Indie actor, Tim Realbuto, holds the record for most weight ever lost for an acting role for his new released movie.
Realbuto plays an obese MS patient, who takes up his late Father's sport of boxing to overcome personal tragedy and find inner peace.
Bobcat Moretti was shot in two phases to give the actor time to work on his body for the second half of the movie. It was released last year on 6 November 2022 in the US.
The movie is directed by Rob Margolies, and stars Vivica A.Fox, Taryn Manning, Matt Peters, rapper Coolio and Oscar-nominee, Sally Kirkland.
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Realbuto weighed almost 400 lbs and was given off a year by the production team to lose weight for the second half of the movie when they started filming in late 2020.
The actor lost 154 lbs for the role and now holds the record for most weight ever lost, followed by Christian Bale, who reportedly lost around 60 lbs for 2004 flick, The Machinist.
The production team recommenced the filming take place mid- 2021, after Realbuto lost weight and hit the threshold required for the character of a boxer.
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It is known that he did lapland surgery and underwent a strenuous training and dietary regime to get himself in good shape.
Realbuto who thinks he was 'unhealthy' before said: “I noticed a change in my energy and internal health too, not just the external.
"This movie changed my life, not just career wise. It also saved my life, I truly believe that. Now I have so much more energy and drive.”
Bobcat Moretti actor owes the executive producer and his coach, Erik Potempa - who happens to play his father in flashback scenes - for 'not giving up on him'.
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"He’s a beast who refused to let me give up no matter how I was feeling. I recommend that everyone gets a coach like him, one that is always on your side no matter what."
The actor added: “We worked out six times a weeks. Any time we worked on boxing training, I loved it. It really helped me get into character.
"My advice to those who want to lose weight, even on the hardest days, those days when you are most exhausted, is to work out. Talk to your trainer if you’re feeling down, don’t go down the rabbit hole of bad foods. Though, of course, it’s much easier said than done.”
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Relabuto confirmed that he took on a positive affirmation during the shoot, 'I am Bobcat Moretti. I am making this movie. I’m going to look good. And I can accomplish the impossible'."
Talking about his weight-loss journey and his fierce diet, he said: “Everything tasty was cut out. No soda, no sugars, no cake. Everything was grilled or salads. It took a lot of work. So much cardio. Lots of jumping jacks, sit ups, pushups, boxing training, you name it. I really wanted to lose 100 pounds, but luckily, I far exceeded that goal. I’m still pinching myself.”
Realbuto has largely acted in theatres, but had a fleeting appearance in one episode of The Sopranos and had a small role in Kevin Kline film, The Emperor’s Club, almost 20 years ago.
Rashi Agarwal