Celebrity BBW Spotlight: Camryn Manheim – Plus Size Actress

Camryn Manheim, Award-Winning Plus Size Actress

Camryn Manheim was born Debra Frances Manheim on March 8, 1961, in Caldwell, New Jersey, to a schoolteacher mother and math professor father. She became interested in acting at age 16 after working at a Renaissance fair in high school. Manheim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1984 and a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in 1987. She also studied acting at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School in Chelsea and teaches the technique “Practical Aesthetics”.

In 1998, Camryn Manheim won an Emmy for her work as attorney Ellenor Frutt on the tv show “The Practice”, exclaiming that “This is for all the fat girls!” She later wrote her autobiography titled “Wake Up, I’m Fat!” A one-woman show of the same name preceded the book. In 2005, Manheim earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her work as Elvis Presley’s mother in the miniseries “Elvis”. Camryn is currently featured on the tv show “Harry’s Law” as District Attorney Kim Mendelsohn.

Manheim is a devoted human rights activist, advocating for women’s rights, fat acceptance, and gay rights. She has contributed to a number of charities, including RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). Camryn is also involved with the non-profit organization Bet Tzedek Legal Services – The House of Justice, which advocates for and supports people living in poverty as well as communities victimized by discrimination and civil rights abuses. She serves as a co-chair for their annual fundraiser, The Justice Ball. Camryn has worked as a sign language interpreter at hospitals, a talent she’s used in some of her acting roles.

Camryn has a son named Milo Jacob who was born on March 6, 2001, just two days before her 40th birthday. Her brother, Karl Manheim, is a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, CA.

Camryn Manheim on “The Talk”