'Gilmore Girls' Star Liz Torres Shows off Impressive Weight Loss

Fans were excited for the return of Gilmore Girls, but there was one cast member who caught their eye: resident dance teacher Liz Torres.

The Puerto Rican actress showed off her impressive weight loss on the Netflix reboot, and viewers barely recognized Miss Patty.

MORE: Watch ‘Gilmore Girls’ Star Lauren Graham’s Face Transform Over Time

Shedding the pounds was always important to the veteran actress and singer, who has appeared on numerous TV shows including Ugly Betty, Scandal and The Nanny.

Liz in 2003 vs. 2016.

“I’m heavy. This is the reality. I don’t kick myself about it, but I don’t think I look fabulous in my clothes. I know that in my suits I look like a box walking down the street,” the 69-year-old told the LA Times in the ’90s. “That’s the thing that hurts me most. Thank God, there’s a product out there that you can wear that’s passable. It’s corrective dressing, but it’s not who I am and ultimately that’s very hard.”

Looking good! To see her complete transformation, click through the gallery below!

1999

The Puerto Rican actress, who began her career as a singer alongside friend Bette Midler, has always struggled with her weight.

"I'm always striving to lose weight," she told the LA Times in 1997. "And it's not a matter of wanting to be a size 3 again–I brought out my leotards and a friend thought they were doll clothes. Being heavy isn't good for you. How long can your heart take the strain? So, I never give up but it's hard. Being on the television show helped a lot."

2000

She also opened up about the effect her weight has on her career, especially as a Latina in Hollywood.

"When you gain weight, nobody looks at you. When I got heavier–and being Hispanic on television is limiting–I played a lot of maids," she said. "I would go on the set and people would not look at me. They also tend not to hear you. You have to make them focus on you. If I really want to be heard, I have that command but a lot of heavy women don't. When I see someone heavy working on television I say, "Oh, God, go girl. You do it." You know, it shouldn't stop your life."