Kristin Davis reminisces about a poignant moment during her filming days on "Melrose Place," when a producer sternly advised her, "Don't gain any weight." In a recent cover feature for People magazine, the actress cast her gaze back to her time spent on the hit soap opera, where she portrayed the role of Brooke Armstrong with fervor. While her recollections of her fellow actors are filled with warmth, she conceded that "there was an overarching atmosphere on set that was challenging, particularly pertaining to the pressure to maintain a slender figure."
Witnessing "everyone around her exuding beauty and remarkable thinness," Davis felt compelled to take drastic measures. She enlisted the services of a running coach and diligently attended consecutive 90-minute spinning classes, pushing her limits relentlessly. "I was exasperated and striving to conform," she elaborated. "Undoubtedly, I barely ate; my memories of those days are hazy concerning food."
The veteran of "Sex and the City" recounted how she pushed herself to the brink, to the extent of "once fainting in a parking lot" and experiencing moments where "I couldn't even recall my own name." Despite her relentless efforts, Davis learned from her "Melrose Place" co-star Thomas Calabro that the producers' concerns about her weight persisted.
She recounted their conversation, saying, "He exclaimed with genuine delight, 'Kristin, I'm thrilled to see you here. I must tell you, you look fantastic!' To which I responded, 'Oh, thank you. What are you referring to? What do you mean?' He clarified, 'I understand the producers are under immense stress, but I find it incredible that we have a woman with curves among us.'"
Davis admitted to being perplexed, but Calabro continued, "'I genuinely believe they shouldn't exert too much pressure on you.' I was stunned and replied, 'What?'" It was at this juncture that the actress of "And Just Like That" decided to confront the producers head-on. "I approached the line producer and inquired, 'Thomas Calabro just informed me that you're stressed about my weight. Did someone voice their concerns? Did executive producer Mr. [Aaron] Spelling say something?' David recounted. The producer reassured her, 'We think you look stunning,' to which I replied, 'Yes, and?' He then stated bluntly, 'Just don't gain any weight.'"
Davis emphasized that such interactions and behaviors on set "were considered normal for an extended period," adding, "The stress was overwhelming. If you possessed hips, it was considered problematic." "Melrose Place," which aired from 1992 to 1999, revolved around a tight-knit group of friends residing in the picturesque Melrose Place, California.
