Union champions 'plus-size' actors

Camryn Manheim is a large role model in America

Large actors who do not fit the typical Hollywood image are to get formal support from their union.

The Screen Actors' Guild (SAG) is setting up a subcommittee to change attitudes of how outsize actors are represented within the industry, according to Variety newspaper.

Comic actress Diane Bliss is spearheading the drive to get better recognition for larger performers.

Martin Short ridicules large people in his comedy sketch show

"We believe that people's consciousness about this issue has risen dramatically over the last several years," she told Variety.

Ms Bliss, who will be chairing the sub-committee, said the plan was to hold seminars with "plus-size" actors, casting directors, producers and writers.

The aim is to represent larger people in a more realistic and flattering light.

She added that characters such as Martin Short's comic character Jiminy Glick, who eats non-stop on Comedy Central's Primetime Glick, motivated her to press ahead with the subcommittee.

Ms Bliss also said that Camryn Manheim, from the American drama series The Practice, had expressed an interest in getting involved.

The Emmy-winning actress speaks openly about her size and has recently written a book called Wake Up, I'm Fat.

The subcommittee has been approved by SAG's national women's committee, which will submit the recommendation for approval to SAG's national board.

Women's committee chair Rebecca Bush told Variety: "The creation of the subcommittee is an important part of the committee's outreach to help members stay informed and get work."