32 Times An Actor Looked Nothing Like The Real Person They Were Portraying

As a cinephile, it always takes me aback when an actor perfectly embodies the real person they‘re cast to portray. While I don’t believe a historical performance hinges solely on physical resemblance to the subject, it’s undeniably a detail worth savoring, especially considering how many biopics feature leads who look nothing like their characters. Here are some instances where the actor’s talent clearly trumped any other factor in their casting.

Michael Shannon As Elvis Presley (Elvis & Nixon)

One commonly depicted photo in the National Archives features Elvis Presley shaking hands with Richard Nixon in the Oval Office, an event that took place at the White House and was portrayed in the 2016 movie, Elvis & Nixon. While Kevin Spacey effectively portrays the 37th U.S. President, Michael Shannon falls short as he struggles to convincingly embody the “King of Rock ‘n Roll,” despite wearing a good jumpsuit and wig.

John Wayne As Genghis Khan (The Conqueror)

It’s fascinating to delve into the subject of Genghis Khan’s appearance, as our only visual depictions are artist interpretations. However, it’s quite clear that John Wayne, a renowned Western movie star, was not Asian. Interestingly, he was cast as Genghis Khan in the 1956 film “The Conqueror,” a role that has since become infamous for being one of the worst movies ever produced.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson As John Lennon (Nowhere Boy)

In simple terms, the movie “Nowhere Boy” directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson in 2009 tells the story of John Lennon’s life before the Beatles, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. I personally think that another talented actor like him could have been a good fit for roles such as Paul McCartney or George Harrison.

Tom Cruise As Barry Seal (American Made)

If a larger number of people were familiar with Barry Seal and his physical appearance, it seems likely that Tom Cruise’s portrayal in the 2017 film American Made would have been criticized as one of the most questionable casting decisions in Hollywood history. Despite being a skilled actor, Cruise made no effort to change his appearance or convincingly portray the overweight, unfortunate CIA smuggler. Instead, he relied on an accent that I found disappointing and embarrassing.

Julia Roberts As Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich)

Back in 2000, I found myself utterly captivated by Julia Roberts’ exceptional portrayal in Steven Soderbergh’s “Erin Brockovich.” As a single mother and paralegal, Roberts delivers what I believe is her career-best performance, uncovering a small town pollution scandal. Interestingly, if physical resemblance to the person being portrayed were considered by the Academy, she might not have taken home the Oscar for Best Actress.

Denzel Washington As Frank Lucas (American Gangster)

Ridley Scott’s 2007 film American Gangster portrays the life of mobster Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, and features Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lucas’ brother, Huey. Interestingly, Ejiofor bears a closer resemblance to the real Frank than the two-time Academy Award winner. However, it is likely that Washington secured the role due to his friendship with Ridley Scott’s brother, Tony Scott, among other factors.

Johnny Depp As J.M. Barrie (Finding Neverland)

It’s quite surprising that J.M. Barrie bore a strong likeness to Edgar Allan Poe, sharing similarities in his tall forehead and small mustache. However, contrary to belief, Johnny Depp, who portrayed the author of Peter Pan in the 2004 film Finding Neverland, does not share this resemblance with either of them, as I see it.

Hugh Jackman As P.T. Barnum (The Greatest Showman)

Instead of focusing on the numerous historical inconsistencies in the 2017 musical film, “The Greatest Showman,” about the circus’s origins, or the fact that Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of P.T. Barnum was far from accurate, let’s discuss whether he fit the role aesthetically. In this case, it can be said that the charismatic Australian actor, who is best known for his role as Wolverine, fell short in resembling the real-life Barnum physically.

Michael Fassbender As Steve Jobs (Steve Jobs)

Michael Fassbender’s acclaimed acting in the 2015 film “Steve Jobs,” directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, is generally considered superior to Ashton Kutcher’s portrayal in the earlier film “Jobs.” However, it should be noted that Ashton Kutcher, who was once a cast member on “That ’70s Show,” bears a closer resemblance to the tech visionary Steve Jobs.

Jesse Eisenberg As Mark Zuckerberg (The Social Network)

In an unexpected turn of events, Mark Zuckerberg once appeared as a guest on Saturday Night Live. There, he shared the Studio 8H stage with host Jesse Eisenberg, demonstrating they bear little resemblance to each other visually. When Eisenberg played Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network, he didn’t attempt to mimic the Facebook founder’s deep voice, but his Academy Award nomination showed that such likeness isn’t what truly counts in the end.

