By Jennifer Jonassen
Joy Nash's "Fat Rant" is an internet sensation that has swept the word! Read this in-depth, candid interview with her to
find out how and why she was moved to create this video as well as all
of her artistic projects...
JJ: How did Fat Rant come about?
JOY NASH:I wrote the monologue as an assignment for a Solo Performance
class I was taking about 6 years ago. My best friend was dying
from cancer at the time and I was really irritated listening to myself
and others list off our excuses as to why we "Couldn't" do things. "Oh,
I can't wear a bathing suit, I'm too fat." "I can't go to Europe,
I'm too fat." While my friend, on the other hand, was shriveling
up like a raisin - losing ability every day - and looking for new and
crazy ways to accomplish everything she wanted to accomplish in the
days she had left. Her passion made me so aware of how much
opportunity and ability I actually had and made me embarrassed to be
making those excuses.
Then, maybe a year ago, I was performing the monologue for The Art of
Being and Love Your Body Day and lot of audience members would come up
after the show and tell me about a sister, or a friend, or their mother
who they wished had heard the piece - so I decided to put together a
video and make myself some reel at the same time. Two birds with one
stone!
JJ: That was a great idea indeed! How long have you been acting?
JOY NASH: I think I was in my first play when I was 13...
JJ: Where did you study?
JOY NASH: I have a BA from the USC School of Theatre and I also spent a
semester at the British American Dramatic Academy. I have also done
improvisation with Improv Olympic and am currently auditing classes at
different studios around town. I think training is really
important.
JJ: What are some of the highlights of your career thus far?
JOY NASH: Well, I've performed my own work at the Disney REDCAT theatre
downtown and had my Fat Rant broadcast all over national TV - I'm told
it was even on Qatar TV in Jordan! Also, I've just finished
shooting a sketch comedy pilot for a show called "Fruit & Fly" and
an independent feature called "Break" with Michael Madsen.
JJ: Can you talk about some of the obstacles you have faced as a plus size actress?
JOY NASH: I definitely think we're overlooked as far as roles go.
Every once in a while they'll be looking for a 'Tracy Turnblad Type',
but otherwise it's like we don't exist. It's frustrating to know
that fat actresses aren't on most casting director's radar screens –
but it's also what's inspired me to create my own work.
JJ: What do you consider the worst experience you have had?
Photo Credit: Les Delano
