Donna Lynne Champlin, a celebrated Broadway veteran, has made a significant impact on television, particularly through her role as Paula Proctor in the critically acclaimed musical comedy-drama "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." Her journey reflects a broader shift in the entertainment industry towards greater inclusivity and body positivity.
Breaking Barriers on "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
Champlin's role as Paula, Rebecca Bunch's (played by Rachel Bloom) best friend and confidante, is groundbreaking in its portrayal of a plus-size woman. Unlike many depictions in media, Paula's character is not defined by her weight. The show never mentions Paula's weight. She is a complex, multi-faceted individual with her own ambitions, struggles, and relationships.
Champlin herself notes the refreshing aspect of this portrayal: "There has not been one line in this entire show for the entire season that addresses my weight…We're not sipping [cups] of shit that have nothing in them." The show normalizes Paula's appearance and allows her to exist without commentary on her size.
In a world where plus-size, middle-aged women are often relegated to stereotypical roles with storylines revolving around their age or size, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" breaks the mold. As Champlin observes, the show creates a world that mirrors reality but is rarely reflected back to us, where characters are not defined by their physical attributes, race, or sexual orientation.
The Fitted Red Dress Phenomenon
One particular moment that highlighted the impact of Paula's representation was when she wore a fitted red dress in a musical number. Champlin recalls the overwhelming response from plus-size women online, who were thrilled to see a character embrace her body without apology. "What I loved about it is it was tight. There was no apologizing me and hiding me. The boobs were up, and the dress was tight, and that thing sold out online in a matter of minutes." This incident underscores the hunger for authentic representation and the power of seeing diverse body types celebrated on screen.
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Challenging Industry Standards
Champlin's experience in the entertainment industry has not always been positive. She has faced pressure to lose weight and fit into narrow beauty standards. "1st Bway audition was told to lose 11 lbs…Lost 20 lbs & they told me to 'lose 5 more'. Had that convo off and on for 20+ yrs until I finally went 'fuck this shit', gained 40 lbs & now I'm a series regular on TV." She recounts being told to lose weight for roles, even after significant weight loss.
However, after having her son, Champlin had a shift in perspective and decided to embrace her body as it was. "When she had a baby, she says she realized what her body was for, and had a choice at that time to take her energy and love herself and her child or try to get down to the lower single digit sizes." This decision led to a turning point in her career, as she began to book more roles and found greater success.
Champlin is vocal about the need for more diverse representation in the industry and challenges the notion that only thin women are desirable or talented. She points out the disparity in casting breakdowns, where men of all sizes and ethnicities are considered for character roles, while women are often restricted to "very very thin" types. Champlin used social media to speak out against these practices, stating, "I'm too old for this shit."
The Importance of Role Models
Champlin acknowledges the progress that has been made in plus-size representation, citing Melissa McCarthy's success as an example of how attitudes are changing. However, she also notes that there is still a tendency to "treat them like crap," with weight often becoming the subject of jokes or defining character traits.
Champlin's role as Paula offers an alternative narrative, one where a plus-size woman can be confident, successful, and loved without her weight being the central focus of her story. She hopes that "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and other shows like it are paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting industry.
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Navigating Mental Health
Beyond body positivity, Champlin is also open about mental health, drawing from personal experiences and family history to inform her portrayal of Paula. The show has dealt with complex issues such as suicide attempts and mental illness, and Champlin appreciates the nuanced and realistic approach taken by the writers.
"This season has been very, very difficult for me. I’ve made some emergency calls to my therapist, like, 'I had a hard day today, and I just need to talk to you about it.' I have absolutely no shame about that at all. You need to take care of yourself." She emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed, particularly in the face of challenging subject matter.
Champlin also credits her background in metaphysics with helping her navigate the entertainment industry and maintain a positive outlook. She believes in the power of putting positive energy out into the world and taking responsibility for her own actions and reactions.
A Multifaceted Career
Donna Lynne Champlin's career extends far beyond "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." She is an accomplished singer, dancer, and musician with a strong background in musical theater. She has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including "Sweeney Todd" and "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," for which she won an Obie Award.
Champlin also has a passion for new works and has been involved in several productions at the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF). She sees NYMF as a vital platform for showcasing new talent and original musicals, which are often overlooked in favor of revivals and commercial productions.
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Looking ahead, Champlin is eager to continue exploring new creative avenues, including writing her own one-person show and recording a second album. She remains committed to portraying authentic and diverse characters and using her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry.