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© Getty Images
0 / 47 Fotos
Selena Gomez as Linda Ronstadt
- In a 2015 interview, Selena Gomez shared that she has always been told she looks like music legend Linda Ronstadt. This prompted Gomez to start listening to her music, and now, she's been cast to play the 'Blue Bayou' singer in an upcoming biopic about her life. Gomez appeared to confirm her role by resharing reports from Variety and Rolling Stone about her rumored casting. Music producer John Boylan, Ronstadt's longtime collaborator and manager, also confirmed that Gomez will be taking on the role. The website of his publishing company Great Eastern Music announced the news, writing, "The long-rumored Linda Ronstadt biopic is now up-and-running. Selena Gomez is attached to play Linda; the two recently spent a few hours at Linda's home discussing the project and getting to know each other."
© Getty Images
1 / 47 Fotos
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown'
- This physical resemblance to Queen Elizabeth added an extra layer of authenticity to Imelda's performance. She was remarkably convincing, not only in her acting but also in her likeness to the late Queen.
© Getty Images
2 / 47 Fotos
Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything'
- Eddie Redmayne's performance in the movie 'The Theory of Everything' was acclaimed by both critics and audiences. He portrayed the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who passed away in 2018. He captured both his physical evolution and his passion for science. His sensitive and authentic portrayal earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015.
© Getty Images
3 / 47 Fotos
Édgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace in 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace'
- Édgar Ramirez portrayed iconic designer Gianni Versace with a remarkable resemblance, capturing the designer's unique presence, style, and charisma. He paid attention to details like Versace's hairstyle, iconic fashion, gestures, and posture, creating an authentic characterization.
© Getty Images
4 / 47 Fotos
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady'
- Streep used some prosthetics to age her face and neck to portray the infamous British prime minister, but the base was already there. Her performance earned her a third Oscar, 29 years after winning her second.
© NL Beeld
5 / 47 Fotos
Taron Egerton as Elton John in 'Rocketman'
- Taron Egerton won several awards for his portrayal of Elton John in the biographical film "Rocketman." He received the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his role and was also nominated for a BAFTA in the Best Actor category. His performance received praise from both critics and audiences.
© Getty Images
6 / 47 Fotos
Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf in 'The Hours'
- Kidman underwent a slight change for the film 'The Hours,' in which she wore a fake nose to play English writer Virginia Woolf. The rest of her features seem pretty perfect though.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
7 / 47 Fotos
Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story'
- Paulson won her very first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie thanks to her role as Marcia Clark, the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
© NL Beeld
8 / 47 Fotos
Anthony Hopkins as Pablo Picasso in 'Surviving Picasso'
- Hopkins took his role as Pablo Picasso very seriously. The Academy Award-winning actor shaved his head and wore brown contact lenses to deliver a convincing depiction of the painter. He honestly didn't need much else.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
9 / 47 Fotos
Geoffrey Rush as Peter Sellers in 'The Life and Death of Peter Sellers'
- Rush won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for his role in 'The Life and Death of Peter Sellers' (2004), directed by Stephen Hopkins.
© NL Beeld
10 / 47 Fotos
Jamal Woolard as The Notorious B.I.G in 'Notorious'
- Woolard portrayed Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G, in 'Notorious' (2009) and in the Tupac Shakur biopic 'All Eyez On Me' (2017). Just like his character, Woolard is also a rapper.
© Getty Images
11 / 47 Fotos
John Goodman as Babe Ruth in 'The Babe'
- The movie is about the life of American baseball player, Babe Ruth. To play the part of Ruth, John Goodman just had to lose some weight.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
12 / 47 Fotos
Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh in 'Waco'
- Kitsch wasn't too thrilled about portraying the cult leader. "I almost pulled out a month and a half [before the filming began]," he told Rolling Stone. However, you have to admit, they look pretty similar.
© NL Beeld
13 / 47 Fotos
Jared Leto as Mark David Chapman in 'Chapter 27'
- For his portrayal of John Lennon's murderer, Mark David Chapman, Leto underwent an impressive physical transformation. It turns out, he looked very similar to Chapman after gaining 30 lbs (13 kg), which he did by stuffing himself with melted Häagen-Dazs ice cream mixed with... soy sauce and olive oil!
© NL Beeld
14 / 47 Fotos
Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn'
- Playing a Hollywood icon is a difficult task, but not for Michelle Williams, who really got into character for her role as Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn' (2011). Williams expertly captured the vulnerability and the charisma of the star, and already had her cherubic face.
© Getty Images
15 / 47 Fotos
Michael Douglas as Liberace in 'Behind The Candelabra'
- It was Robin Williams who was originally set to portray Liberace, but the character was eventually played by Michael Douglas, who by the time of filming was much older than "Mr. Showmanship." This didn't take away from his performance or incredible likeness, however.
© NL Beeld
16 / 47 Fotos
Denzel Washington as Malcolm X in 'Malcolm X'
- Denzel Washington has played many memorable characters during his career, one of them being Malcolm X in Spike Lee's 1992 movie about the civil rights activist. The actor received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, but lost to Al Pacino.
© NL Beeld/reuters
17 / 47 Fotos
Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart in 'Amelia'
- 'Amelia' (2009) is about the life of aviator Amelia Earhart, who went missing over the South Pacific during a round-the-world flight.
© NL Beeld
18 / 47 Fotos
Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb as Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen in 'Sid and Nancy'
- Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb portrayed Sid Vicious, bassist of the Sex Pistols, and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, in the British biopic 'Sid and Nancy' (1986).
© NL Beeld
19 / 47 Fotos
Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in 'Downfall'
- Hitler is a character that many German-speaking actors have refused to interpret over the years, but Bruno Ganz, who was born in Zurich, recognized that being Swiss made it possible to feel a certain distance from the character.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
20 / 47 Fotos
Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in 'Walk The Line'
- The lead actors—Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon—had been chosen by Johnny Cash and June Carter themselves. Unfortunately, they didn't get to see the end result. June Carter died on May 15, 2003, and Cash died a few months later On September 12 following complications from diabetes.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
21 / 47 Fotos
Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in 'Ray'
- Foxx won his first Academy Award thanks to his performance in 'Ray' (2004). He went as far as using prosthetic eyelids, to make it feel like he was actually blind.
© NL Beeld
22 / 47 Fotos
Robert Downey Jr. as Charlie Chaplin in 'Chaplin'
- Robert Downey Jr. played the legendary Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 movie 'Chaplin.' Downey Jr. spent a year studying Chaplin's movies and iconic movements to prepare for his role.
© NL Beeld
23 / 47 Fotos
Gary Oldman as Ludwig van Beethoven in 'Immortal Beloved'
- Gary Oldman suited up as the musical genius that was Ludwig van Beethoven. His intense performance has been widely acclaimed.
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
24 / 47 Fotos
Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi in 'Gandhi'
- Kingsley portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in the movie 'Gandhi' (1982), and describes it as one of the most difficult roles of his life. However, it did earn him an Oscar for Best Actor.
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
25 / 47 Fotos
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in 'The Doors'
- To prepare for his role, Kilmer basically lived as Jim Morrison for a year before filming started on 'The Doors' (1991). The actor had to go to therapy after shooting because he couldn't get rid of his character.
© NL Beeld
26 / 47 Fotos
Walter Matthau as Albert Einstein in 'I.Q.'
- The late actor really made us believe that he might be the reincarnation of the German physicist.
© NL Beeld
27 / 47 Fotos
Demetrius Shipp as Tupac Shakur in 'All Eyez On Me'
- Demetrius Shipp made his debut in Tupac Shakur's biopic 'All Eyez On Me' (2017), thanks to his uncanny resemblance to Shakur.
