15 Heaviest Actresses in Hollywood

Body size and screen power can travel together in Hollywood. Some actresses carried more weight for years and turned that reality into unforgettable characters with heart and humor. Others went through big transformations and found new lanes once they trimmed down. Numbers move over a lifetime, so any figures here reflect widely reported estimates from the eras in question.

This list highlights women long associated with a larger frame and also notes those who changed course. When a reliable peak is known you will see it mentioned clearly. When someone lost weight you will see that context too. The goal is simple respect for their work and an honest snapshot of how their bodies and careers evolved.

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe became a breakout star with a presence that felt both grounded and luminous. At her heaviest she was widely reported as being over three hundred pounds. Her size gave her roles a quiet authority that never felt like a gag.

She later underwent weight loss surgery and has shared steady progress since. The shift did not change her gift for nuance. It simply let her move through scenes with a different kind of ease.

Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz brought heartfelt honesty to roles that mirror real life challenges. Reports from her early career often placed her well above three hundred pounds and that reality shaped the parts she first landed on ‘This Is Us’. She turned vulnerability into strength and earned deep audience loyalty.

In recent years she has talked about a gradual and mindful approach to slimming down. The changes have been measured rather than extreme. Her work keeps centering warmth and empathy no matter where the scale sits.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson arrived with fearless physical comedy and a sturdy frame. Public estimates from her peak put her around two hundred and fifty pounds. She used that presence to punch up every beat in projects like ‘Pitch Perfect’.

She declared a year of health and shed a significant amount of weight. The leaner look opened different roles while her timing and boldness stayed intact. The energy is the same even as the outline changed.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy paired a larger figure with razor sharp timing and total commitment. Industry chatter during her busiest early stretch often placed her near the high two hundreds. She made full body comedy look elegant because every move had intention.

She has slimmed down at various points through training and nutrition and sometimes for specific roles. The adjustments never muted her charisma. She still fills the frame with precision and heart.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique made a name with unapologetic humor and a powerful build. Reports from earlier years often put her well over two hundred pounds. That size read as royal confidence and gave her characters a commanding center.

She later lost a large amount of weight through consistent workouts and careful eating. The transformation kept the swagger while improving stamina for long days on set. The presence remains unmistakable.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley was open about a long run of fluctuations. At heavier points she was often reported in the low to mid two hundreds and she leaned into that reality with wit in ‘Fat Actress’. Her screen charm always felt playful and disarming.

She cycled through major losses and gains over the years. Big drops came after focused programs and public goals. Through it all the personality stayed bright and quick.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has long represented confidence in a fuller figure. Exact numbers were never a focus in her public statements and reliable peaks are not clearly verified. What never changed is the way she carried herself with poise in films like ‘Chicago’ and in shows like ‘The Equalizer’.

She has emphasized balanced habits and health over specific weights. The result is a steady presence that feels strong and assured. Audiences sense the self respect and respond to it.

Nikki Blonsky

Nikki Blonsky stepped into the spotlight with a joyful plus size image that matched the spirit of ‘Hairspray’. Public reports have placed her at a higher weight class during those early years though exact numbers were not consistently confirmed. Her performance beamed confidence and fun.

She has talked about working on health while still embracing her shape. The focus has been sustainability and self care rather than chasing a number. That approach keeps the work feeling honest.

Aidy Bryant

Aidy Bryant brought warmth and wit as a fuller figured lead in ‘Shrill’ and as a standout on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has not centered her career on specific scale readings and there are no firmly verified peak numbers. The power comes from relaxed delivery and clear comic intention.

She has described small lifestyle tweaks rather than dramatic swings. That steady path suits her voice as a performer. Audiences connect because she makes comfort look cool.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks commands attention with rich emotion and a solid build. She entered the mainstream with ‘Orange Is the New Black’ where her fuller figure added dimension to a character already brimming with heart. Exact peak weights have not been publicly verified.

She has trained hard for demanding roles and spoken about finding balance after pregnancy. The focus is strength and endurance. The screen still lights up when she walks in.

Retta

Retta is an effortless scene stealer with a larger frame that reads as grounded and stylish. She became a fan favorite on ‘Parks and Recreation’ by pairing deadpan timing with easy confidence. Reliable peak numbers are not widely confirmed and she has not made weight the headline of her story.

She continues to emphasize fit and health for long shoots. Any changes have been gradual. The performance remains the point and it shows.

Camryn Manheim

Camryn Manheim built a career as a talented dramatic actress while proudly owning a bigger body. During her run on ‘The Practice’ she turned presence into gravitas and gave every scene a centered pulse. Public reporting placed her in higher weight ranges without a single firm peak.

Over time she has spoken about body respect along with sensible health habits. The silhouette has shifted here and there but the work has stayed sharp. She remains a model of confidence.

Raven Symoné

Raven Symoné grew up in front of the camera and spent years at a heavier weight during her early adult phase. Reports from that period often suggested numbers well over two hundred pounds. She turned that era into candid talk about stress and public pressure.

She later lost a significant amount of weight with dietary changes and a steadier routine. The slimmer profile gave her more comfort day to day. The comedic spark never left.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr was one of the most visible plus size stars of her era. At peak she was frequently reported as well over two hundred pounds. Her blue collar honesty in ‘Roseanne’ made the larger body feel lived in and real rather than a punchline.

She underwent weight loss surgery and dropped a substantial amount in later years. The shift reshaped her look while her blunt voice stayed the same. The legacy is a landmark role that reflected everyday life.

Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake entered movies as a heavier young actress and made a splash with the original ‘Hairspray’. Reports from that time often put her in the higher two hundreds though exact figures varied by source. Her early image was big hearted and approachable.

She later slimmed down through focused programs and dance training periods. The change gave her new energy on camera and on stage. She continues to treat health as an evolving practice.

Share your own thoughtful additions in the comments and tell us which performances or transformations you think belong on this list.