There aren't a lot of overweight people on TV. But strangely enough, the few overweight characters that do exist are often in positions of power. From crime dramas to high fantasy, fat characters take on important roles as rulers, power players, and leaders. Sometimes they're good... other times, not so much. We've all heard the phrase "large and in charge," but these TV shows feature characters who take it to a whole new level.
There are many overweight men in positions of power in Westeros. There was, of course, King Robert. While quite athletic in his youth, Robert really packed on the pounds once he ascended to the throne. Likewise, the Spice King (a character who only appears in the show and not the books) is the spokesman/leader for the Thirteen of Qarth.
There's a reason a lot of these characters wear tracksuits: They provide a level of comfort for guys of a certain build. Body mass and power seem to have a correlation in the world of "The Sopranos," with important characters like Johnny Sack, Silvio Dante, and Mr. Tony Soprano himself all being quite overweight if not outright obese.
This classic Britcom's first season featured the booming vocal talents of Brian Blessed, who played the massive king. Massively talented, Blessed brought his massive stature to the role, as well, and made audiences laugh.
In one classic episode of this spy comedy series, the plot revolves around a Middle Eastern ruler who must try and maintain the weight around his middle. In a strange quirk of history, his people choose the fattest person to be their leader, and this man must stay large to stay in charge.
One of the many aliens that the Stargate team encounters during their travels is the crafty Nerus. He's powerful, manipulative, and an utterly brilliant inventor. Additionally, he's also quite a glutton and has a special affection for "exotic" Earth foods like chicken and grapes.
In one famous two-parter from the Christopher Eccleston era, the fattest members of the U.K. government take control of Downing Street (the Prime Minister's headquarters). Technically, it's not the fattest people, but a group of aliens called the Slitheen, who are disguising themselves as the largest members of the government.
Don't be fooled by his paunchy belly: Constantine is a mob boss you don't want to mess with. True, he spent the last 15 years in jail, but he hasn't gone soft…though he does seem to have a soft spot for Grace.