© Getty Images/reuters
28 / 47 Fotos
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in 'Capote'
- The late actor transformed himself into Truman Capote in the biopic 'Capote' (2005). Even though he hesitated to take the role at first, reading the script convinced him. "When I started studying him and then became semi-obsessed with him I saw the parallels," he said.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
29 / 47 Fotos
James Franco as James Dean in 'James Dean'
- Not only do they have the same first name, the two actors also have many physical similarities. No wonder Franco was cast to portray the legendary icon.
© NL Beeld
30 / 47 Fotos
Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland in 'Judy'
- Bridget Jones is nowhere in sight in the biopic 'Judy' (2019), in which Zellweger takes on the role of the legendary Judy Garland. She doesn’t just look the part either, as she lent her real voice to the production.
© NL Beeld
31 / 47 Fotos
Austin Butler as Elvis Presley
- Austin Butler was selected to portray one of history’s most influential performers: Elvis Presley. Discussing Butler's screen test, director Baz Luhrmann said, “I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world's most iconic musical figures.”
© Getty Images/Public Domain
32 / 47 Fotos
Christian Serratos as Selena Quintanilla in 'Selena'
- Known for her work on 'The Walking Dead,' Christian Serratos plays the late Selena Quintanilla in 'Selena,' a scripted Netflix show about the Mexican-American pop star. The singer was also famously brought to the screen in a 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.
© Getty Images
33 / 47 Fotos
Rachel Weisz as Elizabeth Taylor in 'A Special Relationship'
- Rachel Weisz will take on the role of Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming biopic 'A Special Relationship.'
© Getty Images
34 / 47 Fotos
Clive Owen as Bill Clinton in 'Impeachment: American Crime Story'
- The British actor plays former US President Bill Clinton in the FX limited series 'Impeachment: American Crime Story.'
© Getty Images
35 / 47 Fotos
Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in 'The Crown'
- Elizabeth Debicki was cast as Diana, Princess of Wales, in the final two seasons of 'The Crown.' The Australian actress wrote on Twitter, "It is my true privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one."
© Getty Images
36 / 47 Fotos
Teyana Taylor as Dionne Warwick
- Singer and actress Teyana Taylor confirmed on April 3, 2023, that she's landed the perfect role. Taylor has been cast to play music legend Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic, which is as of yet untitled.
© Getty Images
37 / 47 Fotos
James Franco as Fidel Castro in 'Alina of Cuba'
- James Franco has been cast as Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in an Indie flick called 'Alina of Cuba.' The movie is named after Castro's daughter, Alina Fernandez, who is played by actress Ana Villafañe. The real-life Fernandez is involved in the production as a biographical consultant, and reportedly approved of Franco's casting! The actor bears a striking resemblance to the communist leader, particularly when he lets his beard grow out.
© Getty Images
38 / 47 Fotos
Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna in 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story'
- This biopic about the eccentric comedian Weird Al Yankovic stars Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al himself. This might take some imagination, but Evan Rachel Wood in the role of Madonna is a perfect match. Madonna features in the movie due to Yankovic's famous parody of her song 'Like a Virgin.' The Queen of Pop gave him permission to play with her song, which he turned into 'Like a Surgeon.'
© Getty Images
39 / 47 Fotos
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
- To portray Queen's lead vocalist, Malek went through an extensive process of physical and vocal preparation, which earned him critical acclaim and the 2019 Academy Award for Best Actor.
© Getty Images/NL Beeld
40 / 47 Fotos
Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball in 'Being the Ricardos'
- Nicole Kidman took on one of her most challenging roles to date when she played Lucille Ball in the 2021 movie 'Being the Ricardos.' She starred as the legendary female comedian opposite Javier Bardem, who played Ball's husband and co-star, Desi Arnaz. In addition to being a dead ringer for Ball, Kidman did an exceptional job at mimicking her unique gestures and speech.
© Getty Images
41 / 47 Fotos
Justin Chambers as Marlon Brando in 'The Offer'
- 'Grey's Anatomy' star Justin Chambers was cast as Marlon Brando in the Paramount+ limited 'The Offer.' It tells the story of the making of 'The Godfather,' Brando's most iconic movie. When you see them side by side, Chambers' resemblance to a young Marlon Brando is astonishing.
