What does everyone think that a woman who is 5'7" should weigh and still get acting work? I know that modeling is insanely skinny, but acting? I was hoping for 130 pounds, but that may be too much.
Thanks.

130 lbs. is perfectly healthy for a 5'7 woman.

Models have strictly enforced body standards. They measure model's hips and want to see 34". Anything 35" and over and they will not hesitate to tell you to lose weight.

Acting is not like that. No CD will ever whip out a tape measure on you. The most pressure is on leading lady types, but even there, toned beach bodies are good and no one is looking for a waif. You are portraying characters, not selling clothes. Check out these articles.

http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000914.html

http://more.showfax.com/columns/corner/archives/2007_10_29.html

http://more.showfax.com/columns/corner/archives/2006_05_15.html

I think its less about weight and more about size and composition. Not all women have the same body composition and not all look good at some sizes where some can pull it off without a hitch. You need to be in shape not sqwany but there is a preference for thin women.

If they aren't looking for waifs, why are waifs so popular? I am thinking Terri Hatcher, Michelle Monaghan, etc. I see waifs on set in leading roles constantly. It is nice when a woman who is fit does well in Hollywood though. Jessica Biel has a good body.

I just have to wonder, who decided waif was attractive? I personally can't see the appeal, yet women who need to eat more are cast constantly.

I can think of a lot of name actresses who have curves... not SERIOUS curves, but not sticks either.

There is a lot of work out there that is not mainstream TV/film, like commercials, industrials, internet, hosting, theater. Those actors tend to be "real" people. A very good friend of mine makes a very good living doing this kind of work full time. She is mid thirties with an average woman's figure.

Those waif women draw our attention to the point where we can't see all the other not so stick like actors around them who are holding up the scene and making it work. It's really not something you have to stress about unless and until you are playing in their league. Even then, I think, disciplined eating and a toned, fit body can get you the role... IF you have the skills and everything else in the package at the audtion.

quote:

Originally posted by SMW:
What does everyone think that a woman who is 5'7" should weigh and still get acting work? I know that modeling is insanely skinny, but acting? I was hoping for 130 pounds, but that may be too much.
Thanks.

Glad you made the distinction between modeling and acting. The two are diametrically opposed.

Models are mannequins, actors are "real people."

The thing to remember is this: Your height and weight should be strictly in keeping with the characters you play. Leading ladies are on the thin side, if you observe the current crop. "Thin is in." But thank goodness there are just as many roles that require average to full-figured women.

It is totally dependent on what roles you wish to pursue.

www.robertkim.com

quote:

Originally posted by SMW:
What does everyone think that a woman who is 5'7" should weigh and still get acting work? I know that modeling is insanely skinny, but acting? I was hoping for 130 pounds, but that may be too much.
Thanks.

That's hot! All my female friends who are that height and probably weigh that much have meat, nice curves, and are healthy looking.

quote:

Originally posted by Gabriel Frieland:
If they aren't looking for waifs, why are waifs so popular? I am thinking Terri Hatcher, Michelle Monaghan, etc. I see waifs on set in leading roles constantly. It is nice when a woman who is fit does well in Hollywood though. Jessica Biel has a good body.

I just have to wonder, who decided waif was attractive? I personally can't see the appeal, yet women who need to eat more are cast constantly.

I think part of this is because the camera DOES add at least 10 pounds for some reason. Sometimes on TV or Film, the actor or actress looks regular in body type, but when you see them in person they're REALLY thin.

Hi ya 'all.
I am 5'6" and what they call "full figured." I tried every diet in the book but over time have learned to LOVE my curves. And I've found a man who loves them, too!!
The best thing about acting is that you DON'T have to be stick thin to get work. Look what Oprah has managed to do even though she doesn't look like a fashion model. She's my mentor and my muse. A great woman.
Let all those anorexic girls fight over the "sexy leading lady" parts, I know that I'm plenty sexy without having to compare myself to others or starve myself to death.
Love and Peace.
Nicole B.

^^^Its nice to hear a plus sized woman love the way she is. Some women really do look great in a bigger size because its their features and composition. However, Oprah is a hard example to use. She is very popular throough HER OWN tv show and she makes her own opportunities as an actress through HER production studio. She in well known/has money/has power. I dont think weight is the only determenent in this field. But its already harder to get a role as a woman as there are fewer roles for females and harder if you ethnic and harder if your plus-sized. Especially if your young (18-20's).

quote:

Originally posted by MovieQueen:

Let all those anorexic girls fight over the "sexy leading lady" parts, I know that I'm plenty sexy without having to compare myself to others or starve myself to death.
Love and Peace.
Nicole B.

Uh, we have no choice. We are not full-figured and cannot healthily gain 150 pounds to be character actors. We are in our own casting "hell"- believe me! It sounds like you are have just a tiny little bit of hater in you there but you really shouldn't as we all have our own demons to deal with.
Peace.

quote:

Originally posted by miss stone:

quote:

Originally posted by MovieQueen:
Let all those anorexic girls fight over the "sexy leading lady" parts, I know that I'm plenty sexy without having to compare myself to others or starve myself to death.
Love and Peace.
Nicole B.

Uh, we have no choice. We are not full-figured and cannot healthily gain 150 pounds to be character actors. We are in our own casting "hell"- believe me! It sounds like you are have just a tiny little bit of hater in you there...

"LITTLE BIT OF HATER IN YOU?"
Listen girl, I've read all your posts. You're the most angry, opinionated know-it-all on the board!!!
I make a single comment on how I've come to learn to love myself and you bring this crap??
Don't adopt that attitude with me or attempt to psychoanalyze me with your NEGATIVE NOISE. You really don't want to play that with me "miss stone" or whoever you are.
Nicole

miss stone:
I just read another one of your hate-filled posts. This one was to some poor guy on the headshot board, you telling him how unattractive he is and how his looks don't live up to your ideals. He came on this board for some helpful advice and you tore him up.
Then you went on to explain how "successful" you are. Lame!! No successful person I know talks down to people like you do, and anyone who has to brag on themselves and their accomplishments are surely not as successful as they claim.
You should be banned from this board "miss stone," and I am SERIOUS.
N.

Miss Stone is one of those people this board needs. She knows the industry better than most people on this board and she tells it like it is.

That guy's "model" headshot was lousy. Everyone agreed that it was, not just Miss Stone. He should have made it clear that he was trying for Commercial Print and character actors and NOT the other kinds of modeling that many thought he was trying to unrealistically pursue.