It is incredibly refreshing to have public figures, celebrities, and actresses who speak out against the body obsession that runs rampant in Hollywood and throughout our country. In this day and age in particular, it is high time we have women to look up to who take care for themselves, but also defy the traditional look of a Hollywood starlet.
Who do we love? Women who just don’t care how they are perceived. Comfortable in their own skin. And they don’t need your permission or approval to do so. Seriously, these are our heroes.
CHRISTINA HENDRICKS
The voluptuous star of Mad Men, which wrapped last night in a blaze of glory, has been praised for years about her very true-to-form hourglass figure. What we know and love about Hendricks is that she is happy, comfortable, and strong in her shape.
“Back when I was modeling, the first time I went to Italy, I was having cappuccinos every day, and I gained 15 pounds. And I felt gorgeous! I would take my clothes off in front of the mirror and be like, ‘Oh, I look like a woman.’ And I felt beautiful, and I never tried to lose it, because I loved it.”
REBEL WILSON
The Australian funny lady is one of the stars of this summer’s box office smash Pitch Perfect 2. Wilson is hilarious, talented, and an extremely important asset to the body image standards conversation. Wilson is not a size 0, and plays a character called “Fat Amy,” so clearly her size is a talking point. With grace and beauty, however, Wilson stands up to the discrimination.
“I don’t really care what I look like that much, and I think women out there should just be happy with the way they look. They shouldn’t really try to conform to any kind of stereotype. Just be happy and hopefully healthy.”
KELLY OSBOURNE
The former Fashion Police correspondent and reality television star has plenty of advice for being in the spotlight. Since growing up with a famous father, Osbourne has never not been in the spotlight. Was that hard? Undoubtedly. Does she rock it? Always.
“Everyone has good days, everyone has bad days. I call myself a former fat person, and when you’re an FFP, you still see yourself as the person you used to be. That’s something I’m genuinely working on all the time.”
TAYLOR SWIFT
Swift has had quite the year. She has become a lot more outspoken since her most recent album, and with that outspoken-ness comes body image positivity, pro-feminist statements, and a whole lot of self-love. Swift is a powerful influence on her fans, especially younger girls, and she always says just the right thing to lift them (and all of us) up.
“I definitely have body issues, but everybody does. When you come to the realization that everybody does that–even the people I consider flawless–you can start to live with the way you are.”
EMMA WATSON
Watson is arguably best known for her role in the massively famous Harry Potter movie franchise, but she has also gone on to be a strong advocate for women’s rights. Though Watson was perceived at a young age as a very attractive woman, she has been more than vocal about the unnecessary focus on her image.
“I keep telling myself that I am a human being, an imperfect human being who’s not made to look like a doll.”
AMBER RILEY
The former Glee star and winner of Dancing With the Stars has always been known for her gorgeous singing voice, real woman’s body, and absolute charm. Because Riley is not a size 2, she has received some flack from naysayers. The great thing about Riley is that she is confident, and confidence does not have a size.
“I’m not going to conform and hurt myself, and do something crazy to be a size 2.”
SELENA GOMEZ
Former child star Gomez has been in the spotlight for her entire adult life. Because of that fact, she has received any and all negative comments about everything from her dating life to her body. After recently being body shamed because of a (gorgeous!) picture of herself on her personal Instagram account, Gomez has been loud and clear about how she feels. Gomez captioned the bikini shot with:
“I love being happy with me y’all #theresmoretolove.”
Go girl.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
One of the most outspoken advocates for women being women, actress and Oscar winner Lawrence has plenty to say about body image and weight. She has no problem shooting down reporters who ask about her body, or openly disagreeing with silly statements like, “Nothing tastes like skinny feels.” Lawrence is a healthy, happy, intelligent, and extremely talented actress–do not talk body with her. She has publicly said, “Go F yourself” to questions about dieting.
“Girls see enough of this body that we can’t imitate, that we’ll never be able to obtain…these unrealistic expectations. It’s better to look strong and healthy.”
ADELE
Adele, the incredibly gorgeous songstress who steals our hearts over and over again, is a fantastic example of positive body image. Adele’s voice is always the focus of her image, and she assures us that any and all woman can be represented in the spotlight.
“I’ve never wanted to look like models on the cover of magazines. I represent the majority of women and I’m very proud of that.”
MELISSA MCCARTHY
Hilarious actress and comedian McCarthy has quickly risen in our ranks of Best People Ever. After her star performance in 2024’s Bridesmaids, McCarthy has gone on to star in her own feature films as well as her hilarious television show. Not only does McCarthy defy Hollywood standards with her style of comedy, but she certainly shakes things up with her righteous body confidence.
“I’ve never felt like I needed to change…I’ve always thought, ‘If you want somebody different, pick somebody else.'”
We love these women so much. Love the skin you’re in, ladies!
Also Read:
5 Films About Body Image Every Man and Woman Should Watch
Why is Lily James’ Waist in Cinderella Even a Controversy?
Beyonce’s Top 5 Killer Workout Moves
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