10 celebrities who refused to conform to ridiculous beauty standards
Life can be tough at the top...
Celebrities are often pressured (if not bullied) into changing their appearance in order to meet 'modern beauty standards'. In other words, if you want to succeed, you have to fit into the mold...
In honor of those who refuse to be manipulated, here are 10 famous faces who've proved that individuality and talent are far more important than looks when it comes to climbing the celebrity ladder!
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
When Sherlock hit our screens in 2010, it faced a backlash from fans, who said that the lead actor didn't physically meet the mark. Cumberbatch was bombarded with comments like "You promised us a hot Sherlock", but went on to win over fans as the series progressed. His talents as an actor as well as his quirky style actually gave us one of the most charismatic Sherlock Homes in the detective's history!
2. Meryl Streep
Streep was completely unknown when she was 27 and was turned down for numerous parts (including King Kong) because she wasn't considered to be beautiful. King Kong's producer even came out with "Why have you invited her? She is too ugly" to which Streep replied "I’m sorry you think I’m too ugly for your film, but you’re just one opinion in a sea of thousands, and I’m off to find a kinder tide." And with 20 Oscar nominations under her belt, Streep's certainly proved her point!
3. Jessica Chastain
Redheads in Hollywood often get put through the mill as, despite their huge talents, directors often ask them to dye their hair blonde because (apparently) it looks better on screen. Thankfully, Chastain stood her ground and refused to get rid of her gorgeous flame-colored locks, which have since become her trademark feature!
4. Kesha
Kesha was already famous when her manager pressured her into losing weight and this sadly led to serious health problems. Since then she's got back on her feet and has said that she'll no longer be bullied into being a waif and will live her live as she pleases!
5. Chrissy Teigen
It's crazy to think that this famous model was criticized for not meeting Hollywood's beauty standards. John Legend's wife took part in a Forever 21 promotional campaign 21, after which the producers complained to her modeling agency saying she was too fat! The result? Chrissy was fired from the job!
6. Taylor Lautner
Believe it or not, our favorite hunky werewolf was deemed to look 'too feeble' before Twilight!
7. Tyra Banks
The 'Mama' of America’s modeling world was dissed and fired in 2006 when a photo of her looking curvy in a bathing suit surfaced. A few days later, she was invited onto a live TV show and, to prove her point, she appeared in the same bathing suit! She went on to give her famous 'Kiss My Fat Ass' speech, which was subsequently voted one of the best '60 Greatest Talk Show Moments'!
8. Lea Michele
At the tender age of 13, this angel-voiced actress was told to get a nose job if she wanted to further her career. She didn't and still made it to stellar status!
9. Pink
Pink is one of the most recognizable musicians in the music world, but it's not her appearance that has brought her so much success. People told her she wasn't pretty enough to be a cover girl or performer, but she's managed to show her critics how wrong they were!
10. Jennifer Lawrence
After appearing in The Hunger Games, Lawrence was criticized for being overweight. Apparently she didn't look 'hungry enough' for her poor, starving character, but Lawrence ignored her critics and went on to carve herself a successful career. Now considered to be one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses, she no longer needs to 'go hungry' and defends women's right to embrace their curves.
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
