15+ Side By Side Photos Of Actors Vs How Would They Have Looked If They Were The Age Of Their Characters
Remember Moaning Myrtle?
People hear stories about movie stars traveling the length of the moon or even more to fulfill their dream roles throughout the history of cinema. They do whatever it takes to fit the character they need to be.
Indeed, age is just a number. But what if these actors have to take this saying too literally in order to achieve fame?
More often than not, many actors and actresses have to play the role of a character that is much younger than their actual age. To some, the acting might seem so natural that many people do not notice the age difference between the actor and the character.
An example would be in the Harry Potter films—Moaning Myrtle, played by Shirley Henderson, is supposedly a student in the character she is portraying, but the actress who played the ghost was actually 37 years old at the time. She was the oldest actor who played a student role in the film series.
This age gap situation is pretty common. But what if these movie characters are portrayed by actors who are the same age as them?
They would definitely look a lot different. Compiled in the list below are 19 examples—including Moaning Myrtle herself!
1. Emma Thompson — Elinor Dashwood (Sense and Sensibility)
Elinor is depicted as a 19-year-old who possesses a coolness of judgment and strength of intellect in "Sense and Sensibility." Emma Thompson, who was actually 35, did a good job playing a young woman in the role.
East News2. Zelah Clarke — Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre)
Zelah Clarke portrayed the character Jane Eyre, who is aged ten at the start of the book. The actress turned 30 years old when the character was 18 years old.
Jane Eyre / BBC3. Shirley Henderson — Moaning Myrtle (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
In "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," Moaning Myrtle—the ghost of Myrtle Warren, a 14-year-old student of Hogwarts—suddenly emerged. The actress was 37 years old when the movie was still in production.
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The Impact of Aging on Perception
Dr. Helen Marks, a developmental psychologist at Emory University, studies how aging affects perception and identification in media.
As individuals age, their cognitive processing speeds may decline, impacting their ability to notice details in films.
Research shows that older adults may prioritize emotional resonance over technical accuracy, often leading to differing experiences compared to younger viewers.
4. Geraldine Somerville — Lily Potter (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II)
Geraldine Somerville, who was 44 at the time, played the role of Lily Potter when she was 21 years old. The age difference between them is 23 years!
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5. Adrian Rawlins — James Potter (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II)
Even older, at 43 years old when the movies began and 53 years old when they were finished, was Adrian Rawlins, who played the main character’s father: James Potter. His character is 32 years younger than him.
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6. Orlando Bloom — Will Turner (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl)
Orlando Bloom was twice as old as his character Will when "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" was being shot. Will Turner is supposed to be 18 years old!
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This phenomenon underscores the importance of considering audience demographics when creating films, as different age groups may engage with content in unique ways.
Understanding these differences can help filmmakers tailor their narratives to resonate with diverse audiences.
Emphasizing themes of connection and nostalgia can create a more inclusive viewing experience.
7. Jennifer Lawrence — Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
The 74th Hunger Games were held when Katniss Everdeen was just 16 years old. Jennifer Lawrence, who was 24 years old at the time, took on the role.
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8. Gary Oldman — Sirius Black (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
In "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," in which he plays the titular prisoner and serves as Harry Potter's godfather, Sirius Black assumes a key role. Gary Oldman, 46, portrayed the character while Black was supposedly 34.
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9. Alan Rickman — Severus Snape (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone)
One of the most adored characters in the "Harry Potter" movie series is Severus Snape. Alan Rickman, who played the part, turned 55 while filming the first movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," when Snape is 31 years old.
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Memory and Film Experience
Research indicates that memory plays a crucial role in how viewers experience films, with past experiences shaping perceptions and interpretations.
When viewers recall past interactions with a film, they may be influenced by their emotional attachments, leading to unique perspectives on continuity and detail.
This highlights the importance of emotional engagement in media consumption.
10. Tom Holland — Peter Parker (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
In "Spider-Man: Homecoming," Tom Holland portrayed high school student Peter Parker. Tom was actually 21 years old when the character was only 15 years old.
