Jessica Chastain’s Transformation for The Help: How She Stayed Vegan Despite Her Fried Chicken

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Jessica Chastain was widely praised for her performance as Celia Rae Foote in the 2011 period drama film The Help, for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She added about 15 pounds to her frame for her role in DreamWorks’ adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel. Also named the sexiest vegetarian actress in a 2012 PETA poll, many fans were surprised to see Jessica’s character eating fried chicken in the movie. However, it turns out she wasn’t eating real chicken.

Jessica Chastain as Celia Rae Foote eating a fried chicken prop in The Help, where the actress maintained her vegan diet during filmingJessica Chastain as Celia Rae Foote eating a fried chicken prop in The Help, where the actress maintained her vegan diet during filming (Credit: DreamWorks Pictures)

“The scene where I was eating fried chicken, they made me vegan fried chicken. It probably [didn’t taste as good] as fried chicken. They did an amazing job. They took a turkey dog and tofurkey and battered it, and deep-fried it,” Chastain said in an interview in 2012.

“I haven’t had meat in so long. I’ve been vegan for five years and vegetarian for 15 years, so if I had had meat, I wouldn’t have been able to do the scene. They all thought I was just chowing down.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Jessica Chastain’s dedication to her craft, as seen in her transformative role in The Help, is matched by her striking presence on the red carpet. Known for her impeccable style, she continues to captivate both on screen and at high-profile events. At the 2015 National Board of Review Gala, she once again stole the spotlight with an unforgettable look.

Jessica Chastain Stuns in Emerald Green at the 2015 National Board of Review Gala

Jessica Chastain contrasts her red hair with an emerald green dress at the 2015 National Board Of Review GalaJessica Chastain contrasts her red hair with an emerald green dress at the 2015 National Board Of Review Gala on January 5, 2016, in New York (Credit: Rob Rich / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Jessica arrived at the gala to represent her film “The Martian” alongside her co-stars.

Jessica Chastain stuns in an emerald green satin gown by Carl Kapp, paired with gold Christian Louboutin 'Pinder City' pumps at the 2015 National Board of Review GalaJessica Chastain stuns in an emerald green satin gown by Carl Kapp, paired with gold Christian Louboutin ‘Pinder City’ pumps at the 2015 National Board of Review Gala

The wealthy actress slipped into her gorgeous satin billowy dress from South African-born designer Carl Kapp. Before launching his label in Sydney, Australia, Kapp worked for various international brands such as DKNY, Kenzo, and Designroom.

She paired her gem of a dress with Christian Louboutin’s golden “Pinder City” pumps.

Jessica Chastain's feet in gold Christian Louboutin pumpsJessica Chastain’s feet in gold Christian Louboutin pumps

The actress walked the red carpet alone but was in the presence of many notable actors at the gala.

Jessica Chastain accessorizes with sparkling earrings and a braceletJessica Chastain accessorizes with sparkling earrings and a bracelet

We love how the Christian Louboutin “Pinder City” peep-toe pumps look like typical gold heels from afar but are teeming with details up close:

Christian Louboutin Pinder City Peep Toe Pump in GoldChristian Louboutin Pinder City Peep Toe Pump in Gold, $1,295

Pyramid studs offer a touch of modern glamour to the peep-toe profile, while an iconic red sole—born from a brush with red nail lacquer—shines with each head-turning stepPyramid studs offer a touch of modern glamour to the peep-toe profile, while an iconic red sole—born from a brush with red nail lacquer—shines with each head-turning step

Christian Louboutin's Pinder City pump channels another era with its artful leather cutouts and textured goldtone finishChristian Louboutin’s Pinder City pump channels another era with its artful leather cutouts and textured goldtone finish