Ashley Fink is an actress who has navigated the complex landscape of body image and representation in Hollywood. From her early roles to her breakout performance as Lauren Zizes on Glee, Fink's journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of overweight actors in the entertainment industry. Her story sheds light on the stereotypes often associated with plus-size individuals on television and the importance of authentic representation.
Early Challenges and a Defining Moment
Before Glee, Fink faced challenges related to her appearance. She recalls a high school experience where a theater director, when discussing typecasting, said he would never pick her to play Juliet. Despite this initial setback, Fink persevered. She auditioned for the part, memorized the entire script, and delivered a phenomenal performance. She got the part, and the director apologized for his initial judgment. This experience became a defining moment for Fink, solidifying her determination to defy expectations and not let her appearance dictate her potential. "I wasn’t going to let anyone tell me who I could be, and who I am, because of what I look like," she stated. Instead of feeling depressed, she embraced her body, declaring, "I’m German! I’m built for baby-makin’! I’m built like a house! And that’s fine, but I can also act my face off, and I can be Juliet if I want to be." This breakthrough led to lead roles in every play during her last two years of high school, culminating in an acting scholarship and a 4.2 GPA.
Lauren Zizes on Glee: A Groundbreaking Role
Ashley Fink's portrayal of Lauren Zizes on Glee marked a significant moment in television representation. Lauren Zizes is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Ashley Fink, and first appeared in the season one episode "Wheels", first broadcast on November 11, 2009. The character of Lauren Zizes is a snarky wrestler and the newest member of the singing club on Fox's Glee. Lauren was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan. She is a member of New Directions, the glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, where the show is set. Her storylines see her interact with other members of the glee club and form a relationship with Noah Puckerman (Mark Salling). Lauren is also the president of the AV club, and a member of the school's wrestling team. Viewers were shocked when one of the show's hottest hunks tried to woo her with a song.
The role was initially met with disbelief by Fink, who thought she was being pranked when she received the script detailing Lauren joining the glee club. However, she embraced the opportunity, stating that being cast in Glee made her feel like "the luckiest girl in the world." She appreciated how series creator Ryan Murphy took the underdogs and made them shine.
Challenging Stereotypes
Fink believes Hollywood has improved in portraying overweight people, although she admits she rarely encounters characters on TV that reflect her own experiences. She notes, "I dance, I have a great time, I sing, I have great friends, I don't hide in my house because I'm large. You know, and I think that it's unfair that that's not represented on TV."
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Lauren Zizes is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Ashley Fink, and first appeared in the season one episode "Wheels", first broadcast on November 11, 2009. TV Squad has said that "Lauren can deliver a zinger with the bite of Sue Sylvester and the humor of our beloved Brittany Pierce."
Romantic Plotlines and Relationships
One of the most notable aspects of Lauren's character was her romantic relationship with Noah Puckerman, played by Mark Salling. Over the course of Glee's second season, Lauren forms a relationship with local bad boy and football star Noah Puckerman. As the season progresses, Lauren and Puck's relationship continues to grow stronger. Their relationship begins to form in the ninth episode of the second season titled "Special Education". After Puck attempts to recruit new members for the William McKinley High School glee club, members of the football team lock him in a port-a-potty. After being discovered by Lauren, he convinces her to join New Directions, despite her belief that show choir is stupid. Ashley Fink said of their relationship: "I think Ryan Murphy has a master plan and we're all kind of along for the ride. I know what you mean, but I wouldn't count us out just yet on that front. We all have to laugh at ourselves but it's going somewhere. Ultimately, it comes down to whether audiences will buy a relationship between Puck and Lauren. I think there's a really hilarious chemistry between Puck and Lauren. I think he's a badass, she's a badass. I don't know, I think they're funny together.
This pairing challenged the stereotype of overweight women being relegated to the sidelines, without romantic interests. The storyline resonated with many viewers, but also sparked controversy.
In the Valentine's Day-themed episode "Silly Love Song", Puck reveals that he has fallen in love with Lauren, and serenades her with Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls". She finds his song choice insulting and stands him up on a pre-Valentine's date, but eventually agrees to spend Valentine's Day with him as friends. In "Born This Way", Lauren reveals to Puck that she'd been a child beauty queen, "Miss Tiara Toddler", before she gained weight and became ineligible; Puck tells her he will run a campaign for her to become prom queen, and be her king. When Quinn, who is prom queen frontrunner, sees Lauren putting up posters for her own candidacy, she confronts Lauren, and the ensuing encounter is heated. Lauren decides to dig up dirt on Quinn as a campaign tactic, and aided by Puck, discovers that Quinn used to be overweight and unpopular before slimming down and transferring to McKinley; Lauren then plasters the school with pictures of the old Quinn, humiliating her. But the tactic backfires, making Quinn more popular, and hurting Lauren's candidacy.
Critical Reception
Lauren has received mostly positive reviews from television critics. Television critics have responded positively to the pairing. Robert Canning of IGN said of the episode "Silly Love Songs": "The absolute best part of "Silly Love Songs" was Puckerman's unexpected longing for Lauren Zizes. Actress Ashley Fink has been fantastic in her small role, delivering great one-liners with ease. She was equally strong in this, the first episode to truly give Lauren a larger role and fill out her character more. Heck, it was nice to even see her smile a few times. The casting on Glee has either been very smart or very lucky since so many background characters have shined as they've been given bigger parts. The Lauren and Puck pairing came with a lot of laughs, but just as much heart. Puck singing Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls," induced a chuckle at first, then some toe tapping. But it was Lauren's reaction that truly made the moment: 'That's the first song you've sung to me and it made me feel like crap.' I can't decide if I want to root for this couple, but I certainly know I'm going to be rooting for Lauren.
