The Oscar-winning film Precious—adapted from the novel Push by author Sapphire— made a significant cultural impact by introducing us to Claireece Jones, a 16-year-old girl facing severe adversity on the tough streets of 1980s New York. The role was brought to life by a talented 26-year-old Gabourey Sidibe, whose remarkable portrayal of this groundbreaking character propelled her career into the spotlight. While her performance has become the subject of countless memes that circulate online today, this talented actress from Harlem is recognized for much more than just her iconic chicken-stealing scene. Gabourey Sidibe has delivered numerous inspiring quotes that truly deserve a spot on T-shirts!

Following her remarkable debut in Precious, Sidibe maintained her momentum with notable performances in the hit 2011 comedy Tower Heist, directed by Brett Ratner, where she played Odessa, and in Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s acclaimed FX series American Horror Story as Queenie from 2013 to 2018. Additionally, she starred as the strong-willed Becky in Lee Daniels’ hugely successful series Empire from 2015 to 2020, among various other projects. Each of these productions showcased Sidibe in a powerful light, both on and off-screen, and at 41 years old, she continues to be a pivotal figure in advocating for plus-size representation in Hollywood, breaking barriers and proving that she rightfully deserves a spot at every table read—even if it means pulling up her own chair.

In 2016, she boldly challenged societal standards of beauty by participating in Lane Bryant’s influential ad campaign, #ThisBody Is Made to Shine, alongside fellow actress Danielle Brooks and renowned models Ashley Graham, Candice Huffine, and Alessandra Garcia. This campaign by the full-figured clothing brand aimed to foster conversations around body positivity, showcasing how these prominent figures overcame stereotypes and stigma to embrace self-expression within the curvy community. Sidibe’s involvement in this fashion-forward initiative was immensely significant, as it illustrated her courageous acceptance of what society often labels insecurities, particularly through the brand’s stunning all-black lingerie collection.

The following year, in 2017, Sidibe released her memoir titled “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare,” in which she candidly shared her life story, detailing her experiences growing up in New York City, her earlier days as a phone sex operator, and her unapologetic journey to embracing her identity as a plus-size woman. She also discussed her ambitious efforts to break into a superficial industry that dramatically altered her life and the lives of those inspired by her resilience in overcoming adversities. Now, years later, the married mother of two is still held in high esteem for representing a movement that empowers individuals to defy societal norms and trust in their own talents, serving as a beacon for those who may have forgotten that they have always been the stuff.

From her film roles and memoir to interviews and Instagram posts, Sidibe has shared numerous memorable quotes that resonate with many and encourage everyone to embrace their own unique sexiness—thanks in part to her sultry love scene in a memorable Empire episode, wink wink. Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite quotes that inspire and uplift!

Empowering Quotes from Gabourey Sidibe to Inspire Daily Affirmations

1. “I’ve gone through real, real periods where I hated my body. I hated it. It felt like an enemy. But… my body has carried me through my entire life. You know what I did? I just started loving my body out loud.”

via YouTube (Author Events)

2. “Even if other people think they see you, they don’t. You see you. Your opinion matters more than anything.”

via YouTube (Author Events)

3. “Be the Cabbage Patch Doll you want to see in the world.”

via Instagram (@gabbysidibe)

4. “I could lose weight. That is a fact. But I am dope at any and every size. I am smart. I am funny. I am talented. I am gorgeous. I am Black. I am fat. Sometimes I’m a b*tch. At all times, I am a bad b*tch.”

via “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare” (Goodreads)

5. “Don’t let anyone else take away your joy. If they don’t want to be with you or around you, let them go. Pick up your sh*t and keep going. You came into this world by yourself, and the next person’s lungs don’t help you breathe.”

via “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare” (Goodreads)

6. “There have been curvy women since the dawn of time. To say that we are in now is rude ’cause it says that we won’t be in tomorrow.”

via YouTube (Entertainment Tonight)

7. “I’m really sick and tired of sparking conversation. I’m just living my life.”

via Entertainment Tonight

8. “I know I’m fat, you know I’m fat. Why do we have to keep talking about it?”

via YouTube (Cityline)

9. “As long as you have a body, no matter what that body looks like, people will feel like they can talk about it. My body isn’t any different… just because it’s a little bigger and it’s in the limelight. Like, people are talking about junior high schoolers’ bodies, too. And it’s like unfair. Can you mind your own body?”

via YouTube (Cityline)

10. “I don’t have a bucket list. I just, like, say ‘yes’ to life. No bucket list for me. I’m just floating.”

via YouTube (On Demand Entertainment)

11. “I just want to thank my God for ordering my steps. For everything that my life was and everything that it is now.”

via YouTube (NAACP Image Awards Speech)

12. “I’m super cool, I’m really cute, and I smell good.”

via YouTube (Elvis Duran Show)

13. “You have to live with yourself every day, so you have to make sure that your brain, your emotions, your sanity is in check.”

via YouTube (Elvis Duran Show)

14. “I get a rap for being confident, but I have to put my confidence on multiple times a day. It’s like lipstick. You know what I mean? Like… lipstick will wear off, confidence will wear off, sanity will wear off. You have to work at it, and I worked.”

via YouTube (Elvis Duran Show)

It’s remarkable to reflect on the 16 years since Sidibe first stepped into the spotlight with Precious. Nearly two decades later, she continues to inspire and make a profound impact. We take immense pride in our sister in plush.

Keep shining and leaving your mark on the world, Gabby. We are cheering for you — we are all rooting for you!

Which of Gabourey Sidibe’s empowering quotes resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!