© Getty Images
42 / 47 Fotos
Lily James as Pamela Anderson in 'Pam & Tommy'
- Lily James and Sebastian Stan might not seem like the obvious choices to star as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the Hulu series 'Pam & Tommy,' but they both fit the parts surprisingly well.
© Getty Images
43 / 47 Fotos
Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee in 'Pam & Tommy'
- The hit show sent fans into a frenzy, and understandably so. Anderson and Lee, who were married from 1995 to 1998 and have two children, represent a huge pop culture moment in history.
© Getty Images
44 / 47 Fotos
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Barack Obama in 'A Higher Loyalty'
- British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir ('The OA') played former US President Barack Obama in a CBS Studios miniseries adaptation of James Comey's bestseller 'Higher Loyalty.'
© Getty Images
45 / 47 Fotos
O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube in 'Straight Outta Compton'
- In the movie 'Straight Outta Compton,' a young Ice Cube was played by his own son, O'Shea Jackson Jr, who also made his acting debut in the movie. Not a surprising choice given the fact that Jackson is a carbon copy of his father. See also: Grandchildren who look like their famous grandparents
© NL Beeld
46 / 47 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 47 Fotos
Selena Gomez as Linda Ronstadt
- In a 2015 interview, Selena Gomez shared that she has always been told she looks like music legend Linda Ronstadt. This prompted Gomez to start listening to her music, and now, she's been cast to play the 'Blue Bayou' singer in an upcoming biopic about her life. Gomez appeared to confirm her role by resharing reports from Variety and Rolling Stone about her rumored casting. Music producer John Boylan, Ronstadt's longtime collaborator and manager, also confirmed that Gomez will be taking on the role. The website of his publishing company Great Eastern Music announced the news, writing, "The long-rumored Linda Ronstadt biopic is now up-and-running. Selena Gomez is attached to play Linda; the two recently spent a few hours at Linda's home discussing the project and getting to know each other."
© Getty Images
1 / 47 Fotos
Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown'
- This physical resemblance to Queen Elizabeth added an extra layer of authenticity to Imelda's performance. She was remarkably convincing, not only in her acting but also in her likeness to the late Queen.
© Getty Images
2 / 47 Fotos
Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything'
- Eddie Redmayne's performance in the movie 'The Theory of Everything' was acclaimed by both critics and audiences. He portrayed the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, who passed away in 2018. He captured both his physical evolution and his passion for science. His sensitive and authentic portrayal earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2015.
© Getty Images
3 / 47 Fotos
Édgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace in 'The Assassination of Gianni Versace'
- Édgar Ramirez portrayed iconic designer Gianni Versace with a remarkable resemblance, capturing the designer's unique presence, style, and charisma. He paid attention to details like Versace's hairstyle, iconic fashion, gestures, and posture, creating an authentic characterization.
© Getty Images
4 / 47 Fotos
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady'
- Streep used some prosthetics to age her face and neck to portray the infamous British prime minister, but the base was already there. Her performance earned her a third Oscar, 29 years after winning her second.
© NL Beeld
5 / 47 Fotos
Taron Egerton as Elton John in 'Rocketman'
- Taron Egerton won several awards for his portrayal of Elton John in the biographical film "Rocketman." He received the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his role and was also nominated for a BAFTA in the Best Actor category. His performance received praise from both critics and audiences.
© Getty Images
6 / 47 Fotos
Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf in 'The Hours'
- Kidman underwent a slight change for the film 'The Hours,' in which she wore a fake nose to play English writer Virginia Woolf. The rest of her features seem pretty perfect though.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
7 / 47 Fotos
Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story'
- Paulson won her very first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie thanks to her role as Marcia Clark, the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial.
© NL Beeld
8 / 47 Fotos
Anthony Hopkins as Pablo Picasso in 'Surviving Picasso'
- Hopkins took his role as Pablo Picasso very seriously. The Academy Award-winning actor shaved his head and wore brown contact lenses to deliver a convincing depiction of the painter. He honestly didn't need much else.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
9 / 47 Fotos
Geoffrey Rush as Peter Sellers in 'The Life and Death of Peter Sellers'
- Rush won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for his role in 'The Life and Death of Peter Sellers' (2004), directed by Stephen Hopkins.
