Chrissy Metz has taken America by storm as Kate Pearson.
Playing one of the beloved characters on NBC’s This Is Us, Metz has become a role model for plus-sized women who never thought their body type would be accepted in a leading role on television.
But Metz hasn’t just become accepted.
She’s become a role model.
In the April issue of Harper’s Bazaar, editors even refer to Metz as “Hollywood’s New Pin-Up Girl.”
It’s a title and a pictorial that Metz never (ever, ever, EVER) dreamed she would receive.
“When I first heard Harper’s Bazaar wanted me to be sexy. I was like, ‘Who, me?"” Metz tells the magazine, adding in its feature story:
“I knew y’all were edgy but this is incredible – it’s validation.”
The actress couldn’t contain her excitement on Twitter, either, linking to the official Harper’s Bazaar website and writing online:
“What an amazing honor and privilege full of self discovery! Thank you, thank you, thank you, @harpersbazaarus for this feature and fun.”
The photo shoot paints Metz in a very glamorous light, featuring the rising star in a red swimsuit, as well as a sleeveless, pinup girl-style polka dot sundress.
“I want to wear something because I love it,” the 36-year-old actress says of her style. “Not because it follows the rules.”
It’s pretty clear that Metz isn’t concerned very much with what others think.
Such self-confidence likely helped her land a role on a series that’s already been renewed for two additional seasons.
“If I ever end up on the worst-dressed list, it’s not going to make me fall apart,” she explains, adding:
“I want to look great and feel good and be comfortable, but at the same time, none of this really matters. This is the fun stuff.”
Those who watch This Is Us online or on television each week have fun seeing Metz and her co-stars in action.
But they also have themselves a good cry one or two dozen times per episode as well.
This is an especially sentimental and emotional drama, and it’s one Metz could not be more proud to work on.
She thinks it’s a prime example of how series regulars need not fit into any sort of preconceived notion of beauty or appearance.
“There’s more room for all of us now,” Metz tells Harper’s Bazaar. “No matter our sexuality, race, body size, gender or whatever else.”
And thank goodness for that, right?!?
