"Weight [is] a very emotional issue," says the Ugly Betty star. "I didn't know how 'fat' and 'ugly' I was until I started going out on auditions."

As if! We bet those mean casting directors are kicking themselves now, given America's newfound super-stardom. Just for the record, though, America says she'd never starve herself to get a role, and believes "Hispanic women are beautiful with their curves."

We agree! Go, America.

Photo: Sciulli/WireImage