The Best Plus-Size Actresses in Film and Television
Representation on screen has expanded in measurable ways, and audiences now see more diverse body types across genres and formats. This list highlights actresses whose credits include major studio films, prestige television, hit network series, and acclaimed streaming projects. Many have earned Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, or Olivier Awards, and several hold producer, writer, or creator credits that influence the stories being told.
Each entry notes hallmark roles, awards, and career milestones that show consistent impact. You will find leading turns in romantic comedies and dramas, scene stealing work in ensembles, and long running characters on broadcast and cable television. These facts show how wide the field has become and how much ground these performers have covered.
Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy earned an Academy Award nomination for her lead role in ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ and another nomination for her supporting role in ‘Bridesmaids’. Her television credits include a Primetime Emmy win for ‘Mike and Molly’ and multiple nominations for ‘Saturday Night Live’ hosting.
Her film work spans studio comedies and action capers with ‘Spy’, ‘The Heat’, ‘Ghostbusters’, and ‘Tammy’. She also appears in family and fantasy projects and holds producer credits through projects developed with her longtime creative partner Ben Falcone.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for ‘The Help’ and received additional Oscar nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Her filmography includes ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Snowpiercer’, and ‘Ma’.
On television she starred in ‘Self Made’ and ‘Truth Be Told’. She has produced series and films that center underrepresented voices and has voiced characters in animated features that reached international audiences.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Chicago’ and a Golden Globe win for ‘Life Support’. She has led hit films that include ‘Last Holiday’, ‘Set It Off’, ‘Hairspray’, and ‘Girls Trip’.
Her television work spans decades with ‘Living Single’ and a lead role and executive producer credit on ‘The Equalizer’. She founded production companies that develop film and television projects and she holds a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Gabourey Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe received an Academy Award nomination for her debut performance in ‘Precious’. Her film work includes ‘Tower Heist’ and appearances in independent features and shorts.
On television she joined ‘American Horror Story’ across multiple seasons and held a series regular role on ‘Empire’. She has directed shorts and has published a memoir that details her pathway into film and television.
Mo’Nique
Mo’Nique won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Precious’. Her prior work includes ‘Phat Girlz’ and ensemble comedies and dramas that toured festivals and cable platforms.
She starred in the long running sitcom ‘The Parkers’ and later returned to dramatic features with ‘Blackbird’ and holiday ensemble work in ‘Almost Christmas’. She also tours as a stand up performer and has headlined specials for premium networks and streaming services.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Holdovers’. Her film credits include ‘Dolemite Is My Name’, ‘The Lost City’, and ‘Rustin’.
On television she appears as Detective Williams in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and starred in ‘High Fidelity’. She trained at Yale School of Drama and originated roles on Broadway before transitioning to screen work.
Rebel Wilson
Rebel Wilson broke out internationally with ‘Bridesmaids’ and starred as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise. She anchored the romantic comedy ‘Isn’t It Romantic’ and appeared in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Senior Year’.
Her television credits include ‘Super Fun Night’ and guest roles in dramas and comedies. She has hosted major award shows and reality competitions and founded a production banner that develops scripted projects.
Aidy Bryant
Aidy Bryant earned multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She created, executive produced, and starred in ‘Shrill’, which adapted Lindy West’s memoir and essays for television.
Her credits also include voice roles in animated series and appearances in ‘Girls’ and ‘Documentary Now’. She writes and produces episodes and is listed as a creator on companion materials and tie in content.
Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks earned widespread recognition on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and received awards as part of the ensemble. She portrayed Sofia in ‘The Color Purple’ on stage and reprised the role in the film adaptation, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Her television work includes ‘Peacemaker’ where she plays Leota Adebayo. She trained at Juilliard and maintains theater credits on and off Broadway alongside film and television roles.
Chrissy Metz
Chrissy Metz earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for ‘This Is Us’. Her film work includes the faith based drama ‘Breakthrough’, where she also contributed to the soundtrack.
She has recorded country songs and performed on major stages tied to the series and film releases. Metz has authored a book that covers her career development and released singles that charted on country and adult contemporary lists.
Retta
Retta became widely known through ‘Parks and Recreation’ where she played Donna Meagle. She then led the crime dramedy ‘Good Girls’ for multiple seasons.
Her additional credits include ‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce’ and guest roles across network and streaming comedies. She has hosted live events and appears on podcasts that focus on television production and comedy writing.
Amber Riley
Amber Riley starred as Mercedes Jones on ‘Glee’ and contributed lead vocals to many of the show’s highest charting covers. She won ‘The Masked Singer’ and later released solo music.
On stage she led ‘Dreamgirls’ in London and won an Olivier Award for her performance. Her acting credits include TV movies and guest appearances that connect music and narrative storytelling.
Dascha Polanco
Dascha Polanco played Dayanara Diaz on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and appeared in all seasons of the series. She joined the cast of ‘In the Heights’ as Cuca and appeared in ‘Joy’ and ‘The Irishman’.
Her television credits include ‘When They See Us’ and guest roles in crime and legal dramas. She participates in community programs that support arts access and mentorship in New York City.
