11 Actresses Who Weren't Afraid To Get Ugly For A Movie
They became totally different people.
You know the saying, 'It looks so easy,' right? Well, when it comes to acting, let me tell you—it ain't so easy.
Sure, we all watch those Hollywood stars and think, 'Oh gosh, they make it look so effortless!' But trust me, they had to work hard to get there.
For every great actor who makes it to the big screen, there are thousands of 'not-so-great' actors who never quite make the cut. So, next time you think being an actor looks easy, just remember—there's a lot of hard work behind the scenes!
Let's face it: when you think of leading ladies, words like 'gorgeous,' 'stunning,' and 'beautiful' come to mind. But beyond looks, top-notch actresses are all about convincing you of their characters and making you believe in their stories.
That's why the best of the best actors aren't afraid to look a bit... off for a role. We're talkin' about method acting, y'all!
This means a complete transformation from the real-life person to their character. It's like a whole new person!
In some cases, it's totally shocking. So who are these actresses that completely switch it up for a role?
Let's find out! Here are 11 actresses who've become unrecognizable for method acting.
1. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, daughter of the renowned Barrymore acting dynasty, has been appearing on the big screen since she was five years old. She has taken on a range of roles over the years, such as when she portrayed a chubby teen with braces in the movie Never Been Kissed.
Essentially, Drew has grown up in the public eye.
Never Been Kissed / 20th Century Fox, © Charlie’s Angels / Columbia Pictures2. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow donned a 25-pound costume and had latex prosthetics applied to her face for her role in the comedy Shallow Hal. While walking in this garb, the people around her didn't recognize her, and some even tried to avert their gaze.
Fox Studio3. Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz has long been known for her classic Hollywood blonde beauty and charming smile. However, in the 1999 film Being John Malkovich, she managed to pull off a convincing transformation.
With no makeup and her hair arranged in an unruly stack of black curls, she fit the role perfectly, and her performance was so impressive that she was nominated for both the BAFTA and the Golden Globe awards.
IMDb
4. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman won an Oscar in 2003 for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the movie 'The Hours.' Her resemblance to the character was greatly enhanced by the makeup she wore.
Ms. Kidman has also been seen in numerous other attractive roles in films, including Moulin Rouge!, The Others, Cold Mountain, Australia, and Grace of Monaco.
The Hours / Miramax Films, © Moulin Rouge! / Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
5. Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet is known for her captivating performances in many films, but her portrayal of an illiterate and alleged Nazi responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people in The Reader truly stands out.
Her transformation from a beautiful woman to an old and unattractive Nazi was remarkable—all thanks to the incredible work of the cosmetic specialists—and she was rewarded with an Oscar nomination.
IMDb
6. Charlize Theron
The performance of Charlize Theron in 'Monster' has earned her the admiration of film critics. To perfect her role, she gained over 22 pounds and was transformed into a repulsive figure with the help of talented makeup artists.
Her commitment to the craft was rewarded with a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
IMDb
7. Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is renowned for her remarkable acting range and her willingness to make bold transformations for a role. As seen in 'V for Vendetta,' she fearlessly shaved her head, and in Goya's Ghosts, she flawlessly portrayed a victim of the Spanish Inquisition by appearing severely worn and dirty.
IMDb
8. Michelle Pfeiffer
In Matthew Vaughn's Stardust, a renowned Hollywood beauty is able to transform into an aged crone in the blink of an eye. Despite the actress being nearly 50 years old when she worked on the movie, we were still amazed at how well she stayed in shape and maintained her beauty with each transformation.
Paramount
9. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway won numerous awards for her portrayal of the prostitute Francine in the musical Les Misérables. She had to lose a significant amount of weight and cut her hair short for the role, but her hard work certainly paid off. She won a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance.
IMDb
10. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts demonstrated that she is not just a star in romantic comedies when she was deservedly awarded an Oscar for her role in Erin Brockovich. In 'Secret in Their Eyes,' Roberts portrayed a female detective whose daughter had been cruelly murdered. Can you feel the grief?
STX
11. Lena Headey
Lena Headey is an English actress with an extensive filmography, but it was her portrayal of Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones that launched her into the public eye. In 2012, Lena took on the role of a ferocious criminal in the movie Dredd, for which she wore makeup to make her appear as if she had scars on her face, rotten teeth, and chapped lips.
DNA Films
Some actors take their craft to a whole other level. They don't just show up to the set, say their lines, and call it a day. Instead, they go above and beyond to become the characters they are playing and make them as believable as possible.
These actors deserve every bit of praise they receive because they put in the extra effort to ensure their performances are as true to life as possible. Kudos to these dedicated thespians!