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11. Dane DeHaan — Jason Glanton (The Place Beyond the Pines)
Young actor Dane DeHaan is talented and adept at portraying teen characters with a high level of authenticity. Despite being 27 years old, the actor was able to inhabit teen roles like Jason Glanton, a high school student.
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12. Audrey Hepburn — Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
When Holly Golightly meets Paul in the scene, she should only be nineteen years old. When Audrey Hepburn played Holly, she was thirty-one years old.
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To enhance viewer engagement, filmmakers might consider incorporating elements that evoke emotional responses and resonate with audience memories.
Creating relatable characters and scenarios can foster deeper connections and enhance the overall experience.
By focusing on emotional storytelling, filmmakers can create narratives that endure in viewers' minds.
13. Leonardo DiCaprio — Frank Abagnale (Catch Me If You Can)
When playing the con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. in "Catch Me If You Can," DiCaprio appearing younger than his actual age proved quite useful. The actor played a 17-year-old when he was 28.
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14. Emilia Clarke — Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)
When Emilia Clarke was 24 years old, she made her acting debut in the "Game of Thrones" series premiere “Winter is Coming.” Daenerys' age when the show premiered was intended to be around 17 in the series.
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15. Michael J. Fox — Marty McFly (Back to the Future)
Michael J. Fox was 23 in "Back to the Future" when he took on the role. When Michael played a 17-year-old high school student, he was already 23 years old.
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Cognitive Dissonance in Viewing
When viewers encounter discrepancies in a film, they may experience cognitive dissonance, leading to discomfort and a reevaluation of their perceptions.
This psychological response can motivate viewers to seek coherence, either by rationalizing the error or adjusting their enjoyment of the film.
Understanding this process can help filmmakers appreciate the complexities of audience engagement.
16. Vivien Leigh — Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind)
In recognition of her outstanding work as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind," Vivien Leigh received the Academy Award for Best Actress. The character is sixteen when the book begins, and Vivien was 26 when she took on the role.
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17. John Travolta — Danny Zuko (Grease)
When "Grease" was filmed in 1977, John Travolta was 23 years old. Travolta was several years older than his character, Danny, who had supposedly just turned 18.
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18. Meryem Uzerli — Hurrem Sultan (Muhteşem Yüzyıl)
Turkish-German actress Meryem Uzerli gained notoriety for her role as Hürrem Sultan in the Turkish TV series "Muhteşem Yüzyıl." When the actress was 28 years old, the character she was portraying was about 17 years old.
imago stock&people / East News
Encouraging discussions about film details can promote a culture where viewers feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perceptions.
This dialogue can enhance appreciation for storytelling while acknowledging imperfections, allowing for a more enriched viewing experience.
By fostering open conversations, both audiences and creators can deepen their understanding of narrative complexities.
19. Verónica Castro — Rosa García (Rosa salvaje)
When the 1987 television series "Rosa Salvaje" relaunched the acting career of Mexican actress Verónica Castro, she was 35 years old. She took on the persona of Rosa García, a young woman.
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It can be quite mind-blowing to find out that the film characters we see on the screen are played by actors who are older than them. Achieving this much younger image is only possible through the help of the director, the casting crew, the stylists, and of course, none other than the movie stars themselves.
What are your thoughts on this? Are the edited photos much better, or do the original actors fit the role of the character just the way they are?
Comment on what you think in the section below. And find out the reactions of your friends if they guessed the ages of these actors correctly by sending them this article!
Psychological Analysis
This exploration of film viewing highlights the complexities of audience engagement and perception.
Understanding these dynamics can enhance both the enjoyment and critique of films, fostering a more nuanced appreciation for storytelling.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, the interplay of age, memory, and cognitive dissonance shapes how we experience films.
By understanding these psychological factors, filmmakers can create content that resonates across various demographics.
Engaging audiences in discussions about their viewing experiences can enhance enjoyment and promote critical thinking, leading to a richer media landscape.
