Actresses show a lot of skinny

Here’s a news flash — young actresses these days are very, very thin. Reporting live from in front of their television sets, the editors of Entertainment Weekly and Us Weekly are shocked, shocked to discover that several female members of the cast of “90210” appear to have last eaten some time during the fifth grade. Since then, Jessica Stroup (who plays Silver, right in photo) and Shenae Grimes (Annie) have apparently subsisted on iced coffee and breath strips.

There is no denying that Stroup and Grimes look more than a little frightening — you have to wonder if the show’s producers tried to save money by casting by the pound. But it’s a bit disingenuous, not to mention tedious, for the entertainment press, which produces no greater praise than when a star sheds baby weight or other unsightly poundage, to dutifully trot out experts wringing their hands and disgorging boilerplate about the specter of an eating-disorder epidemic.

For one thing, unless you have the misfortune to be an aspiring actress, most eating disorders usually have roots far deeper and more complicated than wanting to look like Jenny on “Gossip Girl.” Despite years of television’s attempt to pare women down to skin and bones, we are in the midst of a childhood obesity epidemic; even the Gap carries size 16 nowadays.

“90210” is unusual only in its choice to buck tradition. Historically, the skeletalization of women on an ensemble show has followed a pandemic model — one horrifyingly thin actress (Calista Flockhart, Courteney Cox, Lara Flynn Boyle) “infects” the rest of the cast until by, say, Season 3, all of the women are shopping for negative sizes. And it seems a little unfair to pick on the newbies when over at “Grey’s Anatomy,” Ellen Pompeo remains so slender she makes Katherine Heigl seem heavy, and America Ferrera has lost so much weight, it looks as if they have to pad her to play her average-sized character on “Ugly Betty.”

Their talent isn’t thin
In fact, more shocking than the sight of today’s waif-like 20-year-olds are the ranks of underfed fortysomethings who star in some of the most critically acclaimed shows on television. Kyra Sedgwick of “The Closer” and Holly Hunter of “Saving Grace” are two of the more talented human beings on the planet — and if you put them together, you might be able to fill out a pair of size 8 Lucky Brand jeans. Hunter especially is so thin that whenever she takes off her shirt, which she does quite a lot, you can feel the sweat of a thousand reps rise off your own skin. The ladies of “Desperate Housewives” are so far gone in terms of resembling humans that it’s almost laughable to mention them, but even Felicity Huffman, self-described former “fat girl,” has lost so much weight that when she wears those plunging necklines you can count her ribs.

Much was made of how terrific the “Sex and the City” gals looked in their big-screen debut, but when Sarah Jessica Parker appeared whippet thin in skimpy pajamas, the value of body fat on a woman older than 40 was instantly and abundantly clear — do we really want to be able to identify whole muscle groups in the middle of a cuddle scene? Probably not.

For years, feminists have insisted that the paring down of women on television is political, that as women gain social and economic power, society attempts to achieve some sort of balance by belittling them. Literally.

Me, I think it comes down to the tyranny of the tank top.

When did it become mandatory for every actress, no matter what her age or natural body type, to look good in a teeny-tiny tank top? Not just good, but good enough to wear them on television. In every episode of whatever show they’re starring in. Cops in tank tops, lawyers in tank tops, fashion editors and stay-at-home moms. You know why the women of “Mad Men” look so fabulous? Because they don’t have to wear a freaking tank top.

What first appeared as adorable sleepwear on shows like “Friends” now has become de rigueur for any situation, on women of any age. Both Hunter’s Grace and Sedgwick’s Brenda live in T-tees and sleeveless dresses. Over on HBO’s “True Blood,” poor Anna Paquin is wearing tanks so wee they look like toddlers’ undershirts. “Weeds” is set in Southern California, so at least Mary-Louise Parker’s Nancy Botwin has an excuse for all those spaghetti straps and baby-doll dresses, but the ladies of “Lipstick Jungle” huddle over their lattes in sleeveless silk and linen, never mind that it’s autumn in New York and sleeting.

Seriously, it may be the most oppressive instrument of fashion since the chastity belt. Yes, Linda Hamilton looked great when she buffed up for “Terminator 2,”  but those biceps were necessary to save the world. Wouldn’t it be better for actors to spend time working on, say, their Southern accents than doing endless sets of pull-ups? Do we really want a generation of women with arms like Madonna?

You would think that producers would lighten up a little and let the tank top go. Or at least acknowledge that a woman can be sassy and attractive and still wear long sleeves (or even short sleeves).

For one thing, it would probably cut down on all the on-set drama. When you haven’t eaten in 17 days, when whatever free time you have is spent lifting free weights, when you face a wardrobe full of clothing designed for a 12-year-old, it’s hard not to be a seem a little “difficult.”

But, more important, a move away from tank-top skinny would improve the general aesthetic of television. The current cavalcade of wafer-thin, over-toned and stringy women can be quite depressing to watch. You worry too much about their general health. Are they smoking too much? Taking those weird Chinese herbs that are really just natural speed? Do they not remember when Jamie-Lynn Sigler almost had to quit “The Sopranos” because she got too thin?

