'The Talk': Gorge's Chrissy Metz says story of 300-pound Mt Kilimanjaro climber is 'timely, needs to be told'

The movie is based on a memoir by Cara Richardson Whitely who was determined to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Whitely, however, struggled with each step -- not only was it a grueling trek but also she weighed 300 pounds. Ultimately, sheer will conquers her fears and the 19,308-feet journey
PUBLISHED JAN 29, 2020
Chrissy Metz (Getty Images)
Chrissy Metz (Getty Images)

On Tuesday’s episode of the Emmy-winning CBS daytime talk show ‘The Talk’, co-hosts Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, rapper Eve, Carrie Ann Inaba and Marie Osmond had a delightful conversation with actor and singer Chrissy Metz. 

The 39-year-old, most famous for her role as Kate Pearson on the NBC dramedy ‘This Is Us’, discussed producing a new Amazon Studios film, ‘Gorge’. The movie is based on a memoir by Cara Richardson Whitely who was determined to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Whitely, however, struggled with each step -- not only was it a grueling trek but also she weighed 300 pounds. Ultimately, sheer will conquers her fears and the 19,308-feet journey.

Metz, talking about Whitely, said, “She really did it. And there are like major athletes who have to turn around. I mean you’re going through five climates in eight days, and it’s not -- yeah.”



 

Metz added, “She met me at my book signing, she stood in line for six hours, to give me her book.” 

The actor who has never shied away from expressing how she feels about body image and weight issues said, “Weight is something that most people, it's like the final frontier, like we sort of glamorize, you know drugs, sex, rock ‘n roll, and people think -- Oh, if you are overweight, you are just sitting in the corner eating a candy bar. You're like, you have no idea what that really means or what looks like. So I just feel like it’s a story that is so timely and just needs to be told.”

Metz also spoke about performing her Oscar-nominated song ‘I'm Standing With You’ from her 2019 film ‘Breakthrough’ at the 92nd Academy Awards. “It’s pretty special,” said Metz about the song. 



 

When Eve asked Metz, “Who in the crowd might take you off your game?” the actor and singer immediately responded with, “Leo [Dicaprio], maybe Brad [Pitt]…I’m going to sing at them, with them. I can’t be in my head about it and I will just be present and prepared. Hopefully, nobody throws me off.”

 'The Talk' airs Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. PT. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Season 2 of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ deals with darker themes as Coop continues to push his luck, and Jon Hamm gives a major update.
9 hours ago
While no official date has been set for 'The Pitt' Season 3, reports suggest that it will premiere next year, without this fan-favorite character.
9 hours ago
'The Pitt' has already been renewed for a third season by HBO Max and is currently in the writing stage.
12 hours ago
Raj Dar and Mir Dar's fortunes took a turn for the worse following the death of the criminal mastermind father, Baba Dar.
13 hours ago
The Russos return for one last fight, but with Alex missing and time running out, the final season sets up a battle that could change everything.
13 hours ago
Dr. Robby had previously offered his best protege the chance to house-sit for him while he was away on his sabbatical.
13 hours ago
‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Episode 13 showcases Robby's conflict over leaving staff and patients alone to handle the stress and chaos as he takes time off.
14 hours ago
Kitty checks off every dream on her list, but that airport confession changes everything, and now the show’s future feels wide open.
14 hours ago
Season 2 of the medical drama series has been dropping hints all season that Dr. Samira Mohan's (Supriya Ganesh) time is up in 'The Pitt.'
14 hours ago
A new Shelby rises in post-war Birmingham, but his quiet stare hints at something darker brewing beneath the surface.
14 hours ago