Tom Hanks As Fred Rogers (A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood)

It’s cleverly thought out to have a well-liked actor like Tom Hanks portray a popular children’s television figure such as Fred Rogers, who was famous for Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Nonetheless, no matter how closely Hanks resembles Rogers with his distinctive hairstyle and sweaters, it’s hard to overlook the fact that you are still watching Tom Hanks on screen.

Leonardo DiCaprio As Howard Hughes (The Aviator)

One significant influence behind Marvel’s character Tony “Iron Man” Stark was Howard Hughes, whose physical likeness is notably similar to both Robert Downey Jr., who portrays Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and Dominic Cooper, who plays a younger Howard Stark. In my opinion, either of these actors could have provided a more accurate visual representation for the eccentric millionaire character in “The Aviator” compared to Leonardo DiCaprio, despite his exceptional performance in the 2005 biopic being one of his notable collaborations with director Martin Scorsese.

Warren Beatty And Faye Dunaway As Clyde Barrow And Bonnie Parker (Bonnie And Clyde)

As far as their on-screen chemistry goes, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway are a fantastic pair in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, playing the infamous bank robbers of the title. However, it’s important to note that their casting doesn’t add any historical authenticity points because neither Beatty nor Dunaway physically resemble Clyde Barrow or Bonnie Parker as they actually appeared – Beatty lacks the distinctive jug ears of Clyde Barrow, while Dunaway doesn’t share Bonnie Parker’s sharp, thin facial features.

Taraji P. Henson As Katherine G. Johnson (Hidden Figures)

As a film enthusiast, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Taraji P. Henson delivers an unquestionably powerful performance in the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” portraying Katherine G. Johnson, a crucial mathematician instrumental in NASA’s space travel calculations. However, when comparing the “Empire” actress to actual photographs of the real Johnson, it becomes evident that they bear little physical resemblance to each other.

Anthony Hopkins As Richard Nixon (Nixon)

It’s said that Anthony Hopkins initially had reservations about portraying Richard M. Nixon in Oliver Stone’s 1995 biopic, but eventually, he delivered a commendable performance in the movie titled “Nixon“. However, I can’t help but notice his efforts to conceal his accent and the use of fake teeth and a wig that didn’t quite capture Nixon’s likeness.

Margot Robbie As Queen Elizabeth I (Mary Queen Of Scots)

As a cinephile looking back, Cate Blanchett’s captivating, Academy Award-nominated portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in the 1998 film “Elizabeth” truly mirrored the royal figure based on artistic depictions. However, when it comes to Margot Robbie’s interpretation of Queen Elizabeth I in “Mary Queen of Scots,” despite my admiration for her performance, I must admit that I don’t see much physical resemblance between them.

Benedict Cumberbatch As Alan Turing (The Imitation Game)

As a movie buff, let me say this: Benedict Cumberbatch carries such a unique visage that it’s challenging for him to mimic another person without major transformations. Yet, in “The Imitation Game,” they didn’t modify his appearance to resemble World War II-era computer scientist Alan Turing more closely. Instead, the focus was on capturing the essence of the man behind the codebreaker.

Javier Bardem As Desi Arnaz (Being The Ricardos)

Nicole Kidman, an Academy Award winner, made extraordinary efforts to embody Lucille Ball for Aaron Sorkin’s portrayal of the events behind the famous TV sitcom “I Love Lucy”. On the other hand, it’s evident that Javier Bardem, another Oscar winner, does not resemble Desi Arnaz in the slightest while playing his on-screen husband.

Ray Liotta As Shoeless Joe Jackson (Field Of Dreams)

In Field of Dreams, Ray Liotta portrays Shoeless Joe Jackson as a ghost, but it’s logical for the character to resemble the real person. The actual baseball player had a slimmer face and broader ears, and he was a left-handed pitcher, unlike Liotta in the film.

Beyoncé As Etta James (Cadillac Records)

It’s undeniable that Beyoncé possesses a voice comparable to Etta James, likely the reason she was chosen for the role in the 2008 film, Cadillac Records. However, it should be noted that the actress portraying “At Last” is not short and round-faced like the original singer, while Beyoncé, who used to be a member of Destiny’s Child, does not share this physical appearance either.

