Gabourey Sidibe as Andrea and Gabriel Basso as Adam in “The Big C” (Season 3, episode 10)
*Things will be a little different when Showtime’s “The Big C” returns for its final run on April 29.
First, it will be renamed “The Big C: Hereafter.”
“The purpose of this title was really to speak about how it’s that very Buddhist concept that we’ve explored on the show in the past, that you’re as everybody’s lived, and we’re each dying every day. And as you die, you’ve lived,” explained executive producer Jenny Bicks during interviews for the show in January.
The series, entering its fourth season, follows the actions of high school teacher Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) since she was diagnosed with terminal melanoma in season one. The show, billed as a comedy, is less about the cancer, and more about her struggle to finally live her truth – a journey that began long before her diagnosis.
(L-R) Actress/Executive Producer Laura Linney and actress Gabourey Sidibe of “THE BIG C: hereafter” speak onstage during the Showtime portion of the 2013 Winter TCA Tour at Langham Hotel on January 12, 2013 in Pasadena
As she copes with her illness, Cathy finds refreshing honesty in the many quirky relationships in her life – including her brassy former student-turned-live in guest Andrea Jackson, played by Gabourey Sidibe.
“‘The Big C’ was only my third audition ever, and so I didn’t have much experience, but the good thing about it is that I wasn’t spoiled by a lot of things,” Sidibe, 29, said of her entry into the show, fresh from her 2010 Oscar nomination for “Precious” – only her first audition ever. “I was so new when I got [to the show]. Now I’m horrible.”
Below, Sidibe says she viewed her experience on “The Big C” as a master class.
Other changes for season four aside from the title include the length of the four episodes, which increases from a half-hour to an hour. The premiere will pick up from last season’s cliffhanger, with Cathy leaving her family to go sailing with a stranger. The storyline in the four episodes will span September through May, with three months separating each hour.
Guest stars will include Brian Dennehy as Cathy’s father, Isaac Mizrahi as Andrea’s fashion mentor and Kathy Najimy as Cathy’s therapist. Watch a preview of the final season below.
I can’t believe she hasn’t lost weight by now.
Is she ever going to lose weight? I can’t understand how she actually think’s that her size is not a problem knowing that she’s in a business that is based on looks. Gabby, get a clue.
This chick is absolutely Huge!! OMG! She really believes she will have a future in movies….a culture based on looks addicted to size “0″ women. “Beezyuu” i agree she doesn’t have a clue
Damn, you all are mean…(lol) Here’s what I know… When you’re THAT size you don’t have the luxury of thinking that you don’t have a weight problem. All of humanity and every inanimate thing in this world reminds you of your mighty girth – every time you take a seat on a train next to someone smaller you’re reminded; trying to find a seat in a movie theatre you’re reminded; as you squeeze behind the steering wheel of a car you’re reminded; when you buy clothes, board a airplane, use public bathrooms (small toilets are the worst), try on jewelry, go out on a date, try to date, visit a beach, walk up stairs, etc. Gabby knows her reality better than anybody. What I like about her is that she doesn’t let it stop her from doing her thing. She chooses to be most visible when many think she should be hiding until she gets the weight off – and she’s unapologetic about it.. Does that mean she shouldn’t lose weight? Of course, not. She needs to lose that damn weight – lots of it. I, personally, believe she will when SHE is ready. In the meantime I choose to enjoy her as she represent all the beautiful, big, dark skin sisters who are hardly EVER seen on the big and small screen. And when she does decide to lose the weight I will be there as well to cheer her on because I know that transformation will inspire someone else to do the same. Gotta love it!
@MrUnapologetic69 – I’ve never had a serious weight problem outside of an extra 5 or 10 pounds every few years, so I cannot fully understand the struggle. However, your post was one of the most informative and sensitive comments that I’ve even read regarding an overweight person, particularly one who is in the public eye. You did not make excuses or even say that “her weight is fine.” What you did was provide was a perspective that has caused me to view her (and others in a similar situation) more compassionately.
4th season? and I never even heard of the show.