DECEMBER 22, 2020 - Mary Wiseman has become a powerhouse actor on Star Trek: Discovery. No spoilers here, but her character, Sylvia Tilly, has had ample opportunity to shine and Wiseman has risen to the challenge. Unfortunately, this newfound popularity hasn’t come without its costs, as there are people who have criticized the actor for her body type. In a new interview with Forbes, Wiseman announced that she intends to use her voice in support of those who have been victims of bullying and body shaming.

Saying that she is “very protective” of her character, Wiseman is also fiercely proud of her work. The impact of audiences seeing a full-figured woman thrive on Discovery isn’t lost on her. “[Tilly] is somebody who's very important to a lot of fans,” Wiseman said, adding: “especially my curvy women out there who like to see another full-figured, fat, curvy, chunky woman get to feel powerful and use that size to command authority,”

It hasn’t been an easy ride. Wiseman noted that she has seen “an uptick in body-shaming” directed at her (and her character) this autumn while the third season of Discovery has been on. “I'm a person, I have a history and bullying is totally a part of that,” she said. “So it has been hard, and it's really hard to avoid, because it pops up on all the [social media] accounts, or people comment on my posts with cruel, unscientific comments.”

In spite of the negativity Wiseman has faced, she has also received overwhelming support from her fans and colleagues, like fellow Star Trek actor Kate Mulgrew. She shared Wiseman’s Forbes interview on Twitter with the caption, “I saw the @Forbes article on Mary Wiseman @may_wise clearly killing it onscreen & off in #StarTrekDiscovery. Happy to have your wit, enthusiasm, & talent as part of the franchise. I know a thing or two about ‘haters’-pay no mind. You’re perfect as you are.”

Wiseman finished her interview with a message for anyone who has ever been criticized for their appearance, saying, “I love you, all of you, and you're perfect as designed. [...] All of us deserve to occupy space, whether it's at work or out in public or on a [...] starship. I'm proud to be here and I am proud to wear my skin-tight costume and proud of my body. And I belong.”

Be sure to watch Mary Wiseman “Killying it” as Ensign Sylvia Tilly on Star Trek: Discovery. Seasons one through three are available to stream now on CBS All Access.

Editor’s note, 23 Dec 2020: If you like Wiseman’s interview here, then you should also check out interviewer Dawn Ennis’s other work. She’s interviewed several Star Trek actors with a focus on diversity and inclusion, including Blu del Barrio, Anthony Rapp, and more.