Nikki Blonsky
Nikki Blonsky starred as Tracy Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’, earning nominations from major film critics groups and industry guilds. She performed the role live at multiple televised events tied to the film’s release.
On television she led the series ‘Huge’ and has appeared in independent features and short form projects. She continues to perform at concerts and benefits that celebrate film musicals and Broadway.
Brooke Elliott
Brooke Elliott headlined ‘Drop Dead Diva’ for six seasons and recorded several featured songs for the series. She later joined ‘Sweet Magnolias’ as a lead and co producer.
Her background includes Broadway credits in shows like ‘Taboo’ and national tours where she performed principal roles. She works as a vocal coach and music arranger on select projects.
Camryn Manheim
Camryn Manheim won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for ‘The Practice’. She later joined ‘Law and Order’ as Lieutenant Kate Dixon and appears across seasons as a series regular.
Her film credits include ‘Happiness’, ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’, and independent dramas that premiered at major festivals. She has served in leadership roles within the Screen Actors Guild and the Television Academy.
Bridget Everett
Bridget Everett created and stars in ‘Somebody Somewhere’, a critically acclaimed dramedy that blends music and narrative storytelling. She performs original songs within the series and collaborates with a longtime band.
Her film credits include ‘Patti Cake$’, ‘Trainwreck’, and ‘Fun Mom Dinner’. She has released live albums and specials and continues to tour as a cabaret performer.
Nicole Byer
Nicole Byer hosts ‘Nailed It!’ and received multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Host. She starred in the sitcom ‘Grand Crew’ and appears in recurring roles on animated and live action series.
Her credits include ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’, ‘The Good Place’, and a wide range of voice roles. Byer co hosts podcasts that draw large audiences and has authored a book that charts her path through comedy and television.
Melissa Peterman
Melissa Peterman played Barbra Jean on ‘Reba’ for the full run of the series. She later joined ‘Baby Daddy’ as Bonnie Wheeler and appeared in ‘Young Sheldon’ in a recurring role.
Her additional credits include guest spots on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and appearances in original cable movies. She has hosted game shows and specials and performs stand up on national tours.
Michelle Buteau
Michelle Buteau created and starred in ‘Survival of the Thickest’, adapted from her essay collection. Her acting credits include ‘Always Be My Maybe’, ‘Isn’t It Romantic’, and ‘Marry Me’.
On television she appears in ‘The Circle’ as the host for the United States edition and has recurring roles in scripted comedies. She tours as a headlining comic and has a stand up special on a major streaming service.
Kathy Bates
Kathy Bates won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Misery’ and later earned additional Oscar nominations for ‘Primary Colors’ and ‘About Schmidt’. Her film credits include ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’, ‘Titanic’, ‘Midnight in Paris’, and ‘Richard Jewell’, along with voice work and high profile supporting roles across dramas and comedies.
On television she won multiple Primetime Emmys for work that includes ‘American Horror Story’ and a guest role on ‘Two and a Half Men’. She also led ‘Harry’s Law’ and appeared in limited series and TV films while directing select episodes for network and cable shows.
Niecy Nash-Betts
Niecy Nash-Betts won a Primetime Emmy for ‘Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her film work includes ‘Selma’, ‘Guess Who’, and ‘Uncorked’, along with comedies and thrillers released across theaters and streaming platforms.
She headlined ‘Claws’ and earned nominations for performances in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Reno 911!’. Nash-Betts has hosted major live events and holds producer credits on scripted projects that center crime, comedy, and character led drama.
Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and received multiple Emmy nominations for her work as a cast member and writer. Her film roles include ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Coming 2 America’, and ‘Top Five’, plus voice performances in animated features.
She has hosted game shows and awards broadcasts and tours nationally as a headlining comedian. Jones also appears in guest arcs on sitcoms and dramas, bringing sketch and stand up experience to scripted roles.
Beanie Feldstein
Beanie Feldstein earned a Golden Globe nomination for her lead role in ‘Booksmart’ and appeared in acclaimed ensembles such as ‘Lady Bird’. Her filmography includes ‘How to Build a Girl’ and supporting roles across comedies and dramas.
On television she has appeared in ‘American Crime Story’ and guest starred on network and streaming series. Feldstein also maintains stage credits on Broadway and in concert productions tied to major revivals.
Barbie Ferreira
Barbie Ferreira gained wide recognition on ‘Euphoria’ with a central role that ran through multiple seasons. She later joined features including ‘Nope’ and appeared in independent films and shorts.
Her early career included modeling campaigns and digital series work that led to scripted television opportunities. Ferreira also directs and writes short form projects and collaborates on fashion and beauty campaigns tied to screen releases.
Lauren Ash
Lauren Ash starred as Dina on ‘Superstore’ across the full run of the series. Her television work includes ‘Not Dead Yet’ and recurring roles in animated and live action comedies.
She has film credits in ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ and ‘Dirty Singles’, along with sketch and improv roots from Second City. Ash hosts a podcast and appears at comedy festivals and industry panels focused on TV production.
