'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

Rick and Morty Season 9 will air in more than 170 countries and 42 languages, reaching a massive audience.
13 hours ago
The world of golf may have certainly forgotten about him, but Will Ferrell's Lonnie believes he's closer than ever to achieving a grand slam in 'The Hawk.'
13 hours ago
'High Potential' Season 2 follows Morgan and Daphne as they probe a brutal attack on someone from Morgan’s past.
13 hours ago
Based on Patricia Cornwell's novels, the Prime Video series starring Nicole Kidman made its much-awaited debut on Wednesday.
15 hours ago
The 2026 Producers Guild Awards saw ‘One Battle After Another’ take the top prize, while ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ scored major TV wins
18 hours ago
‘One Piece’ Season 2 finale reveals Sir Crocodile as the mastermind behind Baroque Works, setting up the explosive Alabasta war for Season 3
19 hours ago
Nicole Kidman will reprise her role as Kay Scarpetta as Prime Video moves forward with Season 2 production.
19 hours ago
Disney’s ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’ preview reunites Miley Cyrus with Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus ahead of its premiere
23 hours ago
'Silo' Season 3 will pull material from two books in Hugh Howey's trilogy: ‘Shift’ and ‘Dust’
1 day ago
Season 5 of 'Dark Winds' is expected to premiere next year in between June and July, as four episodes remain in Season 4.
1 day ago