used to, that would have been better.
@Humble_One,
I tried to get into #1 Ladies Detective Agency, but was not successful. Even though it starred a fellow Rattler, Anika Noni Rose, and one of my favorite entertainers, Jill Scott. It was just a bad show.
@Dash,
I thought I was the only person who thought it was blah. When I heard detective in the title I was looking for hardcore crimes, but I guess I’ve read too much Pelecanos for my own good.
I think Gabourey’s physique is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, she will get roles in which a woman like her is needed to tell a story (i.e. Precious). It’s just like one actress said (I don’t remember which one) about getting old as a woman in Hollywood: “They will always need someone to play mothers”. They will always need a Gabby too. At the same time, she obviously won’t get a lot of roles because she doesn’t fit into that tight mold Hollywood attempts to fit it’s actors into. Nia Long even said that it’s possible to be “too pretty” in Hollywood, making it hard to get particular roles because you’re not believable. I can imagine how much harder it would be for someone like Gabby who doesn’t subscribe to “typical” Hollywood ideals of beauty.
@Anike Love,
Great points!
WHO GON’ LOVE ME, PRECIOUS?????????????????????
Off-Topic but Sorta Not: While we’re on the subject of size: Did ya’ll SEE the incredible shrinking Forrest Whitaker on the Oscars?! DAYUM!!
@Cheekie,
Dude is skinty!!!! I almost didn’t realize it was him.
@Cheekie, i know right he is about the same size as his wife, well almost.
@Cheekie,
I think it’s for a role.
@Cheekie,
Saw him (Forrest Whitaker) on the view saying he was trying to be healthier….
On another note on size, I didn’t watch much of the Oscars show, but I did watch “Fashion Police” on E and them showing Kate Winslet and Joan Rivers saying Kate is fuller figured and “curvy” …GTFOOWTBS! What… she curvy compared to famine victim? Cause she damn sho’ ain’t thick, volumptious or none of that. She just isn’t a size 0.
@legitimate_soul,
Sorry, “The View”
@legitimate_soul,
“and Joan Rivers saying Kate is fuller figured and “curvy” …GTFOOWTBS! What… she curvy compared to famine victim? Cause she damn sho’ ain’t thick, volumptious or none of that. She just isn’t a size 0.”
Thank you. Kate Winslet looks FAB by the way. She was much chubbier in Titanic and for them to call her curvy NOW is bullish. That’s what I was saying above in regards to Mo and Latifah losing weight. No matter if they are bigger than they are now, they will always be set aside as curvy or bigger unless they go to the Calista Flockhart School of Dining and it’s a damn shame. If Kate Winslet now is CURVY, then that range is wide as hell on the real.
See this a sensitive topic to me…. First of all, I refuse to see that movie (unless someone gives me a bootleg as a gift and even then I’d have to have absolutely nothing better to do) because I feel it exacerbates too many black stereotypes..
But more importantly, what Howard Stern said was not completely untrue, sorry to say. She is only 25 years old, at the rate she’s going, she won’t live to be 35. This girl’s all prancing around on top of the world talmbout Gerard Butler like “Yeah I’d hit that” – like B*TCH please STFU!! Let us end the delusions… This is not the image that black America needs to be embracing. Us black women have enough health and weight issues as it is, we don’t need someone now saying it’s ok to look like that.
Granted she may be very talented and I truly do wish her the best but I wish everyone would stop being so PC and not calling a spade a spade…..
@BKSweetheart, LMAO @ her smashing off Gerard
The way I see it. Gabourey is either going to have to loose some major weight, and i don’t mean Hollywood Plus (12) but a nice rounded 16/18, or she’s going to have to go far left in an Indy film or a foreign to make it as a truly successful actress. Foreign films, seem so much more forgiving of different body types.
You are 100% right, no matter what people think.
She will work, but she’ll be relegated to thankless “sassy best friend” and “sexless big girl” roles in mainstream romantic comedies. And ironically, she’ll probably drop a lot of weight like Lah and Mo’Nique have.
But it is doubtful that another film will be built around her, unless it’s like Phat Girlz.
@Tyler,
Did you see Phat Girlz?
They don’t need a remake or a sequel of that ish, it was truly asstastic.
this is completely off topic but seriously, The Champ is slaying me with these answers on formspring. why do people even bother? lmbo.
being a writer from home does have it’s advantages. reading ignant stuff online while i write is one of them. lol.
@Muze,
GIRL! I was crying laughing @ his answers last night.
That boy is officially a plum mess!