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Emily VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club commented: "For me, the episode's highlight was the very sweet, funny courtship between Puck and Lauren. This may be because the writers have trouble writing for a self-professed bad boy, even though his escapades are straight out of Archie comics and not actually all that “bad” at all. But it’s always fun to watch Salling sing, and it’s always fun to watch him be smitten. Fink ends up being a good match for him, chemistry-wise, as she projects a confidence and certainty that makes it immediately obvious just what Puck sees in Lauren. The storyline also played out like both characters had something approaching real feelings."
Controversy and Criticism
Despite the positive reception, Fink and her character also faced criticism. Rosie O'Donnell reacted negatively to Fink's casting and first solo musical performance. In an interview with Access Hollywood, she deemed her rendition of "I Know What Boys Like" underwhelming, and stated that it failed to meet her expectations. She called Lauren "so unlikable," and questioned why the producers had not cast a "pretty heavy girl". Fink brushed off O'Donnell's comments. O'Donnell later apologized, and said, "Oh, Ashley - I love your swagger - your acting - your face - your heart - as a famous fat person - I am often asked about the issue… I love the story line - I love the show - and if in any way something I said hurt you - I apologize MORE. You are so talented, and I can't wait to hear you belt it…as I know you can-the often misquoted Rosie."
Body Image and Representation on TV
Fink's experiences highlight the broader issue of body image and representation on television. The entertainment industry has often been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes about overweight individuals.
Stereotypes and Inaccurate Portrayals
Shows often portray fat people as lazy, gluttonous, and lacking self-esteem. Activist Lesley Kinzel describes the common but inaccurate mold: "Fat people are lazy, fat people eat too much." This stereotype dates back to the 1950s with The Honeymooners, where Ralph Kramden, a "fat bumbling man," was paired with a "thin, capable, long-suffering wife." This formula has been repeated in shows like All in the Family, King of Queens, The Simpsons, and Family Guy.
While hefty men often get main roles, weighty women are frequently relegated to supporting characters. As Beth Bernstein notes, they are usually the "fat, funny best friend" who "never has a boyfriend, is never the focus of a story, but is kind of endearing." Women of color are often portrayed as the "sassy black woman."
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Reality Shows and Weight Loss
Fink finds sitcoms and dramas more acceptable than reality shows like The Biggest Loser, where contestants are weighed in weekly wearing next to nothing. She questions the need for contestants to be in "sports bras and tiny shorts," suggesting it's done to provoke a reaction from viewers.
Bernstein likens The Biggest Loser to a tent revival, where contestants repent their former, miserable fat lives and only gain redemption once they've lost weight. This can fuel the terror that people, especially those with eating disorders, have of being fat.
A More Positive Outlook
However, there are also voices who see the show inspiring people. Former Biggest Loser contestant Danny Cahill says being on the show was the best thing that ever happened to him. He lost more than half his body weight and became a motivational speaker. He believes his experience sent a positive message, proving that "in 11 months, if you can go from 430 pounds to running the Boston Marathon, there's nothing you can't do."
Fink's Perspective and Advice
Fink's journey offers valuable insights into navigating body image and self-acceptance. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, self-love, and not allowing others to define your worth based on your appearance.
Embracing Individuality
Ashley Fink's favorite element of Glee is how series creator Ryan Murphy manages to take the underdogs and make them shine. She said, "In life, there's so much diversity, and it's not necessarily represented on television…I think what I love about Lauren is she's so strong and so confident and she knows what she wants and I feel very blessed to play a role model for people who have ever felt other or different. I remember how I used to feel watching TV and seeing Sara Rue on Popular because she was an inspiration to me. It's funny because what I love about Lauren is that she's unapologetic and she's confident and she's making Puck work for it and she's not just looking for a roll in the hay. I think that they are very sweet together, there is this vulnerability when they are both such bad asses and you put them together and I think there is something really special there. What I appreciate about Lauren is that she's like I don't need to give it to you, you're going to work for it, and I think that's a great message to send to young girls. I think that he is smitten and she is probably a little smitten too but I think she has enough self esteem not to give everything up for the charming cute boy that's kind of after her."
Overcoming Bullying
Growing up "other" in any way, whether it be gay, chubby, or whatever, you have to fight. Kurt's bullying storyline on Glee has really resonated with me because middle school was terrible for me. I had curly blonde hair, I was chubby, I went to school with all these rich kids, and I was just miserable. I'd leave in tears every day. I remember thinking, This is not going to be my life. I had to find my power, so I developed a quick wit. After a while, I didn't take anybody's shit. I was like, You've pushed me around, and I'm bored with you. Luckily, I got a scholarship to a performing arts high school, and I ended up having a great high school experience. I overcame.
Supporting Important Causes
Now I'm actually involved with the Trevor Project, and I was out there with picket signs to protest Prop. 8… Gay causes are the causes I support the most.