The entertainment and fashion industries are undergoing a profound transformation, and as of December 2025, the landscape is dominated by powerful, talented, and unapologetically curvy women. This shift signals a new era where size is no longer a barrier to global stardom, high-fashion runways, or leading roles in major television and film productions. These iconic figures are not just famous; they are cultural architects who are dismantling outdated beauty standards and championing a global movement of self-acceptance and body positivity.
The conversation has moved beyond mere representation; today’s most relevant plus-size celebrities are actively shaping narratives, launching influential brands, and using their platforms to advocate for inclusivity. From groundbreaking models who own the catwalk to actresses whose latest projects are dominating streaming charts, here is a deep dive into the 25 most iconic curvy women who are setting the agenda and inspiring millions right now.
Spotlight: 2024's Most Talked-About Curvy Icons and Their Current Projects
The cultural impact of a few key figures has been inescapable, especially with major television and fashion moments anchoring their 2024 and 2025 visibility. Their recent career moves highlight the power of plus-size talent in the current media cycle.
Ashley Graham: The Runway and Media Powerhouse
- Full Name: Ashley Ann Graham
- Born: October 30, 1987 (Age: 38 as of late 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Model, Television Presenter, Author, Body Advocate
- Recent Career Highlights: Ashley Graham has continued her reign as a top-tier supermodel, making her Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway debut in 2024 and returning for the 2025 show. She also co-hosted Roku's *Side Hustlers* in 2024 alongside Emma Grede. Her appearance in Karoline Vitto's Spring 2024 ready-to-wear runway show at Milan Fashion Week was applauded as a win for body positivity.
- Impact: She remains a leading voice for body positivity, consistently promoting a message of self-love and acceptance across all her projects.
Nicola Coughlan: Bridgerton's Global Phenomenon
- Full Name: Nicola Mary Coughlan
- Born: January 9, 1987 (Age: 38 as of late 2025)
- Nationality: Irish
- Occupation: Actress
- Recent Career Highlights: Nicola Coughlan took center stage in the highly anticipated Season 3 of Netflix's *Bridgerton*, which released in two parts in May and June 2024. Her character, Penelope Featherington, became the focus, leading to a massive surge in her global visibility. She is also set to return for the fourth season.
- Impact: Following the *Bridgerton* success, Coughlan spoke candidly about the "immense" violation of her privacy, highlighting the intense scrutiny plus-size actresses face in the spotlight. She has been an outspoken advocate against the "funny" age and body discourse surrounding her roles.
Lizzo: The Body Positivity Movement’s Complex Evolution
- Full Name: Melissa Viviane Jefferson
- Born: April 27, 1988 (Age: 37 as of late 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Flutist, Actress
- Recent Career Highlights: Lizzo has continued to release music and perform, but her most significant recent impact has been on the cultural conversation surrounding size.
- Impact: In 2024 and 2025, Lizzo opened up about her own "weight release" journey, a term she coined, while simultaneously advocating for plus-size women who she feels are being "erased" amid the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Her complex and evolving perspective has kept her at the forefront of the body positivity and self-love movement.
The Trailblazers: 22 More Curvy Celebrities & Plus-Size Models Shaping Culture
The list of influential full-figured women extends far beyond the top headlines. These actresses, comedians, models, and influencers are collectively driving the demand for greater size diversity in film, television, and high fashion. Their work ensures that the movement for body acceptance is broad and inclusive.
Iconic Actresses & Comedians
- Queen Latifah: A long-time icon whose career spans music, film, and television, consistently celebrated for her talent and curves.
- Michelle Buteau: A comedian and actress whose work, including her show *Survival of the Thickest*, made her a top plus-size actress to watch in 2024.
- Natasha Rothwell: Known for her standout roles in *Insecure* and *The White Lotus*, she continues to be a powerful presence in premium television.
- Genesis Denise Hale: A rising star whose talent is being recognized across the industry, making her a key figure in the next generation of curvy actresses.
- Barbie Ferreira: Known for *Euphoria*, she is a young star who has openly discussed the pressures of body image in Hollywood.
- Amber Riley: A celebrated singer and actress, famous for *Glee*, who is continuously celebrated for embracing her shape.
- Vidya Balan: A prominent Bollywood actress who debuted in 1995 and remains a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, known for her powerful roles.
- Huma Qureshi: Another influential Bollywood star who has been a strong voice for body acceptance in the industry.
- Octavia Spencer: An Academy Award-winning actress who is one of the most respected and successful full-figured talents in Hollywood.
- Melissa McCarthy: A global comedic and dramatic star whose box office success proves that talent trumps size.
The Plus-Size Models Driving the Fashion Revolution
The fashion industry's pivot toward inclusivity is largely driven by a handful of influential plus-size models. These women are not just modeling clothes; they are demanding that the industry design for and represent all body types, making "plus-size fashion" a core part of the global market.
- Paloma Elsesser: An American model and body advocate who made history by becoming the first plus-size model to win the coveted Model of the Year award. Her work with major fashion houses continues to push boundaries.
- Iskra Lawrence: A British model who transitioned from struggling to fit standard sizes to becoming a successful plus-size model and a powerful advocate for body neutrality.
- Harnaaz Sandhu: An Indian model and beauty queen who is a prominent figure in the plus-size modeling world.
- La'Tecia Thomas: An Australian model and influencer known for her stunning fashion editorials and social media presence.
- Nadia Aboulhosn: A fashion designer and model who has been instrumental in creating and popularizing trendy plus-size fashion for curvy women.
- Tess Holliday: A globally recognized model and author who has long been at the forefront of the body positive movement.
The New Wave: Influencers and Advocates
Beyond traditional media, a new class of digital stars and advocates is using social media to redefine beauty standards and promote self-love. These figures are instrumental in making the body positivity movement mainstream and accessible.
- Monet McMichael: A beauty and fashion influencer who gained millions of followers and was recognized on the 2024 Maxim Hot 100 list, showcasing the power of curvy influencers in the mainstream.
- Katie Sturino: The founder of the Megababe brand and a powerful voice in the fashion world, advocating for better plus-size representation and stylish options.
- Rochelle Johnson: A popular plus-size fashion and lifestyle blogger known for her chic and accessible style advice.
- Aidy Bryant: A comedic actress and writer from *Saturday Night Live* and *Shrill*, who has used her platform to discuss the reality of being a plus-size woman in the entertainment industry.
- Chrissy Metz: The actress from *This Is Us* who has become a powerful voice on body image and self-acceptance through her highly visible role.
The Enduring Power of the Curvy Icon
The collective success of these 25+ iconic curvy women signals a permanent cultural shift. They are not just famous for their size; they are celebrated for their talent, their advocacy, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity. The term "curvy" or "plus-size" is no longer a niche category but a powerful, profitable, and respected segment of the global entertainment and fashion market.
As we move into 2026, the demand for size inclusivity will only grow. The trailblazing work of stars like Ashley Graham, Nicola Coughlan, and Lizzo ensures that the next generation of actresses, models, and singers will enter an industry that is far more welcoming, diverse, and ready to celebrate talent in all its forms. This is a revolution built on confidence, and these women are the generals leading the charge.
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