The real problem with the eating-challenged actresses of “90210” is not that they’re going to jump-start a cult of anorexia but that they’re going to ruin their own show. How can you, the viewer, concentrate on the drama of the story if you’re worrying that Grimes and Stroup will literally collapse before your eyes?

-- Mary McNamara

Photo: The CW

Comments

[twalsh]

Finally someone says it! Watching the new 90210 is almost painful because of how disgustingly skinny those girls are. When they stand next to Lori Loughlin, she almost looks large and I know she's probably a size 2. Hopefully one of the producers will force a sandwich during these girls' throats on a very regular basis.

[Louise Jones]

Jealous? Sounds like it.

[Alan]

This is one of the problems associated with a puritanical society. We barely teach our children, and hence ourselves, about the biology of sex, much less the psychology of sexuality, which is considered taboo. At what age do girls naturally look like what these 20 and 30-something actresses are trying to emulate? Around 14. And why do these women all want to look like a sexually aroused 14-year old? Because that is what we males are biologically attracted to - the perfect mate (and I mean that in a biological sense, not a social one). But of course admitting that we are attracted to 14-year old girls is also taboo, so we deny it (except in the privacy of our fantasies).

So we end up with women trying to emulate young girls, but they don't understand why (and would deny it if it was pointed out to them), but they subconsciously know that is what men want and that is what sells. And we have men who lust after females way too young for the men to have any social interest in, and consequently they feel incredibly guilty about this "forbidden" lust because they, too, don't understand their basic sexuality.

Skinny actresses and models are a symptom, not a cause.

[skipper]

the size of these actresses is alarming and completely sends the wrong message to not only teenage girls, but all women. as a twenty-something with an eating disorder, the show is difficult to watch and quite honestly, depressing. society supposedly stresses being healthy, but what they really want is for all girls to pretend they live in beverly hills and subsist on lettuce. great.

[Jennifer]

I sincerely agree with this post. I'm 19 years old and aspire to one day appear on the silver screen. However, I feel as though before I ever even attempt to audition for anything I need to first lose about thirty pounds. Society has it set in my mind that I need to be no more than 115 pounds before a casting director will even think about giving me a role. The sad thing is that I truly believe that I don't appear to be fat or even over weight for that matter. Every time I watch a movie or television show I look for a girl that looks healthy. Some one to give me hope that my dream may one day come true without having to give up food all together. This has yet to happen for me. Even the stars that once weighed more then a small child are now at that point. It all leaves me wondering if I will ever be able to look at a piece of pizza again, let alone eat it.

[hms]

Great article, Mary. Succinct and to the point. There are a lot of us, women, out there who have to watch these shows with our daughters and tell them how ugly these women really are because they have wasted bodies and bones sticking out all over the place. We have to remind our daughters that there is nothing sexy about women who look like they were rescued from Nazi concentration camps. Then we have to show them pictures of really sexy women, like Bette Midler, Samantha on Sex and the City. Women who are not heavy, just perfect with great chests, hips, shoulders that look great in shoulder bearing dresses, beautiful faces... and tell them how men really, really find those women attractive because they amplify what is sexy and beautiful about women, instead of those waif-like women who really look like young men and are considered attractive to male dress designers, only.

[Jerry]

These girls look like girls used to look before everyone in America got fat. Being thin is healthier than being on the verge of looking like a heifer which is where most American women are if they aren't already fat.

[Running]

The funny thing is I don't know a single person, man or woman, who finds the ultra thin look appealing. Besides, food is such a wonderful part of our daily lives. It's sad to think of all the deprivation these actresses put themselves through.

[Ashley]

Great article although I'm surprised only Grimes and Stroup where mentioned...the entire female cast of high schoolers look like they live on cabbage and water. Sad, however, that so many of these articles have been written-and applauded-and still the popularity of anorexia-chic seems to be on the rise.

[ANONYMOUS]

I think that this bizarre display of what has now become high fashion is completely ridiculous! Since when did scrawny become beautiful? Did you know that size 14 is the average among american adult women but anything size 10 and over is considered to be a plus sized model? This is completely insane! I'm not sure about you but i'm going to go enjoy my cheese burger and be proud of my size 12 butt.

[Mike Stevens]

"There is no denying that Stroup and Grimes look more than a little frightening ..." - Really? I'm shocked, shocked! weight plays so heavily in your world view (even if it is bad-TV-obsessed.)

What you must realize is that just as people for whome excessive weight is a problem there are also individuals who struggle to gain weight. As one of those people I really don't appreciate all this hush hush - you can't say "fat" - but you can pick on the skinny kid all you want!

It really is in the realm of possibilities that people exist who don't crave lard and cheese - yes, even in America!

[Robert Ameeti]

Wow! This author sure seems a bit overwhelmed by the fact that some women do not have extra fat. I think those actresses look great.

