Photo: Maarten De Boer/NBC
Q: How does it feel to be a standard-bearer for the idea
of body positivity?
A: I don’t necessarily think of myself that way. It’s just important to be comfortable with who you are. I’ve been on that journey for a long time, and I think people connect with that.
Q: You’ve been very open about your struggles with weight. Why is that important?
A: Because it’s a process. Some days are great; others are hard. You might not make the best decisions all the time, but you can make a better decision next time. We humans are really, really tough on ourselves.
Q: In your memoir, This is Me, you dig into some pretty difficult stuff, including struggles with an abusive stepfather and your divorce. What do you hope readers will take from that?
A: I was afraid to be so honest and vulnerable. But playing Kate these past two seasons has shown me that when you’re speaking the truth, it brings together people who may be living in pain or shame. We need a sense of community and to be there for one another. It’s a gift to be able to share my story and have it change other people’s lives or perspectives.
Q: When you’re in a bad place, how do you rise above it?
A: I typically try to meditate and get out of my own head. So much negativity is related to ego and pride, and that tends to run our decisions. So if you can sit in stillness, assess the feelings, and then actually feel them, you’re able to get through to the other side.
Q: How has beauty played a role in your life?
A: Beauty isn’t defined by a size. Anyone can feel good about getting their nails done or buying a new lipstick. I have about 200 shades of lipstick—I love everything from a dark plum to a bright pink.
Q: What’s one piece of beauty advice you’d give your younger self?
A: I used to wear too much makeup. I’ve learned that less is really more. I don’t think I understood that concept back then.
Q: The look on the cover of your book is a gorgeous cat eye. Was that something you just tried for that shoot, or is it a go-to?
A: No. That was actually a selfie. We did a big photo shoot, and I didn’t like any of the pictures. I didn’t feel they were representative of the material in the book or of me. So I thought, What could be better than to have the cover of my book be a picture of me taken by me?
Q: When you hear the word beauty, what comes to mind?
A: Beauty is an inside job. If you don’t feel good about yourself, it doesn’t shine through.
A: I don’t necessarily think of myself that way. It’s just important to be comfortable with who you are. I’ve been on that journey for a long time, and I think people connect with that.
Q: You’ve been very open about your struggles with weight. Why is that important?
A: Because it’s a process. Some days are great; others are hard. You might not make the best decisions all the time, but you can make a better decision next time. We humans are really, really tough on ourselves.
Q: In your memoir, This is Me, you dig into some pretty difficult stuff, including struggles with an abusive stepfather and your divorce. What do you hope readers will take from that?
A: I was afraid to be so honest and vulnerable. But playing Kate these past two seasons has shown me that when you’re speaking the truth, it brings together people who may be living in pain or shame. We need a sense of community and to be there for one another. It’s a gift to be able to share my story and have it change other people’s lives or perspectives.
Q: When you’re in a bad place, how do you rise above it?
A: I typically try to meditate and get out of my own head. So much negativity is related to ego and pride, and that tends to run our decisions. So if you can sit in stillness, assess the feelings, and then actually feel them, you’re able to get through to the other side.
Q: How has beauty played a role in your life?
A: Beauty isn’t defined by a size. Anyone can feel good about getting their nails done or buying a new lipstick. I have about 200 shades of lipstick—I love everything from a dark plum to a bright pink.
Q: What’s one piece of beauty advice you’d give your younger self?
A: I used to wear too much makeup. I’ve learned that less is really more. I don’t think I understood that concept back then.
Q: The look on the cover of your book is a gorgeous cat eye. Was that something you just tried for that shoot, or is it a go-to?
A: No. That was actually a selfie. We did a big photo shoot, and I didn’t like any of the pictures. I didn’t feel they were representative of the material in the book or of me. So I thought, What could be better than to have the cover of my book be a picture of me taken by me?
Q: When you hear the word beauty, what comes to mind?
A: Beauty is an inside job. If you don’t feel good about yourself, it doesn’t shine through.
From the August 2018 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
