Rebel Wilson had "year of health" through pandemic and speaks of fertility struggles
January 17, 2022
Did you catch Rebel Wilson in the exclusive 100 Women interview with the BBC to reflect on what it means to be the "funny, fat girl", why she went on a "year of health" during the pandemic, and decided to speak openly about her fertility challenges.
One of Hollywood’s top comedy actors, Rebel Wilson has said her own team was opposed to her losing weight because she was “earning millions of dollars being the funny fat girl” according to The Guardian.
Embarking on a health and fitness journey, the Australian actor documented her physical transformation on social media.
She not only focused on fitness, but also placed a strong emphasis on good nutrition.
“I got a lot of pushback from my own team actually, here in Hollywood, when I said, ‘OK, I’m going to do this year of health, I feel like I’m really going to physically transform and change my life’,” she told BBC Breakfast. “And they were like, ‘Why? Why would you want to do that?’ Because I was earning millions of dollars being the funny fat girl and being that person.”
Rebel has also been quite vocal about hoping people will choose to focus on her career, rather than on her body. “Is that what a woman has to do in the world, lose weight to get attention?” said Rebel. “It’s fascinating, why are people so obsessed with it? Like, with women in particular about their looks? I know what it’s like to be a woman who is essentially invisible to most people because of not being seen as traditionally beautiful or whatever. It’s crazy to try to fit that. It’s just better to be the healthiest version.”
Rebel isn't the first celebrity to raise public conversation around her appearance. Adele has also said that her body has been objectified throughout her entire career. “I was body positive then and I’m body positive now,” Adele told Oprah.
Rebel has also highlighted her struggle with fertility, suggesting that a reason she has shared her journey online was to help others. “I feel for any woman going through it,” she said.