© NL Beeld
10 / 47 Fotos
Jamal Woolard as The Notorious B.I.G in 'Notorious'
- Woolard portrayed Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G, in 'Notorious' (2009) and in the Tupac Shakur biopic 'All Eyez On Me' (2017). Just like his character, Woolard is also a rapper.
© Getty Images
11 / 47 Fotos
John Goodman as Babe Ruth in 'The Babe'
- The movie is about the life of American baseball player, Babe Ruth. To play the part of Ruth, John Goodman just had to lose some weight.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
12 / 47 Fotos
Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh in 'Waco'
- Kitsch wasn't too thrilled about portraying the cult leader. "I almost pulled out a month and a half [before the filming began]," he told Rolling Stone. However, you have to admit, they look pretty similar.
© NL Beeld
13 / 47 Fotos
Jared Leto as Mark David Chapman in 'Chapter 27'
- For his portrayal of John Lennon's murderer, Mark David Chapman, Leto underwent an impressive physical transformation. It turns out, he looked very similar to Chapman after gaining 30 lbs (13 kg), which he did by stuffing himself with melted Häagen-Dazs ice cream mixed with... soy sauce and olive oil!
© NL Beeld
14 / 47 Fotos
Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn'
- Playing a Hollywood icon is a difficult task, but not for Michelle Williams, who really got into character for her role as Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn' (2011). Williams expertly captured the vulnerability and the charisma of the star, and already had her cherubic face.
© Getty Images
15 / 47 Fotos
Michael Douglas as Liberace in 'Behind The Candelabra'
- It was Robin Williams who was originally set to portray Liberace, but the character was eventually played by Michael Douglas, who by the time of filming was much older than "Mr. Showmanship." This didn't take away from his performance or incredible likeness, however.
© NL Beeld
16 / 47 Fotos
Denzel Washington as Malcolm X in 'Malcolm X'
- Denzel Washington has played many memorable characters during his career, one of them being Malcolm X in Spike Lee's 1992 movie about the civil rights activist. The actor received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, but lost to Al Pacino.
© NL Beeld/reuters
17 / 47 Fotos
Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart in 'Amelia'
- 'Amelia' (2009) is about the life of aviator Amelia Earhart, who went missing over the South Pacific during a round-the-world flight.
© NL Beeld
18 / 47 Fotos
Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb as Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen in 'Sid and Nancy'
- Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb portrayed Sid Vicious, bassist of the Sex Pistols, and his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, in the British biopic 'Sid and Nancy' (1986).
© NL Beeld
19 / 47 Fotos
Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in 'Downfall'
- Hitler is a character that many German-speaking actors have refused to interpret over the years, but Bruno Ganz, who was born in Zurich, recognized that being Swiss made it possible to feel a certain distance from the character.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
20 / 47 Fotos
Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in 'Walk The Line'
- The lead actors—Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon—had been chosen by Johnny Cash and June Carter themselves. Unfortunately, they didn't get to see the end result. June Carter died on May 15, 2003, and Cash died a few months later On September 12 following complications from diabetes.
© NL Beeld/Getty Images
21 / 47 Fotos
Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in 'Ray'
- Foxx won his first Academy Award thanks to his performance in 'Ray' (2004). He went as far as using prosthetic eyelids, to make it feel like he was actually blind.
© NL Beeld
22 / 47 Fotos
Robert Downey Jr. as Charlie Chaplin in 'Chaplin'
- Robert Downey Jr. played the legendary Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 movie 'Chaplin.' Downey Jr. spent a year studying Chaplin's movies and iconic movements to prepare for his role.
© NL Beeld
23 / 47 Fotos
Gary Oldman as Ludwig van Beethoven in 'Immortal Beloved'
- Gary Oldman suited up as the musical genius that was Ludwig van Beethoven. His intense performance has been widely acclaimed.