Raven Goodwin
Raven Goodwin appeared in ‘Glee’, ‘Being Mary Jane’, and ‘SMILF’ with substantial recurring roles. She portrayed Hattie McDaniel in a biographical TV film and led original cable movies.
Her film credits include ‘Lovely & Amazing’ and family features that premiered across theatrical and home release windows. Goodwin started working as a child actor and built a steady resume across network and premium cable series.
Jill Scott
Jill Scott starred in ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ as Precious Ramotswe and later joined ‘First Wives Club’ on television. She appears in feature films such as ‘Get on Up’ and ‘Baggage Claim’.
In addition to acting, she is a Grammy winning recording artist who contributes original songs to soundtracks. Scott tours internationally and performs at televised events tied to film and TV premieres.
Kathy Najimy
Kathy Najimy is widely known for ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’, with memorable comedic turns that span studio and independent films. She has performed in voice roles for animated features and series.
On television she appeared in ‘Veep’, ‘Younger’, and ‘King of the Hill’, where she voiced a lead character for many seasons. Najimy frequently works on stage and participates in readings and benefits connected to Broadway productions.
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell appeared in films such as ‘A League of Their Own’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and ‘Harriet the Spy’. She later returned to dramatic work in titles including ‘The Flintstones’ and independent features.
Her television career includes hosting ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ and acting roles in ‘SMILF’, ‘I Know This Much Is True’, and ‘And Just Like That’. She also produces and appears in documentaries and specials tied to social issues and the arts.
Dawn French
Dawn French is a co creator and star of ‘French and Saunders’ and led the sitcom ‘The Vicar of Dibley’. She appears regularly in British television specials and holiday programming.
Her film roles include ‘Death on the Nile’ and voice performances in family features. French is also a bestselling author and tours with stage shows that blend stand up and storytelling.
Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones co created and starred in ‘Gavin & Stacey’, playing Nessa across multiple seasons and specials. She has appeared in ‘Stella’, which she also created, and in acclaimed British dramas and comedies.
Her film work includes supporting roles in ‘Emma’ and ensemble features. Jones writes for television and publishes novels that have topped bestseller lists in the United Kingdom.
Sharon Rooney
Sharon Rooney led ‘My Mad Fat Diary’ and later appeared in ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘The Capture’. She joined the ensemble of ‘Barbie’ in a key supporting role.
Her credits include stage performances in the United Kingdom and guest roles across crime and comedy series. Rooney has worked in both contemporary and period projects and continues to add film credits alongside television work.
Katy Mixon
Katy Mixon starred as Katie Otto in ‘American Housewife’ and appeared in ‘Eastbound & Down’ and ‘Mike & Molly’. She has provided voice work for animated series and TV movies.
Her film credits include ‘Hell or High Water’, ‘Four Christmases’, and romantic comedies released theatrically and on streaming. Mixon trained in theater and has performed in regional stage productions.
Lolly Adefope
Lolly Adefope played standout roles in ‘Shrill’ and ‘Ghosts’, bringing sketch and character work to ensemble television. She regularly appears on UK panel shows and in specials tied to comedy festivals.
Her film work includes ‘This Time Next Year’ and supporting roles in independent features. Adefope writes and performs live shows and contributes to writers’ rooms on scripted comedies.
Keala Settle
Keala Settle appeared in ‘The Greatest Showman’ and performed the breakout song featured in the film. She has additional film and TV credits that include musical performances and dramatic roles.
On stage she earned a Tony nomination for her work in a Broadway musical and has toured nationally with concert programs. Settle records solo material and participates in benefit events focused on theater and film communities.
Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine’s film credits include ‘Waiting to Exhale’, ‘Crash’, ‘I Am Sam’, and ‘This Christmas’, with roles spanning drama and comedy. She has appeared in independent features that premiered at major festivals.
On television she has recurred and starred in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘The Carmichael Show’, and ‘P-Valley’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy for a guest role and continues to work across network, cable, and streaming series.
Jackée Harry
Jackée Harry won a Primetime Emmy for ‘227’, becoming the first Black woman to win in her category for comedy supporting performance. She later starred in ‘Sister, Sister’ and joined daytime series ‘Days of Our Lives’.
Her filmography includes family films and TV movies with recurring holiday releases. Harry appears in stage productions and tours with plays that revive classic television properties for live audiences.
Miranda Hart
Miranda Hart created and starred in ‘Miranda’, which ran for multiple seasons and specials. She appeared in ‘Call the Midwife’ and guest roles on talk and variety programs.
Her film credits include ‘Spy’ and supporting parts in studio comedies. Hart also writes bestselling memoirs and performs stand up tours that sell out major theaters in the UK.
Shannon Purser
Shannon Purser broke through as Barb on ‘Stranger Things’ and later led ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’. She has appeared in ‘Riverdale’ and guest starred in anthology and procedural series.
Her film credits include independent dramas and thrillers released on streaming platforms. Purser also works in voice acting and participates in conventions and fan events connected to her genre projects.
Share your picks and favorite roles in the comments so everyone can compare notes and keep the list growing.