"This Is Us" actress Chrissy Metz plays a character that is slowly becoming a fan favorite in the new NBC drama. The most obvious thing about her character, Kate Pearson, is that she's on a quest to lose weight. But critics of the tear-jerking family series are quick to point out that the show is boxing her for her size and weight, when there should be more to the characterization. Is "This is Us" fat-shaming Kate and Chrissy Metz?
Speaking with She Knows, Chrissy Metz revealed that people have indeed come up to her to talk about how "This is Us" presents Kate's weight loss woes in the series. "I have friends who are like, 'Why do we have to talk about the weight? Why can't you just be an actor who happens to be overweight in the show and you're moving on with your life?'" the star of the emerging hit series said.
But Chrissy Metz defends that "This is Us" creator Dan Fogelman based Kate on his own sister who had issues with her weight. She also said that weight loss is relatable to many people, hence her angle on "This is Us" clicks with viewers. "This is a story that needs to be told because there are people who find their self-worth in the number on the scale," Chrissy Metz added.
What's better than Kate and Kevin? Mini Kate and Kevin! #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/s4V3HM7zI7
— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) October 3, 2016
Since "This is Us" is only a couple of episodes in, the actress promises there will be growth and evolution to Kate's storyline. Eventually, viewers of "This is Us" will come to understand Kate's deeper issues with her weight struggles in succeeding episodes to add layers to her characterization.
The actress believes she also has a responsibility to represent plus-size actors well on "This is Us," especially in show business where looks matter a lot. Chrissy Metz admits she's been on the heavy side since she was a child but the most important thing for her is body acceptance. "Whatever makes you feel good, that's what I think you should pursue," the actress said in an interview with Refinery29. "I'm kind of in both worlds. Part of me wants to change, and part of me is like, 'No, I'm good,'" she related.
Meanwhile, "This Is Us" Season 1 Episode 3, which airs Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. on NBC, will have Kate's twin, Kevin (Justin Hartley) moving from Los Angeles to New York. Whether Kate will follow her brother remains to be seen. Check out the teaser to the episode below.
