Now that the hoopla is set to come to an end, casting directors and agents in Hollywood are sounding off on Oscar-nominated actress Gabby Sidibe’s weight and her chances at future success.
Those in control of casting talent for productions in Hollywood are saying Gabby may not be so “precious” beyond the Oscar- nominated movie. Her weight may make her unemployable, since only highly specialized roles, which don’t come around too often, would be a fit for the new yet talented actress.
It was Gabby’s appearance that made her a perfect fit to play the role of 16-year-old Claireece “Precious” Jones — along with her compelling delivery of key lines during her audition, but beyond that, her image goes against everything that’s considered palatable in Tinseltown.
“I’m not saying it’s correct, but it’s a simple fact that she will have to lose a lot of weight if she wants to keep getting parts,” one casting director said.
Friends of Sidibe confirm she’s not being bombarded with offers. “The same thing happened to Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray,” the casting director continued. “Everyone said how great she was, and she hasn’t worked since.”
If industry sources are correct, Sidibe will need to drop the extra pounds if she wants her star to keep rising.
It appears that Gabby is very comfortable with her weight, even though she’s admitted it had been a huge problem for her for the bulk of her life. In several interviews, she revealed that she had to make the conscious choice to embrace herself for all that she is, and it comes off as genuine. But, how long will that hold up with so many new eyes judging her?
With all the attention her weight is now getting in the media, coupled with the pressure of building on the momentum of her successful first role, will she break as a vulnerable young black woman under the scrutiny of the Hollywood machine? If so, let’s hope it’s for the sake of better health. –gerald radford
