Nikki Blonsky was introduced to the world as Tracy Turnblad, the star of 2007's "Hairspray" remake. She had co-stars like Zac Efron, John Travolta and Amanda Bynes, and became a highly-recognizable face. But after she went on to star in the (sadly) short-lived ABC family series "Huge," she has had trouble finding work, the 24-year-old actress told Salon.
Having recently picked up roles in the indie film "The English Teacher" and on the TV show "Smash," Blonsky opened up to Salon's Daniel D'Addario about what it's like to be a plus-size actress. She said that her non-skinny frame significantly limits the roles for which she can audition:
It’s definitely been something I’ve struggled with. It’s kind of like one type of girl they’re always looking for. It can drive a plus-size actress crazy at the end of the day. But I really don’t let it get to me. I’m very aware of my body. I’m very aware of myself. I love my body. I love myself.
In the past as well Blonsky has been outspoken about her body confidence and being a plus-size woman. In a 2010 interview with Seventeen, she talked about stripping down for the premiere episode of "Huge": "I was ready to show the world that this is what most of the country looks like. It doesn't look like a size zero."
It sounds like one of the women who inspired that confidence is her mother. Blonsky told Salon that her role models include Liza Minnelli, Lainie Kazan and ... her mom (awww!). "In real life, I aspire to be my mom," Blonsky said. "She’s a very strong woman who is amazing and takes care of her family first and I admire her so much for that. She’s plus-size and breathtakingly gorgeous. She shows me you don’t have to be a size zero to be gorgeous."
Click over to Salon to read the full interview.
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