[JS]

A little caddy and even hippocritical. You can't comment on the state of body appearances on television, only to blame a single article of clothing - the debatable tank top - as the bain of an anorexic soul. Actresses have historically been forced towards unhealthy BMIs, but what makes the 90210 girls different is that they are targeting a teen population. I grew up with the original 90210 cast, and Tori Spelling - who would be average by today's standards - was considered an unhealthy eating role model. Today's waifs are different in the function that they serve: underweight girls and women now satisfy a deep desire for society to make weight loss unattainable, and unattractive - shadenfreude for individuals who quench daily grievances throug an extra large coke.

[marcus]

"There is no denying that Stroup and Grimes look more than a little frightening"

are you kidding? These girls are beautiful! Just because a girl is skinny does not make her 'frightening'!

Mary McNamara must have some kind of grudge she's holding against skinny girls.

[lady]

fantastic article. i've actually been thinking a lot about this lately, as an aspiring actress, trying to stay healthy and in shape. i see the women on these shows and think they look incredibly skinny on tv and i'm like there's no way they eat a healthy number of meals a day. or even go to the gym for that matter because if they would have some muscle on their arms and legs. i saw one of the gossip girl ladies recently and she was much skinnier and waif like in person than i imagined she would be. incredibly gorgeous, but so thin.

[Lara Lyson]

Agreed! I found the "90210" actresses unsettling to watch, and it's part of the reason I haven't returned to the show since the pilot. And you're right: people underestimate the value of a little meat on the bones once one enters a certain age. Being fit is one thing, being skeletal another.

[ghirkin]

Well, maybe if one took the aspirational out of TV...

Here's another one; why are baby, kitchen and cleaning products marketed solely to women?

[Sean]

Hardly. Repeated scientific studies have shown that being underweight is healthy. Actually, calorie restricted diets result in a 30% increased lifespan. Although researchers don't know the reason for this, some have postulated that the human body is much like a calorie burning engine and it can only take in and burn so many calories before it wears out and fails.

The number of Americans suffering recognizable health problems related to being underweight is so small as to be almost irrelevant. The number of Americans suffering health problems related to obesity is probably more than 50%. A stunning number of Americans take cholesterol lowering drugs, blood pressure medication, insulin because of Type II diabetes.

Americans are grotesquely fat. Even Americans who aren't morbidly obese tend to be too heavy. Look back at the US population before WWII. The average weight was so dramatically lower for both men and women that you could actually make out human shapes when looking at a person.

The horror of this is that media is pushing a "new conception of healthy" that suggests that fat people are normal and healthy and that's not true. Fat people are fat. The evil of this is that fatness in America is hugely profitable. Cholesterol lowering drugs are the number one profit center for the pharmaceutical industry.

Ultimately accommodating obesity will allow the US government to balance the social security shortfall because Americans' lifespans are headed for a tumble at a time when Congress is raising the age at which a person can collect benefits. We've built a sort of Logan's Run society here where people will work until their untimely deaths and social security taxes (which now exceed income taxes in total revenue each year) will become a regressive, hidden income tax because so few people will live long enough to collect even a small fraction of what they paid in.

Fat is cool. Fat is phat. So stop being judgmental and just find a way to sell fat as fashion. Fat will alleviate the need to raise income taxes on wealthier income earners.

[stephanie]

To the blogger that put 'jealous'?....I hope you were kidding. Thats pathetic to be jealous of women looking like little boys. Yeah, I really want to have my body look like a lollipop. And those man arms (Kelly Ripa, Madonna, SJP) are NOT hot. I appreciate toned bodies, but that is waaaaaay over board. I see our society getting worse and worse. I know that eating disorders are not just a product of watching too much Gossip Girl. There are other factors: predisposition, family, cultural, societal, etc. But, the publics fascination with thinness, 'the war against obesity', and superficial attitudes are getting worse. look at this election. It is turning into a personality/attractiveness contest, instead of hearing about people's policy. Reality tv is getting worse and worse. Our problems are Gossip Girl, 90210, The Hills, Tabloid Magazines, TMZ, enews. You get the picture. They glamorize sex, drugs, money, everything. I remember the good old days of Buffy and Dawsons Creek (haha, and shows even older than that) when sex and deception wasn't their main goal. Shame on us for letting it get this bad. btw, the Gap has always had sized 16. That doesn't mean you are obese, ass.

[Caleb Day]

Well done. This article is hilarious. Lots of good points made. I'm a 26 year old man who definitely finds fit, in-shape girls attractive, but there is such a thing as too skinny. By genetic biology, women has more body fat than men, it's natural. I have to admit, there are some incredibly skinny actresses out there, and it DOES seem that the pressure of the industry to shed pounds may be affecting women in a negative sense. This obviously has been an issue for quite some time, but counter-culture articles such as the one written by Mary exposes the danger of being entranced by the scale. There many beautiful people out there, but it's what's on the inside that makes one truly unique.