Dominic West As Prince Charles III (The Crown)

I’d like to clarify that my comment is not meant to disrespect Prince Charles III, but can’t help but notice that Dominic West from “The Wire” seemed a bit too good-looking for the role of a Royal Family member in “The Crown.” However, it’s worth mentioning that Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Princess Diana on the show is remarkably similar to her real-life likeness.

Kane Hodder As Ed Gein (Ed Gein: The Butcher Of Plainfield)

In the 2007 movie “Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield,” it might have seemed fitting to cast the actor who donned Jason Voorhees’ hockey mask in the “Friday the 13th” series as a serial killer legend. However, Kane Hodder, standing at 6’2″ and more robustly built, does not share Gein’s slimmer face and smaller stature.

Clive Owen As Bill Clinton (Impeachment: American Crime Story)

In many instances, prosthetics can significantly aid actors in closely mimicking the appearance of the character they’re portraying. For example, Charlize Theron transformed into Megyn Kelly for the film Bombshell. Similarly, Clive Owen used this technique to embody Bill Clinton on Impeachment: American Crime Story, yet the makeup seemed to make him look even less like the 1990s President.

Angelina Jolie As Christine Collins (Changeling)

Christine Collins is portrayed in Clint Eastwood’s 2008 film, “Changeling,” which is inspired by real events where her missing son was substituted with a false one. If she were a more famously recognized historical figure, there may have been more debate about casting Angelina Jolie, who is renowned for her full lips, as the character with thin lips from the 1920s.

Fred Armisen As Barack Obama (Saturday Night Live)

Given that the exceptionally gifted Saturday Night Live actor Fred Armisen, who happens to be a white man, struggled with his impression of the 44th U.S. President, it’s reassuring that Jay Pharoah ultimately assumed the role of Barack Obama.

Tom Hulce As Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Amadeus)

I myself can attest that, despite the artist’s depictions of Tom Hulce, he was far from resembling the likeness required to play the lead role in Milos Forman’s 1984 Best Picture Oscar winner, Amadeus. However, it’s undeniable that Hulce’s portrayal of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was exceptional and rightfully earned him a highly respected Academy Award nomination.

Robert Redford As Harry Longabaugh (Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid)

It’s interesting to ponder if there are others like me who were unaware that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was inspired by real events, which could be why the filmmakers could successfully cast actors with physical features different from the actual Western outlaws they portrayed. For example, Robert Redford’s mustache fits well for the part, but Harry Longabaugh, known as “The Sundance Kid,” didn’t possess long blonde hair.

Diana Ross As Billie Holiday (Lady Sings The Blues)

It’s widely accepted that the 1972 biopic “Lady Sings the Blues” is generally considered a more compelling portrayal of the legendary “Strange Fruit” singer compared to “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” released in 2021. Yet, some might also acknowledge that Andra Day, despite the impressive performance by Diana Ross in the earlier film, was a better match for the role of Billie Holiday in terms of physical resemblance.

Robin Williams As Patch Adams (Patch Adams)

Patch Adams himself, the true subject of the biopic made by Tom Shadyac, dislikes the movie because it doesn’t accurately portray his life. It’s not just about Robin Williams looking unlike the renowned doctor; even the omission of Adams’ signature mustache in the film is significant and hard to overlook.

Mel Gibson As William Wallace (Braveheart)

In many popular depictions of William Wallace, the Scottish hero is usually shown with a short hairstyle and a beard. It’s hard to understand why director Mel Gibson chose not to adopt this appearance when playing Wallace in the movie “Braveheart”.

Serena Scott Thomas As Princess Diana (Diana: Her True Story)

In various portrayals of Princess Diana, it’s often noted that Serena Scott Thomas from the 1993 two-part miniseries, “Diana: Her True Story,” is considered one of the less convincing choices when it comes to their physical likeness.

Zoe Saldaña As Nina Simone (Nina)

In 2016, the biographical film titled “Nina” stirred up debate due to Zoe Saldaña’s use of skin-darkening makeup and a prosthetic nose to closely resemble Nina Simone. However, it was later revealed that she felt remorse for this decision.

2025-07-23 21:43