Hollywood movies never fail to impress us. From great movie plots, twists, props, CGI, and of course, the actors. These actors don’t just focus on their acting alone, especially when they are portraying someone famous.
An actor won’t be able to portray someone without getting into character. When we say character, this, of course, would also involve looking exactly like the person they’re copying.
Here are 53 amazing and talented actors who were able to fully transform into character.
Just look at their resemblance! Some actors would go to great lengths to look like the person they are portraying. Wait till you see Christian Bale!
1. Steve Carell as John Du Pont in Foxcatcher
Playing the American multimillionaire John Du Pont, Steve Carell looks eerily like him. With the help of a prosthetic nose, Carrell plays the story of wrestling-obsessed Dupont and his participation in the 1988 Olympic games.
2. Nicole Kidman As Virginia Woolf
“Virginia Woolf was an English writer, considered one of the most important modernist 20th-century authors and also a pioneer in the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device,” says Wikipedia. Although we only have black and white photos of the author, Nicole Kidman pulled off her look quite well.
3. Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody
A set of false teeth was the icing on the cake to becoming the Queen frontman look alike Freddy Mercury. The spot on dance moves and mannerisms from Malek also added to selling the look of the rock star.
4. Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo in Frida
Salma Hayek didn’t need much transforming to become a look-alike to famed artist Frida Kahlo from the 2002 film Frida.
5. Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn in Coal Miners Daughter
Sissy Spacek not only perfectly embodies the queen of country Loretta Lynn through her performance in Coal Miners Daughter, but looks just like her.
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6. Robert Downey Jr. as Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin
Though this transformation is a little on the creepy side, it deserves to be recognized. Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Charlie Chaplin is impressive, considering all they’re footage they had to work with imitating the look came from black and white.
7. Daniel Day-Lewis as Abe Lincoln in Lincoln
Watching the movie Lincoln was like taking a step back in time, it was as if Able Lincoln himself had stepped out of one of his old-time photographs. The similarities are uncanny when comparing the two side by side.
8. Adrien Brody as Salvador Dali in Midnight in Paris
Adrien Brody must have the look of a true artist because not only did he win an Academy Award for The Pianist, he is also as spitting image of Salvador Dali in Midnight in Paris.
9. Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw in Glory
There may not be many photos of Colonel Robert Gould, but from the few there are, you would think that he time traveled to play himself in the film Glory. Matthew Broderick nailed this role in the look-alike department and did an excellent job portraying Gould on screen.
10. Geoffrey Rush as Alberto Giacometti in Final Portrait
Similar to Winston Churchill, playing the part of an old man can be complete with some deep-set wrinkles and some gray hair. Geoffery Rush and Alberto Giacometti could be brothers, except for the fact that the famous sculptor passed away before Rush was even a teenager.
11. Jennifer Lopez as Selena Quintanilla in Selena
Lopez had some high expectations to meet by agreeing to play the famed Selena Quintanilla in the film Selena. But like most things that she does, she crushed this role in performance and looks.
12. James Franco as James Dean in James Dean
Both Hollywood heartthrobs at one point, James Franco does a great job at transforming into James Dean in this movie. From the hair to his half smile, James becomes James.
13. Eric Elmosnino as Serge Gainsbourg in Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life
It was clear why Eric Elmosnino was chosen for this role. On top of being an impressive actor, the similarities that these two have in facial structure is uncanny.
14. Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin in Game Change
Everyone knows that Tina Fey can play a spoof of Sarah Palin better than anyone, so seeing Julianne Moore play the Politician in the movie Game Change to perfection was surprising at first. With Palin’s signature hair-up and rimless glasses, Julianne Moore could pass as Palin in sweats a t-shirt.
15. Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in Ray
On top of already being musically inclined, Jamie Foxx didn’t need much of a transformation to become Ray Charles in the film Ray. He played the part so well, you would have thought Ray Charles time traveled.
16. Ben Kingsley as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Gandhi
The uncanny resemblance that Ben Kingsley takes on in his role as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is absolutely insane. There’s absolutely no doubt that no one was better suited for this role.
17. Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in Jobs
No one knows how Hollywood can take a heartthrob like Ashton Kutcher and see him playing the part of a tech mogul like Steve Jobs, but hey, that’s Hollywood magic.
18. Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb as Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen in Sid and Nancy
As infamous as they were, Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen are punk rock legends. It would take some very special actors to play this rebellious and toxic couple but Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb pulled the roles off flawlessly.
19. Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix in Jimi: All Is By My Side
This example of a musician transforming into a musician is a good one. Though not many people have seen the film Jimi: All Is By My Side compared to some of the movies on this list, Andre 3000 definitely needs some recognition for his portrayal of the 70’s rocker.
20. Joe Mazello as John Deacon in Bohemian Rhapsody
Another band member from Bohemian Rhapsody made the cut for this list and that’s Joe Mazello as John Deacon of Queen. From this photo alone you can see that the two have the same smile, making Mazello a great fit for the role.
21. Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady
Meryl Streep is one of the best of the best so becoming Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady was just another day at the office. From the exact hairstyle to the gap in her teeth, Meryl truly became Margaret in this film.
22. Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour
Some might say that it doesn’t take much to transform into a grumpy old man in a movie, but Gary Oldman was committed to becoming Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour and everything about his character, from his looks to his mannerisms, nailed the part.
23.Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen
Similar to Meryl Streep, it seems like Helen Mirren can tackle any role you throw at her, including Her Majesty. Playing this role would not be an easy task, but based on looks alone, its clear that Mirren was perfect for the part.
24. Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock in Hitchcock.
I mean, just look at these two. If it weren’t for the quality of the photo proving this was taken in different decades, Anthony Hopkins and Alfred Hitchcock could be the same person.
25. Gwilym Lee as Brian May in Bohemian Rhapsody
This blockbuster hit has a number of famous look-a-likes, but Gwilym Lee as Brian May is one of the best transformations. He nails the hair and the clothes of the eighties, not to mention the mannerisms and attitude of the rock star. It probably also helped to have the real Brian May watching and coaching you through filming.
26. Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos in Monster
In this creepy transformation, Charlize Theron does a great job at becoming famed serial killer Aileen Wuornos. At first glance, you can’t even tell that it’s Theron in the photo, the beauty has changed so much for the role.
27. Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs in Battle of the Sexes
Steve Carell made becoming another person look easy. The similarities these two had already were enough to make them look related. With a new hairstyle, sideburns, and thick-rimmed glasses, Carell had the look down.
28. Michael Douglas as Liberace in Behind the Candelabra
Playing a character we wouldn’t expect from Douglas, there are some surprising similarities between the performer and the actor when looking at them side by side.
29. Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in The Doors
Though it may seem like the only think Val Kilmer had to do to become Jim Morrison was take off his shirt and grow out his hair, he still nailed the part of the struggling musician in the movie The Doors.
30. Michelle Williams and Marylin Monroe in My Week with Marylin
Some would say that taking on the role of Marylin would be a hard role to tackle due to her beauty and reputation, but Michelle Williams made it look easy, and the similarities are clear just by looking at the photo of the two of them side by side
31. Christian Bale as Dick Cheney in Vice
Christian Bale as Dick Cheney is a perfect example of method acting. The lengths that Bale would go for a part are truly amazing. From the superhero level fit as Batman, to the older, chubbier politician, there isn’t a body that Bale can’t transform into.
32. Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in Downfall
Taking on the role of Adolf Hitler is no easy feat. And then to transform yourself into such a character is even more mind-boggling. But somehow, Bruno Ganz pulled it off flawlessly. Between the hair, the moustache, and the sullen face, he’s a doppelganger of the evil ruler.
33. Denzel Washington as Malcolm X in Malcolm X
If there was ever an actor that could portray and look like the late Malcolm X, it would definitely be Denzel Washington. Denzel is known for being a diverse actor and this role was the perfect fit. Denzel looks crazily similar to the American Muslim minister and human rights activist.
34. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela in Invictus
Another famous actor that is well-known for taking on a variety of roles and characters is Morgan Freeman. Not only was his performance absolutely spot-on but so were his looks. A perfect match!
35. Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything
The glasses definitely sell Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, but there’s no denying the similarities in the eyes and facial structure.
36. Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart in Amelia
The mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart has forever boggled our minds. Her story will live on forever in history books and biopics like the one the Hilary Swank did. With a short haircut and a lack of makeup, she looks just like the late the pilot.
37. Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel in Coco Before Chanel
“Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was a French fashion designer and businesswoman. The founder and namesake of the Chanel brand, she was credited in the post-World War I era with liberating women from the constraints of the “corseted silhouette” and popularizing a sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style,” says Wikipedia. Audrey Tautou played her character to a T.
38. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in Capote
We will always remember Philip Seymour Hoffman as an actor who could play any role from a comedy-style best friend or a serious, even sad, character that could pull on your heartstrings. Playing Truman Capote will always be one of Philip’s best roles.
39. Sam Riley as Ian Curtis in Control
Ian Curtis has gone down in history and has a cult following because of his band Joy Division. Sadly, Ian took his life in May of 1980 on the eve of his band’s first North American tour. He was 23-years-old. Sam Riley poignantly portrayed Ian in the movie Control.
40. Benicio Del Toro as Ernesto “Che” Guevara
Che Guevara is loved by many and loathed by many. Regardless of what your opinion is on Che, you have to admit that Benicio Del Toro did a great job of getting into character when playing him in a movie.
41. Madonna as Eva Peron in Evita
Everyone was in love with Madonna’s portrayal as the First Lady of Argentina, Eva Peron. And although they might not look like twins, you can’t deny the impeccable performance and singing done by Madonna in the film.
42. Jared Leto as Mark David Chapman in Chapter 27
Jared Leto is mostly known for being a rockstar, actor, and heartthrob, but during his role as Mark David Chapman in Chapter 27, he turns into John Lennon’s stalker and eventual murderer. Leto had to pack on some pounds to play this role but he looks just like the infamous killer.
43. John Hurt as Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man
The Elephant Man is a historical drama film about Joseph Merrick a severely deformed man in late 19th-century London. Obviously, not an easy role to pull off. But thanks to some incredible makeup artistry, which was quite impressive for its time in 1980, John Hurt transforms into character.
44. Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix as June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash in Walk the Line
Walk the Line was a box office hit for its portrayal of the story of June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. Some say that Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin did an absolutely smashing and phenomenal job getting into character.
45. Sherilyn Fenn as Elizabeth Taylor in Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story
Elizabeth Taylor is one of the most well-known women in all of Hollywood history. From her countless movies to her countless marriages, Elizabeth Taylor had one of the most interesting lives ever lived. Sherilyn Fenn looks just like her in the Elizabeth Taylor biopic.
46. Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman in Man On The Moon
Andy Kaufman is another beloved person that was so funny and charismatic on the outside but struggling on the inside. Taking his life very seriously, Jim Carrey agreed to the role of Andy in the biopic Man on the Moon and did an absolutely magnificent job.
47. Will Smith as Muhammad Ali
Famous boxer Muhammad Ali is one of the greatest and will remain one of the greats for decades to come. Will Smith channeled his inner Muhammad Ali and did a great job portraying him in the film.
48. Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, in Milk
The similarities between these two men are uncanny. Sean Penn and Harvey Milk already look so much alike, you would have thought that Harvey Milk played himself.
49. James Franco as Allen Ginsberg in Howl
James Franco has done it again with his portrayal of Allen Ginsberg in the biopic Howl. An American poet, philosopher and writer, Ginsberg was done justice when he was played by Franco.
50. John Goodman as Babe Ruth in The Babe
No matter your age, everyone seems to know who Babe Ruth the baseball great is. He was a bigger man with a hell of a swing and John Goodman happens to look an awful lot like him. A very good role casting indeed.
51. Bill Hader as Andy Warhol in Men in Black 3
Bill Hader, well-known for his past role on Saturday Night Live, plays an absolutely perfect Andy Warhol in the 2012 Men in Black film. With a bit of stage makeup, he’s hardly unrecognizable and looks just like the eclectic artist.
52. Gary Busey as Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story
Back in 1978, the quirky Gary Busey did an incredible job at playing the young Buddy Holly in his biopic. Chronicling the rise and brief career of the young rock and roll star, Busey did the role total justice.
53. Vincent D’Onofrio as Orson Welles in Ed Wood
“Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer and producer who is remembered for his innovative work in radio, theatre and film. He is considered one of the greatest film directors of all time,” says Wikipedia. D’Onofrio looks very similar to Welles.
Which actor did you think looked most like the person they were portraying?
H/T: Bored Panda