Dawn French, the beloved British comedian and actress, has captivated audiences for decades with her iconic roles in The Vicar of Dibley and Absolutely Fabulous, as well as her work as one half of the comedy duo French and Saunders. Throughout her career, Dawn has been admired not only for her comedic talent but also for her openness about her body image and health journey. Her weight loss journey has been a topic of public interest, marked by significant transformations, health motivations, and a powerful message of self-acceptance.
Recent Red Carpet Appearance and Hairstyle Comeback
This week, Dawn French made a statement on the red carpet at the opening night performance of Oklahoma! in London. The 65-year-old comedian surprised bystanders by showcasing her trademark bob hairstyle for the first time in years, alongside an impressive weight loss. She embraced her natural silver locks, a departure from the dark raven colour she previously sported, and brought back the recognizable fringe. She had previously claimed that her silver tones appeared after she "couldn't be bothered" maintaining her dark brown hair.
The Initial Decision to Lose Weight: A Health Scare
Dawn French's decision to embark on a weight loss journey first came to light in 2011, with a more focused effort in 2014, following a cancer scare. At the time, Dawn revealed that she became quite ill, explaining: "I became quite ill about three years ago, with all kinds of hell kicking off in here, where I keep my lady plumbing."
Doctors warned her that in order to undergo a hysterectomy with minimal recovery time, she would need to lose weight. She recalled that her doctor was so convinced she had uterine cancer, "that he ordered a second biopsy to be sure, when the first one was clear. Even before the result of the second one, I decided to be done with my old enemy, my defunct reproductive stuff. It was curtailing my life." She added: "So, my womb and I parted company. Goodbye."
The Process: "Joyless Low-Cal Eating and Lots More Walking"
Faced with the prospect of a lengthy recovery from major surgery, Dawn French committed to losing weight. She described her method as "no magic wand, just tiny, joyless low-cal eating and lots more walking for weeks and weeks. It was grim." Through this disciplined approach, she lost seven and a half stone, enabling her to have keyhole surgery and a quicker recovery. Dawn's weight loss has never been portrayed as anything but a product of hard work and dedication.
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Maintaining Weight Loss and a Shift in Perspective
In the years following her initial weight loss, Dawn French has been open about the fluctuations in her weight and her evolving perspective on body image. In 2020, she admitted on her podcast French and Saunders: Tting About that she had regained weight, stating: "I've gone back to being an entire barrel but do you know what, I'm going to be 63 this year, I don't give a f*, I really don't, so long as I can walk."
She emphasized her commitment to self-acceptance, saying: "I'm not going to be stingy to myself anymore. I never did dislike anything about my body, even when I was very, very fat. I refuse to be forced to dislike myself." She also expressed frustration with the praise she received for losing weight, noting that it implied she looked "awful before" and that she didn't want people to give her approval.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
To maintain her weight loss, Dawn now follows a healthy diet and exercise programme. While she admits that her sweet tooth makes it difficult to resist treats like chocolate, she approaches it with a sense of discipline, seeing it as "against the law" except during holidays. She also acknowledges that eating remains a source of comfort for her, but that she is mindful of maintaining her health.
A Career of Comedy and Personal Life
Dawn French's career has spanned decades, beginning with The Comic Strip Presents in 1982. Her partnership with Jennifer Saunders led to the creation of their sketch show, French and Saunders, which ran from 1987 to 1993. However, it was her role as Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley that cemented her status as a national treasure. She has also appeared in films such as Harry Potter, Coraline, and Death on the Nile, and has lent her voice to Marks and Spencer's Christmas adverts.
Dawn French's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. Her marriage to Lenny Henry in 1984 ended in 2010, but they have remained close friends and continue to co-parent their daughter, Billie. Dawn has since remarried and relocated to Cornwall, where she enjoys a rural life.
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A Message of Self-Love and Acceptance
Dawn French's weight loss journey is not just a story of physical transformation, but also a testament to her resilience, self-acceptance, and commitment to her health. She has inspired many with her openness about her struggles and her refusal to let societal pressures dictate her self-worth. Her message of self-love and acceptance resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
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