> Hey ive been a fan since i saw you in your law and order svu episode
> and i was wondering whats it like always playing the fat character u
> must be getting tired of it thanks
> Daiji
>
Hey Daiji~

First, thank you for being a fan and for your question! This has been the thorn
in the side
of my career, the idea of always playing the "fat character". This is a giant
double edge
sword. On one hand, I've been given the opportunity to play some amazing
characters on
Television. On the other hand, because I can't leave and take off a fat suit, it
does hit a
little close to home. Unfortunately, this industry has been built on
stereotypes. These are
the roles that have been presented to me. Writers rarely write roles for large
people that
are just "normal". Or roles where the weight isn't a major part of the story
line. Casting
directors and producers don't always think outside of the box.

There have been a few exeptions in my career. My part in My Name Is Earl had
nothing to
do with weight. So did my roles in a Hallmark movie called McBride and a
Showtime show I
did, Going to California. Joan of Arcadia had nothing to do with size (i was
god!). But those
haven't been my high profile roles. Most people know me from Nip/Tuck, L & O:
SVU,
Boston Public, and Cold Case. I have to say that those characters did have the
common
thread of being overweight, but I feel like each one was different. Different
personalites.
Different journeys through life.

Bottom line: I'd love to just play a part where the word "fat" isn't mentioned.
I'm working
my way into Hollywood in order to change that. Till then I just CAN'T turn down
amazing
Guest Leads like "Cold Case" (most recent). They just don't write large Guest
Stars anymore
for anyone who isn't a "name". I have to jump on those roles so people can see
me do
more than just a scene or two. And I want to work!

I'm not alone. A lot of my friends in this industry complain about always going
out for the
"girl in a bikini" or the "nerds". I'm sure Pamela Anderson would like to not
always play the
bimbo :) My friend, Eric, has Guest Starred on every major show out there. He
always ends
up playing the killer. Ah, we all have our crosses to bear!

Till that perfect role comes my way, I might have to play a fat girl or two. BUT
I have
turned down roles that are degrading. That's not worth it. I hope that when
people watch
the shows I've done, they see how horrible our prejudice towards people of size
is. How it
needs to end. I've received letters from all over the world from people who are
able to
relate to my characters. That keeps me going. That makes it worth it :)

What do you think?