Kate Winslet was told to "settle for fat girl parts"

(Image credit: Getty)

published 23 March 2017

Kate Winslet has revealed she was once cruelly told to "settle for the fat-girl parts."

Speaking at the WE Day U.K. charity event Wednesday, the Oscar winner reflected on being bullied at school and how she had to rise above it to achieve her dreams.

"They called me Blubber. Teased me for wanting to act. Locked me in the cupboard. Laughed at me. I wasn't the prettiest. I was even told that I might be lucky in my acting if I was happy to settle for the fat-girl parts," she said.

"[Casting agents] would say, 'You're just not what we're looking for, Kate.' I'd hear that a lot. I didn't lock myself away and give up on my dream. I fought back. I had to ignore the negative comments. I had to believe in myself. I had to choose to rise above it all, and I had to work hard. You have to be indestructible to do what you love, and believe that you are worth it. And sometimes that's the hardest part."

Kate's empowering speech also saw her talk about being cast in James Cameron's epic romance Titanic.

Head, Nose, Fun, People, Recreation, Photograph, Leisure, Facial expression, Interaction, Vacation,

"The most unlikely candidate–Kate from the sandwich shop in Reading—suddenly acting in one of the biggest movies ever made. You can be from anywhere and you can do anything, believe it. It is possible to overcome your fears," she explained.

"I learned to embrace my flaws, to make no apology for who I am. I dug deep and I decided that I simply wouldn't listen when they said my body didn't fit. This is who I am, the real me, Kate from Reading."

#KateWinslet gave one of the most authentic, genuine & inspiring talks I've ever seen. Ace guest @WEMovement #WeDay pic.twitter.com/5XIOOVRrVKMarch 22, 2017