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
24 / 47 Fotos
Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi in 'Gandhi'
- Kingsley portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in the movie 'Gandhi' (1982), and describes it as one of the most difficult roles of his life. However, it did earn him an Oscar for Best Actor.
© Getty Images/Shutterstock
25 / 47 Fotos
Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in 'The Doors'
- To prepare for his role, Kilmer basically lived as Jim Morrison for a year before filming started on 'The Doors' (1991). The actor had to go to therapy after shooting because he couldn't get rid of his character.
© NL Beeld
26 / 47 Fotos
Walter Matthau as Albert Einstein in 'I.Q.'
- The late actor really made us believe that he might be the reincarnation of the German physicist.
© NL Beeld
27 / 47 Fotos
Demetrius Shipp as Tupac Shakur in 'All Eyez On Me'
- Demetrius Shipp made his debut in Tupac Shakur's biopic 'All Eyez On Me' (2017), thanks to his uncanny resemblance to Shakur.
© Getty Images/reuters
28 / 47 Fotos
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in 'Capote'
- The late actor transformed himself into Truman Capote in the biopic 'Capote' (2005). Even though he hesitated to take the role at first, reading the script convinced him. "When I started studying him and then became semi-obsessed with him I saw the parallels," he said.
© NL Beeld/Public Domain
29 / 47 Fotos
James Franco as James Dean in 'James Dean'
- Not only do they have the same first name, the two actors also have many physical similarities. No wonder Franco was cast to portray the legendary icon.
© NL Beeld
30 / 47 Fotos
Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland in 'Judy'
- Bridget Jones is nowhere in sight in the biopic 'Judy' (2019), in which Zellweger takes on the role of the legendary Judy Garland. She doesn’t just look the part either, as she lent her real voice to the production.
© NL Beeld
31 / 47 Fotos
Austin Butler as Elvis Presley
- Austin Butler was selected to portray one of history’s most influential performers: Elvis Presley. Discussing Butler's screen test, director Baz Luhrmann said, “I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world's most iconic musical figures.”
© Getty Images/Public Domain
32 / 47 Fotos
Christian Serratos as Selena Quintanilla in 'Selena'
- Known for her work on 'The Walking Dead,' Christian Serratos plays the late Selena Quintanilla in 'Selena,' a scripted Netflix show about the Mexican-American pop star. The singer was also famously brought to the screen in a 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.
© Getty Images
33 / 47 Fotos
Rachel Weisz as Elizabeth Taylor in 'A Special Relationship'
- Rachel Weisz will take on the role of Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming biopic 'A Special Relationship.'
© Getty Images
34 / 47 Fotos
Clive Owen as Bill Clinton in 'Impeachment: American Crime Story'
- The British actor plays former US President Bill Clinton in the FX limited series 'Impeachment: American Crime Story.'
© Getty Images
35 / 47 Fotos
Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in 'The Crown'
- Elizabeth Debicki was cast as Diana, Princess of Wales, in the final two seasons of 'The Crown.' The Australian actress wrote on Twitter, "It is my true privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one."
© Getty Images
36 / 47 Fotos
Teyana Taylor as Dionne Warwick
- Singer and actress Teyana Taylor confirmed on April 3, 2023, that she's landed the perfect role. Taylor has been cast to play music legend Dionne Warwick in an upcoming biopic, which is as of yet untitled.
© Getty Images
37 / 47 Fotos
James Franco as Fidel Castro in 'Alina of Cuba'
- James Franco has been cast as Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in an Indie flick called 'Alina of Cuba.' The movie is named after Castro's daughter, Alina Fernandez, who is played by actress Ana Villafañe. The real-life Fernandez is involved in the production as a biographical consultant, and reportedly approved of Franco's casting! The actor bears a striking resemblance to the communist leader, particularly when he lets his beard grow out.
