Frank was an actor from Chicago who came to comedy a little later in life. He had already been a wrestling coach and iron worker when he made a change in career. He was successful, too. Not Brad Pitt successful, but making a living as an actor.
He was also over 400 pounds. Hence the name of the show. It explained what that amount of weight does to a body. there were x-rays and motion capture images showing how his hips were perpetually abducted because of the weight on his thighs. It also seemed devoted to his weight-loss journey. The show was filmed in 2009, but a short film that he was in "Starf*ckers" in 2011 shows he was still at about the same weight. I recommend you watch it, it's pretty funny and has Kato Kaelin at the end.
In "My Big Fat Body" he talked candidly about how his weight scared him. Just like in the promo below, he talks about John Belushi, Chris Farley and John Candy. He lost a brother when he was a kid and didn't want his parents to have to bury a second son. Unfortunately, in January, 2012, his obituary appeared in the Chicago Sun Times.
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2016, I just watched My Big Fat Body on Amazon Prime. Looked up Frank Payne to see how he was doing with weight loss, and see that he passed away. RIP.
ReplyDeleteThough there aren't any mentions in the media regarding Frank's official cause of death, his obituary in the Chicago Sun Times shows his family asking for donations to be made in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association which leads me to believe his cause of death was a heart attack
Delete2016, I just watched My Big Fat Body on Amazon Prime. Looked up Frank Payne to see how he was doing with weight loss, and see that he passed away. RIP.
ReplyDeleteI too just finished streaming his short movie on Prime and was eager to find out how his weight loss was going. Total bummer. :(
ReplyDeleteI too just finished streaming his short movie on Prime and was eager to find out how his weight loss was going. Total bummer. :(
ReplyDeleteI just finished watching his show and he had lost 60 pounds and was looking great! I didn't realize it was done in 2009. We'll I went looking for him expecting to be find him down to 200 that he wanted to be and looking awesome. I never thought I would find him dead. I'm shocked. Even 60 pounds down be was looking really awesome. I had gastric bypass and lost 200 myself so I really thought he would go back and have the surgery. Man that is so horrible to find that he died. Sad sad. Now I wish Amazon would take it down or put something up stating he is no longer with is. RIP FRANK!
ReplyDeleteHI Tina,
DeleteCongrats on your weight loss. That is awesome. I just saw Frank's video today. I don't want Amazon to take it down. It is inspiring big guys like us to want to make changes. Frank's greatest legacy may have been saving people's lives through awareness of the harms of obesity.
Hi Tina,
DeleteI watched it July 2019. It states your epitaph at the end of movie description. They must’ve heard you.
very sad to learn he has died. I also was hoping to see him doing great. was happy for him that he lost the 60 lbs and was looking for greater success for such a great hearted generous soul. condolences for his family. bless his kind heart.
ReplyDeleteLike others here, I watched the movie on Amazon and was hoping to hear that he was doing great. I was saddened to hear that he passed. I saw a poster say they should take down the movie. I do not agree, as a person with struggles in this area it's harsh and sobering. We seem to cling to this idea that we have time to improve and then we just never get around to it. I've put off changing in the past, changing my diet, adding more activity, staying away from sugar... we turn away from reality because we have this idea that we can flip a switch and a month later it's all better. This has hit home and gives me more reasons to continue improving my health.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree about keeping the movie available. Sad that he passed away, but inspiring for others to keep working at weight loss.
DeleteI too just watched his weight loss doc on Amazon. The crazy thing is when I looked him up and saw that he had died, it has scared me into actually doing something about my weight. I do not know if I had found that he lost 200 pounds and was doing great would have done that. He is still touching lives. I too disagree about Amazon taking it down but think it would be nice if they posted a follow up at the end of the documentary. If it were at the place where you can view it people may not watch. I think it is the impact of finding it out after watching that prompts you to really try to make changes.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I share everyone's sadness. Frank was likable, funny and reminded me of John Candy playing Uncle Buc. Food Kills. The amount of food Frank ate in a weekend was a shock. Eat a plant based diet and exercise.
ReplyDeleteI second the plant based thing. I lost 103 lbs doing a version of keto but I know it’s not a healthy way to live. The more I read and researched the more plant based eating seemed to make sense. I’ve been eating a completely plant based diet for 3 months now. Admittedly, the weight isn’t “falling off” like it was, but I feel and look much better. I did this strictly for health reasons but after watching countless documentaries on factory farming (CAFOs) and seeing the impact raising animals for food has on the environment, not to mention the way the animals are treated, it makes me feel even better about no longer contributing to that shi*!
DeleteSad as I am to hear of Frank's passing, I'm also just as interested to know how he was progressing with the weight loss between 2009 and 2012. Had he continued dropping the pounds steadily during that time, it doesn't seem likely that he would just die from (what I assume to be) a heart attack. Unless his heart was like, "I'm too tired to give you the time you need to lose an adequate amount of weight."
