Kim Coles Reflects on Pressure to Lose Weight During ‘Living Single’ Days
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Kim Coles, known for her role in the hit TV show ‘Living Single,’ recently opened up about the pressure she faced to lose weight during her time on the popular sitcom. The actress revealed on a podcast that she received constant pressure from executives to shed pounds or face the inclusion of ‘fat jokes’ in the scripts. Despite the challenges, Coles found support from her co-stars who stood by her during those difficult times.
During a recent episode of the ReLiving Single podcast, Kim Coles and her co-host, Erika Alexander, delved into one particular episode titled “Crappy Birthday.” The duo revisited a scene from the show where a subtle ‘fat joke’ was made about Coles’ character, Khadijah. Reflecting on the moment, Coles and Alexander discussed the impact of such comments and how they navigated through those situations.
Coles expressed gratitude for the fact that ‘Living Single’ did not focus heavily on weight-related jokes, considering her weight fluctuated throughout the show’s five-season run. She recounted receiving calls each season instructing her to lose weight, which led her to feel self-conscious and scrutinised by those around her. Despite the pressure, Coles found solace in the diverse body types represented among the cast, showcasing a more realistic portrayal of women in their community.
The actress reminisced about a conversation with her male friends who reassured her that her appearance was not a hindrance. However, behind the scenes, executives continued to press Coles to slim down, even going as far as threatening to incorporate ‘fat jokes’ if she did not comply. Coles revealed that her co-star, Queen Latifah, was instrumental in advocating against such jokes, but the executive pressure persisted.
Erika Alexander, while not recalling the specific threat made to Coles, acknowledged the impact it had on her co-star. She highlighted the importance of having supportive collaborators within the cast and shared her observations of Coles’ efforts to meet the expectations set by the executives. The discussion shed light on the challenges faced by Coles and the resilience she displayed in the face of external pressures.
‘Living Single’ was groundbreaking in its portrayal of Black twentysomethings on television, with Kim Coles, Queen Latifah, Erika Alexander, and Kim Fields leading the ensemble cast. The show remains a cultural touchstone for its authentic representation and memorable characters. Coles’ candid revelations about the behind-the-scenes struggles serve as a reminder of the industry’s pervasive standards of beauty and the impact they have on performers.
PEOPLE reached out to FOX for comment on the matter, but as of now, there has been no official response. The story of Kim Coles’ journey on ‘Living Single’ serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by actors in an industry that often prioritises unrealistic beauty standards. Coles’ bravery in sharing her experiences contributes to a broader conversation about body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment world.