© Getty Images
38 / 47 Fotos
Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna in 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story'
- This biopic about the eccentric comedian Weird Al Yankovic stars Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al himself. This might take some imagination, but Evan Rachel Wood in the role of Madonna is a perfect match. Madonna features in the movie due to Yankovic's famous parody of her song 'Like a Virgin.' The Queen of Pop gave him permission to play with her song, which he turned into 'Like a Surgeon.'
© Getty Images
39 / 47 Fotos
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
- To portray Queen's lead vocalist, Malek went through an extensive process of physical and vocal preparation, which earned him critical acclaim and the 2019 Academy Award for Best Actor.
© Getty Images/NL Beeld
40 / 47 Fotos
Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball in 'Being the Ricardos'
- Nicole Kidman took on one of her most challenging roles to date when she played Lucille Ball in the 2021 movie 'Being the Ricardos.' She starred as the legendary female comedian opposite Javier Bardem, who played Ball's husband and co-star, Desi Arnaz. In addition to being a dead ringer for Ball, Kidman did an exceptional job at mimicking her unique gestures and speech.
© Getty Images
41 / 47 Fotos
Justin Chambers as Marlon Brando in 'The Offer'
- 'Grey's Anatomy' star Justin Chambers was cast as Marlon Brando in the Paramount+ limited 'The Offer.' It tells the story of the making of 'The Godfather,' Brando's most iconic movie. When you see them side by side, Chambers' resemblance to a young Marlon Brando is astonishing.
© Getty Images
42 / 47 Fotos
Lily James as Pamela Anderson in 'Pam & Tommy'
- Lily James and Sebastian Stan might not seem like the obvious choices to star as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in the Hulu series 'Pam & Tommy,' but they both fit the parts surprisingly well.
© Getty Images
43 / 47 Fotos
Sebastian Stan as Tommy Lee in 'Pam & Tommy'
- The hit show sent fans into a frenzy, and understandably so. Anderson and Lee, who were married from 1995 to 1998 and have two children, represent a huge pop culture moment in history.
© Getty Images
44 / 47 Fotos
Kingsley Ben-Adir as Barack Obama in 'A Higher Loyalty'
- British actor Kingsley Ben-Adir ('The OA') played former US President Barack Obama in a CBS Studios miniseries adaptation of James Comey's bestseller 'Higher Loyalty.'
© Getty Images
45 / 47 Fotos
O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Ice Cube in 'Straight Outta Compton'
- In the movie 'Straight Outta Compton,' a young Ice Cube was played by his own son, O'Shea Jackson Jr, who also made his acting debut in the movie. Not a surprising choice given the fact that Jackson is a carbon copy of his father. See also: Grandchildren who look like their famous grandparents
© NL Beeld
46 / 47 Fotos
Actors who look identical to their real-life characters
James Franco portrayed Fidel Castro in "Alina of Cuba"
© Getty Images
Numerous famous individuals from history have been brought back to life on the silver screen by some of Hollywood's most talented performers. From Marilyn Monroe to Albert Einstein, these figures have left a lasting impact and will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
While some actors have had to undergo significant physical changes in order to fully embody their characters, there are also those fortunate enough to bear an astonishing resemblance to the individuals they are portraying. This not only benefits the production but also greatly enhances their performances
Actor and comedian Pauly Shore has been playing up the idea of portraying fitness legend Richard Simmons since early 2023. The 'Encino Man' star has posted videos of himself imitating Simmons on Instagram, and was even cast to play him in a short film called 'The Court Jester' which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. On January 17, however, the Wolper Organization announced that they are producing a full-length biopic about Richard Simmons, with Pauly Shore in the lead role. The projects are apparently unrelated, but it seems that Shore is the only man who could do it! In a statement, Shore said he's “really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world,” adding, “Whenever he was on TV you could never take your eyes off of him and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time.”
Simmons, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic. “I have never given my permission for this movie,” he wrote in a rare social media post just hours after the news broke. “So don’t believe everything you read.” The producers are still looking for the right writer to take on the script and the release date has yet to be determined.
Check out this gallery to see more side-by-side photos of actors who look strikingly similar to the people they played on screen.
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