If you have never seen "The Greatest Showman," stop what you are doing and go see the movie. I procrastinated watching it and everyone in my family was singing praises. When I finally did watch it, I was hooked. I watched it repeatedly and listened to the soundtrack over and over again. Currently, the playlist is going through my head.
There are some great actors and actresses in the movie, out of all of them one stood out to me. The Bearded Lady, played by Keala Settle. She is made to look like a freak in the movie, given the name Bearded Lady, you can imagine what she looks like.
The actress Keala Settle has a vibrancy about her that transcends the outward appearance, on and off camera. She is not a petite woman, and the addition of a beard did not deflect her shine. That is what makes her the perfect choice for this part.
In the movie, the Bearded Lady has a song she sings; "This is Me". A line in the song says,
"I'm a brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, This is me."
The raw emotion in her song, no matter how many times rehearsed, shows us a real person who has faced real things. I would be remiss if I did not add that this Broadway actress has a voice that pierces your heart.
She represents every woman in this song. It is every woman who was told they are not good enough. It is every woman who has looked at her body in the mirror and cried. It is every woman who refused an invitation because she couldn't fit in her clothes. It is every woman who has felt different.
The Bearded Lady amidst the jeers and taunts stands tall and claims her place. She will not be bullied and pushed to the side because she doesn't fit the conventional mold. I see her and it makes me brave. Those everyday insecurities that I face can go away.
It's easy to be brave when you are beautiful, and personally, I can relate to the woman who has been bruised. I don't always feel beautiful but I know that like the Bearded Lady, I am brave. I have been bruised, but I won't let it get me down.
Keala Settle has inspired me and made me want to sing from the rooftops. She brings the character of the Bearded Lady to life. I hope to see more of her in Hollywood. We need more women like her, who speak to all women. Her voice is amazing, her presence is astounding, and she has altered my view of the world. She exudes the self-confidence that makes her the perfect example to women and girls all over the world.
I was not one to want to meet a celebrity, but Keala Settle changed all that. She is the kind of woman that I want to meet. Keala, if you happen to read this I would be delighted to take you to coffee.
"We are warriors, we are glorious!"
