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In recent news, we’ve seen images of Sarah Paulson transformed into Linda Tripp for the upcoming season of American Crime Story, titled Impeachment. This season delves into Bill Clinton’s infamous 1998 sex scandal, which involved a relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, during which Tripp secretly recorded conversations with Lewinsky to expose the affair.
To portray Tripp, it appears that the production opted for a fat suit or, according to executive producer Ryan Murphy, Paulson gained weight for the role. However, there is scant evidence to support the claim that she truly altered her body size. Regardless, this situation has reignited discussions about the use of fat suits in Hollywood.
The Case Against Fat Suits
The concept of fat suits should be reconsidered entirely. There’s no justification for a thin actor to portray a heavier character, even if the character’s weight shifts throughout the storyline. Just as different actors are chosen to represent a character at various ages, the same principle applies to weight changes. Audiences are capable of following a narrative where a larger and smaller actor depicts the same character at different stages.
In this particular case, a fat suit was unnecessary for the plot since Linda Tripp was not significantly overweight by typical Hollywood standards. She was an average-sized government employee in the nineties, and her body size had no bearing on her involvement in the scandal.
If Sarah Paulson’s talents are essential to embody Linda Tripp, she could have easily portrayed her without any alterations to her body. A simple nineties hairstyle and wardrobe would suffice; audiences are smart enough to accept this portrayal without confusion.
If the casting decision was predicated on the necessity of physical resemblance in size, then perhaps Paulson shouldn’t have been cast at all. There are many talented actresses who represent Linda Tripp’s size, yet they are often overlooked for being “too fat.” A casting call for mid-size actresses in their forties would likely yield numerous qualified candidates.
Broader Implications in Hollywood
While the issue of casting actors of different body sizes is not the only problem in Hollywood—where casting decisions often overlook actors of color or misrepresent disabled characters—it is still a crucial conversation worth having.
Regardless of whether Sarah Paulson gained weight or wore a fat suit, this choice was entirely avoidable. If the industry were more open to diverse body types, they would prioritize casting talented individuals whose appearances match the roles. Why is it acceptable for Paulson to portray a character of Linda Tripp’s size through artificial means, yet not for another actress to authentically represent that size?
In reality, human bodies come in various shapes and sizes, and it’s perplexing that film and television often fail to reflect this diversity. We encounter a multitude of body types in everyday life, so why not in our media?
Further Reading
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Summary
The portrayal of Linda Tripp by Sarah Paulson in American Crime Story raises questions about the use of fat suits in Hollywood. The industry often casts thin actors in roles meant for larger characters, neglecting the talent of mid-size actresses. This practice is part of a broader discussion about diversity in representation, underscoring the need for authentic portrayals that reflect real-world body diversity.