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Frank Payne was a good soul and possessed a generous❤️heart. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to take on the filming of "My Big Fat Body" & placing himself at risk for public humiliation, sarcasm, criticism, or the publics mean-spiritness. However, to his credit, this is exactly what he chose to do for the kindest of reasons . . . to share with others the truth about what obesity does to destroy our health & bodies longevity and to weaken our psyche; the human soul, mind and spirit. He did this task with genuine sincerity & a loving heart. We all are most grateful for his courage, and thank him for smoothing the rough edges & diligently trekking the path leading to a better, healthier life. We salute you Frank Payne . . . and are quite sure you're now dancing���� ����light-footed & entertaining angels ������. . . ✨����✨God bless you!
ReplyDeleteLike pretty much everyone else here, I too just finished watching his documentary film on Amazon Prime Videos. And like everyone else too, I was curious to see how much weight he had lost by now in 2017. Well, I was shocked to find that Mr. Frank Payne has passed in 2012. I can't help but feel saddened by that, especially considering that he was devoted and dedicated to losing weight. My heart goes out to his family, especially his parents. RIP Frank Payne, you are gone but not forgotten. Your inspiration has inspired many and will continue to do so!
ReplyDeleteI too recently saw "My Big Fat Body" and wanted to see how Mr. Payne was doing since the the statistics say that about 95% of those that lose a significant amount of weight end up regaining most if not all of it. Was shocked and saddened to see that he passed away. RIP Mr. Payne and thanks for showing that us that change is possible.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful Frank shared his story. I will try harder.
ReplyDeleteAs with most here, I just watched "My Big Fat Body" and was interested to follow up on Frank. I am sorry to hear that he is no longer with us. I feel that he has given me the drive to reclaim my life and my health. I am currently 300lbs and I will use the information that Frank has given me to fight for my life, my health, and get my weight down to 200lbs. Thank you, Frank and may you rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteKeep going, Russ.
DeleteNot sure how or why frank died. But I know the people helping meant well. They put him thru a "biggest loser" regimen. Almost guaranteed to fail. Exercise is the worst way to lose weight.
DeleteLike everyone else I wanted to see how Frank was doing and was surprised to learn of his death. I agree with the other poster that exercise is the worst way to try to lose weight. You should exercise to get healthier and stronger. If you do it to lose weight you will be disappointed and chances are you will give up.
DeleteThat is very silly of you to say that exercise is a bad way to lose weight. Exercise BY ITSELF is not the best way to lose weight. Neither is dieting. You have to eat some calories in order to get nutrients. A combination of a good diet and exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.
DeleteHe put himself out there in hopes of encouraging others. He has accomplished that. I hope his family finds solace in knowing that his efforts have touched others and inspired change. In the end, thT is what we all hope to accomplish. God bless him. I hope I meet him one day in heaven to thank him for his courage and willingness to share his journey.
ReplyDeleteAmen❤💔 i just watched My Big Fat Body, then wanted to see how he's doing. Like everyone else I'm shocked and very sad to learn he passed. Im thankful for him. I will honor his message by making changes in my own life. I hope to shake his hand 1 day in heaven too.
DeleteTotally appreciate Frank's documentary and candor about his weight struggle. Surprised to hear of his passing. Job well done.
ReplyDeleteI just watched franks documentary and was sad to see that he had died.
ReplyDeleteAs to what he should of done to still be here
I am a great believer in
Exercise for health not weight loss.
For weight loss as diet causes it
It should be fixed with healthy food
And intermittent fasting or fasting.
Was a good documentary😀
I agree, Peter. I have just finished watching this also and like others, I immediately tried to look up Frank's follow-up status. I am so sad about his passing but also encouraged and motivated to keep making healthy choices.
ReplyDeleteJust "met" Frank Payne through his documentary on Amazon Prime and was very inspired and happy for him. When I saw the copyright of 2008 I was surprised and immediately looked him up, hoping to see that he was at a more normal weight and doing well. I could not help but burst into tears and cry for a bit when I found out he had died less than 3 years later at the age of 49 (from what I imagine was a heart attack based on his family's request on his obituary for donations to the American Heart Association). So sad! At least his story will serve as a wake-up call for many. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteActually it was less than 4 years, in 2012 - he was 46 at the time the documentary was made in 2008.
ReplyDeleteI practice weight loss professionally in Stuart Florida for over 14 years. My main therapy is the use of Red Light lasers applied to the fatty deposits, along with then use of whole body vibration and either food planning, intermittent fasting, or whole day fasting combined with education and an easy daily program of consistent measuring, weight management and encouragement to keep someone on track because it takes time to really help someone overcome this addiction malady they have fallen into. This is a spot on documentary about obesity and the difficulties that humans have concerning food and their relationship with food and life in general. Stress, unhappy people, difficulties feeling worthy in a plastic almost made up society that promotes looking good or being wealthy over being healthy and just the sheer level of a term I call "mokus" or spiritual and physical indifference. Every week I do the BIA or body fat analysis and we see morbid obesity in people in their 20s 40s and 50s now. well over 40% of females and 30% of ALL males are now Obese with a body fat of over 30%. I actually have them agree in writing before I begin that they are giving me permission to be 100% truthful as to my f3indings. That we are not trying to shame anyone or make them feel bad. Their body fat % is real and if something is not done about it they will die most likely prematurely from one of the 5 killers, Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and or cognitive decline Alzheimers and or dementia... Pray for us please.
ReplyDelete