I think Gabby will make it in Hollywood, but her roles will definately be limited because of her size. Its hard enough for thin, Black actresses to get roles in anything these days, so I don’t see Gabby stepping on any of their toes. She’ll be typecast as either the cool, sassy best friend or the overweight bully. Aint nobody trying to cast her as the next Wonder Woman, under any circumstances! I can see her being successful in TV though.
I do, however, feel her confidence is genuine. Not many people would have the guts to say what she said to Gerard Butler on the red carpet. She’s 26, so she’s probably accepted that she’ll always be a big girl. That being said, she still could lose 100lbs. If not for nothing but her health alone.
Actually I think that she would be better off if she tried some Broadway roles for awhile. That way people can see the depth of her acting and it will keep her busy until better roles come along. So assuming she has smart agents then i’d hope they would keep her from taking up bullsh*t roles and actually find quality work for her.
Sooooo my apolos if I’m recreating the wheel here but who has time to read over all these comments… lol….
N.E.Way……I think people missed Howard and ol’ girl’s point. For once I don’t think this had anything to do with race. This has EVERYTHING to do with her weight! She is over 350 lbs. people! Really?! o_O When was the last time we saw the circus tent-sized lady from ‘Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape’ after the grape done gone?
Gabby has a wonderful spirit and me no hate on big girls. In my head I am one- but a healthy one. She lacks health. She thinks being that big is cute- it’s not. There is a limit to big and healthy, well being healthy. If Oprah, Queen and Mo’Nique can admit to it so should she. Note: None of those women I mentioned are now skinny by any means but they are HEALTHY. Gabby needs to get a clue. Howard was right, she won’t work in Hollywood again unless she trims down to a manageable size.
Her + Pooch Hall in a love scene= Not. Gonna. Happen.
Fin.
@Daydreamer,
*drools @ Pooch Hall* eff CW11 or whoever is responsible for getting rid of “The Game”
Anywhoooo..
LMAO @ “after the grape done gone”
Gotdamn, gotdamn…I didn’t know she was over 350…I mean, isn’t she only like 5″2 or something like that? That is too much. My friend was 307 and she’s 5’10. That was unacceptable and her doctor suggest lap band surgery.
@LaBakir, o_O I read/heard she had to LOSE weight for the movie! I. can’t. I feel like we’re fat people bashing but she needs to be the poster child for Jenny Craig. That’s an endorsement for that arse! (I’ll take my 20% when she gets picked!) LOL!
@Daydreamer,
WHAT?!!!! That’s crazy! She got to be mo’ careful. Like how do you even get to 350lb before something doesn’t “feel right”?
@Daydreamer,
“I read/heard she had to LOSE weight for the movie!”
Really? Hmm…
@LaBakir,
“*drools @ Pooch Hall* eff CW11 or whoever is responsible for getting rid of “The Game””
Co-sign. I love me some Pooch Hall. Yes, his first name sounds like he should be the spokesperson for Kibbles and Bits, but that man is foine. lol
@Cheekie, LOL…his real name is Marion. If I were a dude and my name was Marion, I’d def have a nickname…even if it were Pooch,lol
@Cheekie,
“LOL…his real name is Marion.”
Oh okay…girl, I swear I thought that was his real name even though at the same time I didn’t want to believe it. Yeah, um, Marion is well…yeah. Yeah, at least Pooch is a stage name. lol
@Cheekie, LMAO! I can’t! I honestly can’t picture screaming out either name during a moment of lust…
@Cheekie, @LaBakir
Ya’ll killing me with this conversation about Pooch Hall
@LaBakir,
“I honestly can’t picture screaming out either name during a moment of lust…”
LOL, exactly. That would be a *recordscratch* moment.
I firmly believe that if Kathy Bates can have a substantial career so can Gabby Sidibe. That is all.
@Plain Ole Peyso,
Hmmm. Good point
@Plain Ole Peyso,
And didn’t she have a naked scene? “About Schmidt”, I think it was.
@Cheekie,
She did go nude in that movie and the world started going to hell soon after.
Where are these foreign market film opportunities that people keep talking about? Negroes generally don’t travel well abroad(in flims), and Gabby with her special issue is going to hell the damnedest time succeeding in the States to be able to concentrate on non-existent foreign opportunities.
don’t know if anyone mentioned this or not, but Gabby’s mother had a response to Howard Stern: http://necolebitchie.com/2010/03/12/gaboureys-mother-snaps-back-at-howard-sterns-comments
@Muze, Her mom didn’t really say anything ground breaking. She admitted Gabby was a big women and all that. I mean, maybe moms doesn’t see her weight as a big issue.
I know people come in all shapes and sizes…and some people are naturally big…but no one can tell me this chick can make it up a flight of steps w/o being out of breath.
