Why Curvy Girls Rock Digital Series Will Shine This Fall Season

Written By Urey Onuoha

When Nick Bombicino and Dante Sharpe were approached about a new digital series called Curvy `Girls Rock, it’s effortless approach to body positivity made it difficult for them to say no. 

“I’m all about body positivity, on- and off-screen, so it’s part of my life and my brand,” says Bombicino. “It’s so great to see stories being told about people, and particularly women, of all shapes and sizes.”

Created by award-winning filmmaker and producer Shakesha Williams, Curvy Girls Rock is a
scripted series, which follows the lives of six plus-size women as they explore careers, sex, love,
and relationships. One of the appeals of the show, says Bombicino, is that it makes a point of

showing its characters aren’t successful in spite of their size. Rather, “it’s just all part of who
they are.” For Sharpe, the draw was in the ability to promote positivity through the project. “As
an actor, I look forward to making projects that can move people in any way positive,” he says.
“I think the CGR series stands for something amazing that women who empathize with these
characters can watch and be moved by.”

In the show, Bombicino plays graphic designer Bruce who may be looking for something more
from his best friend Adrienne, while Sharpe is Max, neighbor and potential love interest for
Reagan. Below, they share a bit about their characters, body positivity, and the importance of a show like Curvy Girls Rock in today’s diversity-starved entertainment landscape.

Why do you think a show like this is important?

NB: These stories have to be told. It's a show with women in the lead, from the acting and writing to producing, directing, and marketing. It"s a completely diverse cast and stars actors of color, something we are finally starting to see change, especially with this year's Oscars. But we have a long way to go. And on top of that, the women and some of the guys are actually plus and real averaged size like much of the population. And everyone wants to see themselves reflected in the lead of stories they watch, so this is needed. It's the change in representation — gender, diversity, body positivity — that people have been asking for.

DS: Curvy Girls Rock is not only important but it can also be inspiring to plus-sized women who
feel insecure or judged because of the way they look. The show drives home the message that
they are just as beautiful or even more for embracing themselves regardless of how society may
view them.

Nick and Dante, you play Bruce and Max in the series, respectively. Tell me a bit about
your characters. How do you relate to them? What's your favorite thing about them?

NB: Bruce is a graphic designer, and sometimes has a hard time getting his head off the page or
screen. Visual expression comes easy to him. When it comes to his friendship with Adrienne,
though... I admire Bruce's loyalty, even though it makes him put himself second. It's a double-
edged sword, that. He wants to take care of everyone's feelings, and I can relate to that, even if it does makes things complicated... (no spoilers!) He's creative and passionate, and of course that
overlaps with my life as an actor.

DS: I find that I can relate to Max in the ways of how he treats a woman. That's the aspect I like
most about him also. He may come off as the "player" type at first, but underneath I think he's trying to find someone to connect with on a deeper level. He is also unafraid to show his interest at all.

How would you describe your characters personal style?

NB: Bruce has a strong sense of his own style, but he doesn't push the boundaries much. He's
quite easy going and likes to be a positive piece of the larger whole, so he keeps his style sharp
and honest, but he saves the trend pushing for his work, even though Adrienne might get on his
case to step up his game.

DS: I would describe Max's style as very smooth and appealing. He takes pride in how he looks.
Look great feel great. It’s probably a contributing factor to his loads of confidence also.

Who in the industry do you look up to in regards to how they portray body positivity?

NB: Melissa McCarthy, Queen Latifah, Rag & Bone Man, Miranda Hart, and James Corden, to name a few. I admire some of them for their outspokenness and advocacy for body positivity. I admire some of them for being unapologetically sexy and showing us we can, too. I do wish that society would have allowed them rely less on being "fat and funny" to gain legitimacy. That's of  course, a generalization, but it's still the case for many actors of size.

DS: There are undoubtedly so many, but one that always sticks in my mind is Idris Elba. From
his style, talent, and poise to how he configures himself physically for all his roles.

What message do you hope viewers get out of the show?

NB: I hope that viewers will see that no matter who you are, you can let yourself shine through.
Anyone can be the hero of a story, and aren't you already the hero of your own? I hope that
people will see these confident and powerful people, and know that they can live that life at any size they choose. And I hope that young girls and boys who have been taught to have body issues might see that it can all be okay.

DS: I hope the message that reaches across is that everyone is uniquely beautiful in their own way. Women shouldn't hide or feel less applicable to do certain things that they want. Regardless of size, shape, or color anyone can find happiness and love. Beauty isn't set by society's standards, but by how we view ourselves and knowing our self-worth.

How can people find more information about the show?

Nick: Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram @curvygirlsrockseries, and Twitter @cgrseries.
You can also get updates and fun extras by following the cast (I'm @nickbombicino IG/Twitter
and nickbombicino.com). We will have teasers, contests, and more, so stay tuned!

Dante: It’s going to be good.