Christina Hendricks’ Awkward Interview

Christina Hendricks is certainly known for her ample womanly assets, which she has no problem displaying at award shows, but that doesn’t mean she subscribes to a specific label for herself. Perhaps this is why the Mad Men star was taken aback when an Australian interviewer referred to her – twice! – as a “full-figured” woman, which Hendricks seems to view as a euphemism for “fat.”

Hendricks was interviewed by Australia’s Sun-Herald Fashion Editor Kate Waterhouse. Hendricks was in Australia to host the Specsavers 2012 Spectacle Wearer of the Year. Waterhouse, probably thinking she was flattering Hendricks, stated that that gorgeous redhead “has been an inspiration as a full-figured woman,” and asked her favorite story of how she’s inspired someone.

Hendricks, clearly taken aback, took a moment to register the comment before barely getting out, “Um…I don’t know…” and then looking to her publicist off-camera. She then said, “I’m sorry…” and momentarily stopped the interview.

When the interview began again, Waterhouse didn’t seem to realize what she had done to offend the actress, so she rephrased the question, but still used the term “full-figured.”

Hendricks laughed, annoyed, and said, “I mean – it’s just that – you just said it again!”

Her mistake was pointed out (again) to Waterhouse, who seemed embarrassed, mumbled an apology, and moved right on to another question. Hendricks allowed the interview to move forward and responded to the new question like nothing had happened.

Honestly, the entire 4-minute interview is rather cringe-worthy; the women are both acting pretty fake, pretending to like one another and offering insincere laughs like it’s going out of style. In a word, it’s just awkward.

I can’t blame Hendricks for her reaction, however, as she should not be forced to be a spokesperson for all women with her figure just because she happens to be famous. She skyrocketed to fame with her role as Joan Harris in the AMC cable show, Mad Men, which has won fifteen Emmy Awards and four Golden Globes. It is the only basic cable series ever to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series – and it won four years in a row (2008-2011)!

Hendricks’ figure – however you want to refer to it – has been just as well received. Esquire magazine named her “The Sexiest Woman in the World,” based on a poll of their readers, and the magazine also named her “Best Looking American Woman” in 2010.

After the interview with Waterhouse, Hendricks made it known that she thinks referring to her as  “full-figured is just rude.” Hopefully, interviewers have taken note, and the indiscretion will not be repeated.