@LaBakir,
“I know people come in all shapes and sizes…and some people are naturally big…but no one can tell me this chick can make it up a flight of steps w/o being out of breath.”
When I was in 7-11 I saw a magazine with her on the cover. I was surprised to see that even her hands were obese.
@Humble_One,
*dead* I can’t!
So you can only imagine w/ her feet look like….
So…after she looses weight (for HER health, of course) should she take a Michael Jackson bleach bath?
Hollywood isn’t the only superficial part of America.
@LuckBALady,
“Hollywood isn’t the only superficial part of America”
That’s the damn truth.
@LuckBALady, hell yeah! skinny white girls have the easiest time in hollywood. lol.
@LuckBALady,
*daps*
On a sidenote, Panda, I thought the title of this post was pretty clever. I liked it. Big ups…to all your haters and whatnot.
I’m with you on most points. In fact, I wrote a similar post before reading this one. One thing – are you basing your opinion of her as a “very, very good actress” on anything besides Precious? Just wondering.
Two words: Forrest Whittaker! Two more: Whoopi Goldberg
That man is ugly as all get out but he is a fabulous actor and can play almost any type role. He’s been versatile in his career and has advanced beyond the run of the mill black actor in Hollywood. So, she can do it. She just has to recognize that the odds are against her, make a game plan and do what others like Whittaker and Goldberg have done for years. Choose quality and choose substance…the money and fame will follow if the talent is there for her. She’s already got the attention of Hollywood so now it’s her turn to capitalize on it.
Note: I’ve not seen Precious.
From what I’ve heard she can act. People will recognise her talent and utilise it if there are appropriate (subjective word) roles for her. She will have to decide if acting is her love or earning money through acting is her goal. If it’s the former, I’m sure she will have ample opportunities on the indie-circuit or even in mainstream venues where she can be a selling point to [black] people who are eager to see her succeed. If it’s the latter she might have to subject herself to niche roles,but if it’s a job, it’s a job.
Co-sign to those saying she should start writing. I’m working on a screenplay and trying to refine a novel. If more people of colour write more material, and have the economic means to bring them to fruition, I think there would be less of a problem for actors of colour.
@KayBeezy,
*raises amen hand*
currently refining a novel and working on a screenplay as well.
@Muze,
I see you, girl! Writers of color unite!
Great piece on Gabby. I think she’s an amazing actress. As a humor writer, I did a comical piece on her on my blog titled: Biggie Smalls is Still Alive…. And some took it out of context. As humorist we some times have to take jabs at some people we really like. It’s just part of the business. But let the record state, I think she’s extremely talented with a bright future, and I was pulling for her at the Oscars.
She needs to get down to about a 14-16 to get roles beyond TP and indie flicks. Or she’ll be the token fat girl. either way, she can get work.
The truth is that no one has a crystal ball to predict Gabby’s future.
Gabby is fat and black. But so are the natural thickums Latifah, Oprah, Monique, Shonda Rhimes, Jennifer Hudson, Chandra Wilson, Raven Simone, Epatha Merkerson…I’ll also throw in Whoopie for black points. Her accomplishments are like porno for some of today’s prettiest actresses and if you combine them all they are all wildly and unbelievable successful in their own right. More so than the standard black is beautifuls that we’ve come to rely on: the Nia’s, Gabrielle, Sanaa. And while they are all lovely they’re not working as mush as Viola Davis…and no one’s talking about Oscar nominated Viola Davis as as their fantasy. Did Howard Stern also have the power to predict their futures as well?
*Crickets*….
If you would have asked Monique…a woman who hosted “Charm School” a few years ago if she would win an Oscar Monique would probably return you a tongue lashing of Comedy fodder. Again. No one has a Crystal Ball.
Beauty standards will always be upheld in Holiday but there’s also this thing called charm, charisma, and grit that’s also a part of star quality that is severely underrated. Ridiculous curves and pretty faces are a dime a dozen. But it IS possible to be visually stunning and lack dimension. Beauty will get you a couple of magazine covers in terms of exposure but talent and star quality is what’s let after the smoke’s clear.
As for Maggie Gynllenhaal she may be fug to some but chick is not a disposable talent. She doesn’t pansy to cutesy roles and I’ve seen her in Sherry Baby. Chick is no joke.
Something tells me BECAUSE of Howard Stern’s (and his minion) foot and mouth disease…that the likes of Oprah and Tyler will step up to the plate just to prove the drowned rat…I mean…shock jock wrong. Gabby will work.
Will be be a big manstream star no but she could get work as a character actress, she is just going to have to hustle all of the avenues of acting (tv, movies ,stage , animated voice work) or hope that oprah, tyler perry and lee daniels stay invested in her career.