So Many Questions: Model-actress Hayley Hasselhoff finds it's fine to be her size
There's something to be said for saying, “You know what, this is who I am, and I'm fine with it.”
That moment came at a relatively young age for model-actress Hayley Hasselhoff, although even her success as a plus-sized model didn't come without moments of self-doubt. Like anyone, she did wonder whether or not being skinnier or downplaying her looks to fit the stereotypical, “quirky, overweight friend” role would help her get more parts.
In the end, Hasselhoff, daughter of actors David Hasselhoff and Pamela Bach, realized it wasn't worth it. Being herself, she says, is what ultimately will find her success in her professional and personal life.
Question: Plus, petite, curvy, athletic ... why are we still so stuck on size?
Answer: Because of society. It's just one of those things where I think we publicize about weight in a negative light so much, and we never publicize that it's OK to be a different weight and that we all come in different shapes and sizes.
I think that it's starting to change, and the beauty in being involved in the plus-sized moment and plus-sized industry is that it's forming this sense of community where you're able to relay the message about body image through something like fashion, which is relatable to all sizes, to all age groups, and it's finally kind of reaching the media.
Q: Even at the professional level you're at, is there ever pressure from the industry to be a size 2 or size 0?
A: Not necessarily in the plus-sized modeling market, because we're appreciated for our curves and for being healthy and toned and accepting our body for what it is, and that's the beauty of the industry I got into — I'm not only a model, I'm a body activist.
In the acting world, I think it can be a little difficult. ... With modeling, you're modeling for a brand and a buyer, but when you're acting, you're transforming into a character that somebody wrote on a piece of paper that you're bringing to life. ... There's a transition happening now because of Rebel Wilson and Lena Dunham, certain people out there who have raised the caliber and goals and appreciation for body image and craft.
But I was going through a year having a really hard time booking and was always getting, “You're too pretty to play the quirky, heavy best friend,” but it felt like they were saying to me, “You're not skinny enough to play the lead, because you're not the high-school cheerleader type.” ... I came to the conclusion of, I'm going to stick to me. Being me in any part in this industry is going to get me way further in life — emotionally, career path, every aspect. And, you know, when that role presents itself, for me to morph into somebody else, then I will change for them.
Q: How can young girls move beyond having a love affair with the idea of a “perfect” body?
A: Here's the thing: Honestly, I don't know how it happened for me, but one day, I woke up and was like, “I am OK to have bad days.” Nobody in this world tells young girls, “Hey, it's OK to have bad days.” I think everyone tells you, oh, you're having a bad day? Get up, go to the gym, go do this, or you're lazy. ... The thing is, more than half of America that's a size 14 or 16 are healthy. It's just our body type.
And so, it's really about just accepting yourself for who you are. Whatever shape size, race, orientation, whatever it may be and really appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of you. Because there's only one you in this life, and it's your journey to live, and it's your life to lead.
Q: Why are we spending billions on makeup but then hating the airbrushed models in the magazines?
A: I never bought makeup to look like anyone else, but to have fun with makeup. As a kid, it's fun. You see your mom has makeup and you say, “Oh, this is cool!” And I put makeup on to enjoy it — not for anyone else's satisfaction or not to look like anybody else or feel in any shape or form airbrushed. ... I thoroughly enjoy getting up in the morning and doing my hair and my makeup. Not for anybody else, but for myself!
Q: Is there one thing about the fashion industry that still manages to surprise even you?
A: The fashion industry is a complete surprise, and they're going to keep it that way for years to come, and that's why it's been a big success, and I hope it stays that way. So, there's not really anything that hasn't surprised me, and, if there wasn't, I'd be kind of scared and worried about the fashion industry.
Kate Benz is the social columnist for Trib Total Media and can be reached at kbenz@tribweb.com, 412-380-8515 or via Twitter @KateBenzTRIB.
