Copyright Yardbarker
It's one thing to play a real person, but it's another to disappear into the role completely. These 20 actors nailed the look, voice, and spirit of the real-life figures they portrayed so perfectly, it's almost spooky. Check them out below. 1 of 20 Sebastian Stan and Lily James in 'Pam & Tommy' Robert Siegel And Jen Cohn's Production Company Limelight Point Grey Pictures Annapurna Television We have to start with the prosthetics on this one. Sebastian Stan and Lily James were absolutely unrecognizable as the '90s most infamous couple in the Hulu series Pam & Tommy. 2 of 20 Rami Malek in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' 20th Century Fox It's one thing to look like the part, but Rami Malek learned to move, talk, and sing (with a little help) just like the Queen frontman in Bohemian Rhapsody. He didn't just play Freddie Mercury; he was Freddie Mercury. 3 of 20 Charlize Theron in 'Monster' Media 8, DEJ Productions Charlize Theron completely transformed and disappeared into the role of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster. Her performance (and looks) were praised by critics and fans alike, ultimately closing that chapter in her life with a well-deserved Oscar. 4 of 20 Jennifer Lopez in 'Selena' Q-Productions Jennifer Lopez's role in the 1997 film Selena proved she was a true superstar. She captured the look, heart, and infectious energy of the music icon perfectly. 5 of 20 Austin Butler in 'Elvis' Bazmark Films Austin Butler’s voice famously got stuck in that low drawl for a while, but it was worth it to play Elvis. His electric, hip-shaking performance as the music legend was the driving force of the flashy biopic all about the King of Rock and Roll. 6 of 20 Tom Hanks in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' Tristar Pictures, Sony Pictures In A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks stepped into the iconic red sweater and sneakers of America’s favorite neighbor. He didn't just mimic Fred Rogers; he channeled his signature warmth and kindness. 7 of 20 O'Shea Jackson Jr. in 'Straight Outta Compton' New Line Cinema Talk about keeping it all in the family. O'Shea Jackson Jr. had a major advantage playing his own dad in Straight Outta Compton , giving him the ultimate pass to nail every single one of Ice Cube's mannerisms. 8 of 20 Taron Egerton in 'Rocketman' Paramount Pictures Taron Egerton took on the massive task of playing the one and only Rocket Man. He brought a ton of flashy energy and real emotion to the musical fantasy of the same name, playing the iconic Elton John through all his highs and lows. 9 of 20 Meryl Streep in 'Julie & Julia' Columbia Pictures Is there any role Meryl Streep can't ace? Not only did she nail the look and master Julia Child's signature tight curls, Streep also captured the joyful, booming spirit of the legendary chef, making everyone want to pick up a whisk. 10 of 20 Denzel Washington in 'Malcolm X' 40 Acres and a Mule Denzel Washington delivered one of the most powerful performances of his career in Malcolm X, embodying the civil rights leader's fiery passion and intellectual grace in the '90s film. 11 of 20 Ana de Armas in 'Blonde' Netflix It takes serious guts to play an icon as big as Marilyn Monroe, but Ana de Armas went all-in for Blonde. Her physical transformation into the troubled Hollywood legend was spectacular. 12 of 20 Jamie Foxx in 'Ray' Bristol Bay Productions Jamie Foxx didn't just imitate the legendary musician Ray Charles; he channeled him. His Oscar-winning performance in the 2004 film was a masterclass, capturing the late legend's genius and his struggles. 13 of 20 Margot Robbie in 'I, Tonya' AI Film, beIN Media Group You could barely tell the difference between Margot Robbie and the real-life figure skater, Tonya Harding, in I, Tonya. The award-winning actress totally nailed the tough-as-nails attitude (and that '90s hair) of the ice queen. 14 of 20 Sarah Paulson in 'The People v. O.J Simpson' © Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images It's not a movie, but the resemblance was too good to ignore. Sarah Paulson rocked that signature '90s perm to play prosecutor Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Talk about a spitting image! 15 of 20 Kristen Stewart in 'The Runaways' Summit Entertainment Kristen Stewart traded in vampires for rock and roll in the 2010 film The Runaways, and it turns out it was a perfect fit. She captured Joan Jett's rebellious spirit and signature snarl perfectly. 16 of 20 Natalie Portman in 'Jackie' Fox Searchlight Natalie Portman took on the difficult role of the grieving First Lady in Jackie. She nailed the distinct voice and quiet strength of Jacqueline Kennedy in the days immediately following JFK's assassination. 17 of 20 Amanda Seyfried in 'The Dropout' Elizabeth Meriwether Pictures, Semi-Formal Productions,20th Television, Searchlight Television The black turtleneck, the messy bun, and that weirdly deep voice were all spot-on. Amanda Seyfried was incredible as the disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the Hulu series The Dropout. 18 of 20 Alexandra Ship in 'Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B' Lifetime Alexandra Ship had the tough job of playing the beloved singer Aaliyah in The Princess of R&B, but she was the perfect fit. She recreated some of the star's most iconic looks and dance moves for the 2014 biopic, wowing fans worldwide. 19 of 20 Andra Day in 'The United States vs. Billie Holiday' Hulu Andra Day made her feature film debut as the iconic, tormented jazz singer Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. She earned an Oscar nomination for capturing Billie's unique voice, signature look, and bravery. 20 of 20 Eddie Redmayne in 'The Theory of Everything' Working Title Films Eddie Redmayne took on the massive physical and emotional challenge of playing Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. He beautifully portrayed the brilliant physicist's life, love, and deteriorating health, earning him an Academy Award.
