Gabourey Sidibe Talks New TV Series, Old Plans To Become Receptionist

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Gabourey Sidibe (GA'-buh-ray SIH'-dee-bay) is pinching herself over her unexpected life, which includes an Oscar nomination and a new TV series.

At a meeting Thursday of the Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills, Sidibe described herself as a "middle-of-the-lane, very normal" person who'd planned to be a receptionist.

The 27-year-old Sidibe said it's been a "strange year" that's included her Academy Award nod for her role as a teenager who rises above abuse in "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' by Sapphire" and her co-starring role in Showtime's "The Big C."

The comedy-drama stars Laura Linney as a schoolteacher confronting a terminal-cancer diagnosis. Sidibe plays a smart-alec student.

"The Big C" debuts 10:30 p.m. EDT Monday, Aug. 16, on Showtime.

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Online:

http://www.sho.com

Comments

[ThinkTwiceWriteOnce]

07:05 AM on 07/31/2010

So far a bit of a "Johnny One Note" acting wise. She's type cast in an urban genre that will only allow her to play the abused, the abuser or the urban Hattie McDaniel type with a heart of gold saving one child at a time. Time to step out now into something else and prove she has versatility as an actor.

[DMSmith]

03:35 AM on 07/31/2010

I've always admired Laura Linney's ability as an actress - but I've always also felt I'd like her as a person. I've seen enough of Miss Sidebe's acting to know she's the goods, but seeing her interviewed left me impressed with her as a person as well.
How delightful that they'll be working together. I can't wait to see that energy coming outta my T & V!

[WakingLife]

02:16 AM on 07/31/2010

This show might have potential. I love Laura Linney, and GS showed a great performance in "Precious".

[Mccall101]

11:44 PM on 07/30/2010

lol huff post why did you pick such an unflattering picture? Granted she's nothing most men would die for but there's better pics

[EverybodyLaughs]

09:47 PM on 07/30/2010

my god....she's huge

[urnumbersix]

07:58 PM on 07/30/2010

What's going on here?
WHY the hate?

What Gets You Off by ragging on this woman?
Does it Really make you feel better? Superior, or "there but for the grace of God" better?

Why choose to stop here, and then leave snarky or outright mean comments?
Why wouldn't you simply think "yuck" and move on to the next gossip article?

Some feel self-righteously Angry. I do not understand that emotion in this case - she is not you or yours, you don't even know her - how Could feelings of Anger be stirred?

I understand that we comment on celebrities, relating our opinions that reflect something in ourselves (we do not personally know Any of these people) -- Mel story may remind of abusive men, hypocrites, bigots, or gold-digging women -- Angelina & Brad, charmed lives, the boyfriend-stealer who doesn't get her comeuppance or the bad girl turned good or modern parenting in a global manner or hypocrites. ETC.

Gaby is simply FAT. And she is black. She has Done nothing but give us a great performance in One movie. That's it.

Why would anyone wish "I Hope She Fails," - ala Rush Limbaugh on Obama - BEFORE that person has actually done anything?

Very strange.
Any speculation as to WHY?
Please explain.

(BTW, I am not fat, so these questions are not self-serving. I really don't get it.)

[van CA]

09:49 PM on 07/30/2010

what can't people express their shock at her weight or express their concerns for her health. the truth is not always polite, but it is fact. instead of taking out a full page ad to chastise other people's right to have an opinion, perhaps you could have taken your own advice and said "Yuck" and move on.

[5ilver]

02:50 PM on 07/31/2010

Well said.

[bobbiecat]

06:22 PM on 07/30/2010

So she's a big girl. So what? Why doesn't anyone ridicule Vince Vaughn, Kevin James or Val Klmer for packing on the pounds? I have yet to see a headline doing an in deepth article addressing Vince Vaughns weight gain since Swingers, when the man has obviously chunked-up. I have seen, though, MANY articles on this lady and plently of other women clelebrities weight gain. The double-standard is absurd. We criticize women if they're heavy or we criticize if they're thin. Gabourey is a wonderfully talented and very funny actor. People need to chill out on her weight.

[Js420]

04:22 PM on 07/30/2010

Is someone helping this girl lose weight. she's looks really heavy not cool

[pokerpot]

03:42 PM on 07/30/2010

I'd be willing to bet good money that the show won't last longer than a season.

[ArtMaggot]

02:01 PM on 07/30/2010

I love the photo, it’s the same look I get when the pizza is delivered with anchovies.

[ZimboChick]

01:25 PM on 07/30/2010

Love love Gabby! She is my friend in my head! Love her snark. So they said she would never work again. What is that crunch that I hear??...ohhh it's just you eating your words.

[nicole44]

02:58 PM on 07/30/2010

There were some left over?

[ZimboChick]

03:32 PM on 07/30/2010

none

[Chicago48]

01:14 PM on 07/30/2010

So happy for Gabby. Now, Montana Fishburne - that's another story. What's with the Hollywood kids? Annette Benning's daughter is changing sex....my oh my....to be a Hwd parent today.

[sagondo]

12:23 PM on 07/30/2010

What an absolutely horrendous photo....and she did it in purple?....its criminal : where are the fashion police when you need them?

[rayjoy]

11:27 AM on 07/30/2010

Good for you Gabourey. And I'm disgusted by all the comments about her weight and looks. It's not okay to be racist anymore, it's not okay to be homophobic and I hope our society starts to realize it's not okay to be sizist either.

[clarendon67]

11:25 AM on 07/30/2010

I would never watch this woman in anything.