Eric Edwards, formerly a successful, 375-pound comic actor (Sgt. Bilko, Blade, Candyman, and many more), has shed 210 pounds and not everyone in his life is pleased. "With an outstanding sense of comic rhythm and imagery, Edwards mutates into his whacked-out, chain-smoking agent, who doesn't want to lose her meal ticket.
My name is Eric Edwards. I am an actor and a stand up comic living in L.A. Four years ago, I was 30 years old and weighed 365 pounds at 5'5". I was very unhappy and my health was being affected, but I was in a business that was making me a lot of money as the funny fat man. I was part of numerous national ad campaigns and had done many big budget movies (National Lampoon's Senior Trip, Sgt. Bilko with Steve Martin, and Blade with Wesley Snipes). But all that doesn't mean much when you're not healthy or happy. So I decided to make a change. I took the first step. I began to eat right and exercise. Eventually I lost 210 pounds.
As my weight dropped so did my career prospects. My agents and managers were horrified and constantly tried to convince me to gain the weight back. They said I'd never work again. For a while it seemed that they were right.
But amid all that I still kept with it. As my health improved I began to explore how and why I had gotten so big, and eventually I wrote a show about it. I called it "Just Step". Then a strange thing happened. People began approaching me after my show, sometimes weeks after, to tell me how it had inspired them to make changes and not just with physical weight, because as I explain in the show, loosing weight is a metaphor for letting go of all that is holding you back. I never knew the story of my own struggle would impact people so profoundly, but it does. I would very much like to talk to you about the possibility of bringing this story to more people, since so many people have talked to me post-show about their personal catharsis.
By the way, since doing the show, I began to work again as an actor and a stand up. Once again proving the point: if you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.
"I just stepped out from seeing 'The Weight Is Over', starring Eric Edwards. This production contains every level of emotion, honesty, and realism one could hope for. It’s sad & funny, shocking and eye opening. I laughed and I cried and most of all, I gained tremendous respect and admiration for this talented actor who chose to turn his hardship and pain into a powerful message which will benefit many. He is relatable and sincere and I will think about his message and experience for a long time to come." - Anonymous
"There are so many people I know who could benefit from seeing this." - Anonymous
"Thank you for your wonderful gift of life and love and triumph." - Love, Amy L.
"Thanks for the inspiration! You really touched me." - Dave
"Eric - you're gorgeous! - You made me think about myself in a way I never knew - I felt smart & excited about life! Keep it going! People shouldn't weight to see this show!" - Anonymous
"Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, Motherf-ing Bravo." - Love, Sharon H.
"The show was incredible. The fact that someone else could bare their soul and want to make me be a better person just amazes me!" - John B.
"Eric's show was so great. I was extremely moved & inspired by his honesty, vulnerability, and strength!" - Jennifer M.
"So seldom does a performance inspire the soul and the psyche." - Gina T.
"I really needed to see that. Very inspiring. Thank you." - Marci S.
"This could become the mantra for weight loss!" - Mark L.
