Entertainment

Actors Who Became Unrecognizable In Roles

Published on: January 11, 2025 at 9:05 AM ET
Shrobana Rakshit
Written By Shrobana Rakshit
News Writer
Actors who transformed themselves for iconic roles.
Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth, Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander. (Cover image source: IMDb)

Taking a deep dive into a character is nothing new for any actor. Understanding the nuances of the role and psyche of a character is a crucial part of filmmaking. But transforming the actor’s physical appearance for truly embracing a character. From the Harry Potter franchise to Mary, Queen of Scots there are innumerable films where actors transform themselves into the character. 

So, here’s our list of notable actors who have significantly transformed their physical appearance for Hollywood glory. Listed in no particular order.

Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter franchise)

The Harry Potter series had several talented actors who seem to have been made for their roles. However, one of the most unattractive characters and the bad guy of the film stole the show. The modern-day film industry helped the brilliant Ralph Fiennes transform into the character of the iconic Lord Voldemort. Fiennes’ character flaunted a veined body, rotted teeth and bald head. As per sources, the make-up artists spent hours transforming Ralph into the character. Even though the infamous nose was replaced digitally, during post-production editing, as per Stylist.

Lily James (Pam & Tommy)

The best part of Lily James’ transformation in Pam & Tommy was how accurately she resembled Pamela Anderson. Co-star Sebastian Stan played the role of Anderson’s ex-husband Tommy Lee. The 2022 biopic regarding the ramifications of their infamous sex tape was a massive hit. But the highlight of the biopic was James who portrayed the emotions, insecurity and empowerment of Anderson. Lily James received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for the role. 

Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) 

Rooney Mara was applauded for her brief but commendable performance in The Social Network (2010). Her character as Erica Albright made way to her breakthrough 2011 role as the waifish. Mara’s transformation into the gothic Lisbeth Salander created buzz amongst audiences. She brought into life an emotionally disturbed hacker Slander. Mara earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. 

Margot Robbie (Mary, Queen of Scots)

Margot Robbie is known to embody real-life characters, and historical figures. Her characters like Harley Queen and the recent favourite Barbie are landmarks in the actor’s career. However, when it comes to physically transforming into a character, Robbie has raised the bar. The 2018 acclaimed drama Mary, Queen of Scots Margot hit it out of the park. With a prosthetic nose, white-sand skin tone, and red wig, she morphed into Queen Elizabeth I. Margot was nominated for Screen Actors Guild Award and the film earned Oscar nominations for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Charlie Theron (Monstar)

The 2003 film Theron was a masterpiece, critically acclaimed as well as loved by the audiences. Theron’s role in the film also won her the Best Actress Academy Award. Apart from her commendable performance, her stripped-down appearance created buzz amongst cinephiles. Charlie turned herself into the real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who killed seven men and was later executed in Florida. We could see Theron cast aside her glam and transform into a downtrodden look, in addition to gaining 30 pounds.

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