Chrissy Metz, best known for her role as Kate Pearson on This Is Us, has always been open about her struggles with body image and weight. The role of Kate was actually inspired by the real-life weight loss journey of show creator Dan Fogelman’s sister—something that deeply resonated with Chrissy from the start.

Metz grew up in Gainesville, Florida, raised by her mother, stepfather, and four siblings. In an emotional Glamour interview, she recalled nights when her mom would skip dinner just so her children could eat. “Looking back, I think that’s why food equals love in my family,” she said.

She admitted that as a child, she would sneak snacks late at night. By age 14, her stepfather had started public weigh-ins at home. “He’d slam the scale down in the kitchen and say, ‘Get on it!’” Metz shared.

Her first big role came in American Horror Story: Freak Show, where she played Barbara “Ima” Wiggles—and wore a fat suit for the part. “It really opened my eyes,” she told People. “I didn’t want to get to a place where I couldn’t move or fit through doors. I didn’t want that life.”

On This Is Us, her character Kate tackled real-life weight struggles, and Metz revealed she had a clause in her contract that aligned with her character’s journey. But for Chrissy, it’s never been about chasing perfection. “If you spill a drink on a tray, you don’t dump the whole thing—you clean up and keep going,” she explained. “It’s about progress, not perfection.”

Remember Chrissy Metz? Please take a look at her after her weight loss

Tired of constant questions about weight loss surgery, she told TODAY in 2017, “I wish people would stop asking. I’m fine, boo.”

Metz has since branched out, starring in the 2019 faith-based film Breakthrough and gearing up for two major new projects: her debut album and her own movie. “I don’t want to compromise on one sound, one note, one word,” she told Good Housekeeping. “This time, it’s going to be on my terms.”