High School Musicalactress KayCee Stroh has spoken candidly about the body-shaming she faced during her time in the Disney Channel franchise. Stroh was 19 when she was cast as Martha Cox in Kenny Ortega’s iconic musical trilogy, quickly becoming a fan favorite for her bubbly personality, infectious energy, and standout dance moves. TheHigh School Musicaltrilogy, which debuted in 2006, became a cultural phenomenon, introducing viewers to a talented ensemble cast and delivering iconic musical numbers throughout each movie. However, despite the franchise’s success, Stroh revealed she faced criticism about her weight, prompting a viewer to send a complaint to the Disney Channel.
In an exclusive interview withPeople, Stroh reflected on how she initially saw her body as a potential obstacle in her career but later realized it was what made her unique.“My whole life I was a bigger, muscular, curvy girl,”she shared.“The one thing I thought would always hold me back was the very thing that made me who I am, and it made me stand out that day.”The actor also revealed that a viewer wrote a letter to Disney Channel, criticizing the decision to cast"someone as unhealthy as myself,“citing Stroh’s weight as the reason she was a"bad role model.“This is what theHSMalum had to say:
If they only had taken the time to get to know me and realize that I grew up dancing five hours a day, and that wasn’t at all the situation.
It was so devastating to see how people just prejudge others based on something as shallow as their outer appearance while they’re here on this earth.
Stroh described how she’d dance so much as a child that she remembers taking naps on the studio floor while listening to the sound of tap shoes. Additionally, Stroh revealed that she underwent knee surgery just beforeHigh School Musical, and was dealing with a blood clot that led to a 50-lb weight gain.
I’m glad it happened when I was young and fresh in the industry because I really learned quickly to build empathy for others.
Healed people don’t hurt people, and I hope those people can someday find happiness and heal their inner trauma, or the generational body trauma that was passed on to them, I really just look at it like, ‘I’m sorry for you.’ I hope you find happiness and realize someday that there’s so much more to life than that.
What Stroh’s Comments Mean For High School Musical
Representation & Defying Stereotypes
Stroh’s experience demonstrates the challenges of representation and body positivity in the entertainment industry. When speaking toPeople, Stroh also recalled how, as a child, she primarily saw larger bodies represented on screen as the butt of the joke or highly typecast. She explained that one of the reasons she was excited to join theHigh School Musicalcastand take on the role of Martha was because, throughout the film, her body was never represented as “a joke” or discussed in a negative light. In fact, she was a dancer, an intelligent student and a cheerleader, showing that one’s body does not, and should not, limit their abilities to be successful, and a positive influence on those who watch them.
10 Things About The High School Musical Trilogy That Make No Sense
The High School Musical movies weren’t particularly plot heavy, but we still can’t help but feel that what plot there was didn’t make much sense.
This underscores the importance of diverse casting and the need to move past outdated stereotypes that can impact audiences negatively, hindering them from embracing their individuality. As society’s perceptions of beauty have continued to evolve, performers like Stroh helped pave the way for future generations to see themselves positively represented on screen. Her resilience in the face of criticism not only calls into question the judgements of a loud few but also solidifies her place as a good role model for countless people who have been inspired by her and Martha’s story.
Our Take On Stroh’s Comments
Turning Pain Into Empathy
Stroh’s reflections on her experience inHigh School Musicalare sad yet encouraging, serving as a reminder of the struggles that actors face in the industry. Her ability to turn the pain of being body-shamed into an opportunity to find empathy and understanding is a testament to her strength and character. Although it must have been difficult for a young girl to deal with such hateful comments, by using her platform to advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance, Stroh has been able to transform a negative experience into a powerful lesson for others.
As a performer who refused to let hateful comments define her, Stroh remains an inspiring figure for fans who have seen her resilience as proof that beauty, talent, and brains come in many forms.
High School Musical
Cast
High School Musical is a Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Kenny Ortega. The film follows high school students Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) as they navigate their burgeoning love for singing and performing. Despite peer pressure and social expectations, they audition for the school’s musical production, challenging the status quo and discovering their unique talents. The film also stars Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel.
