Morbidly Obese Acting - The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

Morbidly Obese Acting

The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly

Published: Thu Jan 09 2025

Bobby takes offence when Jay says that he's not a scary enough actor and also morbidly obese. They improv a gangster scene to prove Bob's acting chops. Christine is absent and Jay might be treating Bobby as he would her. They browse pajamas and robes to buy. Bob unearths a clip of Robert Reed (aka Mr. Mike Brady) in a tv movie where he transitions into a woman in a gown. *To hear the full show to go www.siriusxm.com/bonfire to learn more FOLLOW THE CREW ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @thebonfiresxm @louisjohnson @christinemevans @bigjayoakerson @robertkellylive @louwitzkee @jjbwolf

Summary

The Bonfire with Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly - Episode: Morbidly Obese Acting

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Overview

In the episode titled "Morbidly Obese Acting," hosts Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly engage in a lively and candid discussion about the challenges and nuances of acting in roles that demand significant physical transformations, particularly focusing on weight. The conversation delves into typecasting, the impact of physical appearance on an actor's career, and the personal experiences of the hosts in navigating these challenges within the entertainment industry. Throughout the episode, the duo interweaves humor with insightful observations, making for an engaging listen.

Key Topics and Discussions

Typecasting and Physical Appearance in Acting
- Impact of Weight on Role Selection
  - Big Jay Oakerson [04:25]: Discusses how an actor's physical attributes can limit or define the types of roles they are offered. “Her head has the dimensions of a dreidel. It's fucking.” He critiques how different actresses age differently, affecting their casting opportunities.
  - Robert Kelly [10:00]: Explores the negative connotations associated with being labeled "morbidly obese," suggesting that it implies more than just weight but also affects an actor's energy and screen presence. “It wasn't just obese. It was a kind of obese that like brought the energy of a place down.”
Career Challenges for Actors Undergoing Physical Transformations
- Personal Audition Experiences
  - Robert Kelly [14:15]: Shares his struggles with weight while auditioning, highlighting how physical changes can limit role opportunities. “I did an audition today. My second one in seven years. Zoom, zoom. And it was fine, but it was just, like, completely.”
  - Big Jay Oakerson [16:19]: Talks about the difficulties of auditioning over Zoom, emphasizing the lack of personal connection. “It's just difficult. Go nowhere.”
Effects of Physical Transformation on Audience Perception
- Character Consistency and Audience Connection
  - Big Jay Oakerson [38:37]: Criticizes the aging of Mariska Hargitay, portraying how significant physical changes can alter audience perceptions of a beloved character. “She just became an older lady very overnight.”
  - Robert Kelly [51:03]: Reflects on the transformation of Olivia Benson from SVU, questioning how physical changes impact the character's relatability and effectiveness. “She looks like Bonnie now. She's only like 60. Is she 60? Yeah, barely. That's not bad for 60.”
Comedic Relief and Self-Deprecation Regarding Weight
- Humor as a Coping Mechanism
  - Robert Kelly [13:14]: Uses self-deprecatory humor about his weight and its impact on his roles. “I need something a little hungry because I'm morbidly obese. If I wasn't so fat, I could have done something. I'm gonna lose weight. I swear to God.”
  - Big Jay Oakerson [35:12]: Playfully mentions weight yo-yoing as a "special skill" on his resume, adding humor to the serious topic of weight management in acting. “Weight yo-yoing.”
The Concept of "Morbidly Obese Acting" as a Metaphor
- Satirical Commentary on Career Choices
  - Dan Soder [20:25]: Introduces a humorous segment suggesting that Robert Kelly might be deliberately portraying an overly obese character to transition into another comedic persona. “Comedian Adrian Appalucci is actually really just Bobby Kelly in a wig.”
  - Big Jay Oakerson [21:07]: Playfully engages with the idea, hinting at a shift in Robert’s career strategy. “You look like Helen Hong.”
Humorous Banter on Aging and Appearance
- Lighthearted Critiques of TV Characters and Actors
  - Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly [44:10 - 53:00]: Engage in a humorous critique of TV characters and actresses’ aging processes, particularly focusing on Mariska Hargitay and Judith Light. They lampoon physical changes and the impact on character portrayal, blending sharp humor with observational comedy.
Experiences with Auditioning for Roles
- Challenges of Modern Audition Processes
  - Robert Kelly [16:19]: Discusses the awkwardness and challenges of virtual auditions, contrasting them with traditional in-person experiences. “Can you give us a variation of the lines but not the lines? That’s hard. That’s harder than actually remembering a chunk of dialogue given one or two lines.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Big Jay Oakerson [04:25]: "Her head has the dimensions of a dreidel. It's fucking."
Robert Kelly [10:00]: "It wasn't just obese. It was a kind of obese that like brought the energy of a place down."
Dan Soder [20:25]: "Comedian Adrian Appalucci is actually really just Bobby Kelly in a wig."
Big Jay Oakerson [51:03]: "She just became an older lady very overnight."
Robert Kelly [13:14]: "I'm gonna lose weight. I swear to God."

Insights and Conclusions

The episode "Morbidly Obese Acting" offers a nuanced exploration of the intersection between an actor’s physical appearance and their career trajectory. Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly adeptly blend humor with critical insights, highlighting the often unspoken challenges actors face when portraying characters that require significant physical transformations. The discussion underscores the pervasive issue of typecasting in the entertainment industry, where actors may find themselves pigeonholed based on their appearance or weight.

Additionally, the hosts shed light on the personal toll these challenges can take, sharing their own experiences with auditions and roles that demanded physical changes. The use of humor serves as both a coping mechanism and a tool for critically examining industry standards and societal perceptions regarding weight and appearance.

Ultimately, the episode advocates for greater diversity in role offerings and a more inclusive approach to casting, emphasizing the importance of talented actors being able to maintain robust careers regardless of their physical transformations. It also calls attention to the need for the industry to move beyond shallow stereotypes and provide a wider array of opportunities for actors of all body types.

Conclusion

"Morbidly Obese Acting" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that combines sharp wit with meaningful commentary on the entertainment industry's handling of physical appearance and typecasting. Big Jay Oakerson and Robert Kelly not only entertain but also invite listeners to reflect on the broader implications of how actors are perceived and utilized in various roles. For those interested in the intersection of comedy, personal narrative, and industry critique, this episode provides a rich and engaging listen.