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Sometimes it seems that an actor or actress was born to play a specific role. Whether from their physical resemblance — such as in the case of Ashton Kutcher and Steve Jobs — or because of their passion for their subject – as Salma Hayek felt for her hero Frida Kahlo. Other times it’s only when the actor starts studying the part and getting engrossed in the character’s story that the genius of their casting is revealed – as was the case for Daniel Day Lewis who was sure he was the wrong fit to play Abraham Lincoln until he started working on the project.
Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo
The Mexican actress played her hero, artist Frida Kahlo, in the 2002 eponomously named biopic. So convincing was the performance that Salma was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Talking about the production some years later, Salma said: “Through this movie, besides the fact that I was obsessed with her, it was not just about her, I got to chance to show a Mexico in an era where it was very sophisticated, and it still is.”
Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan
Australian actress Cate Blanchett took on the gender-swapping role of Bob Dyaln in the 2007 movie I’m Not There directed by Todd Haynes. Several other actors, including Richard Gere, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, depicted different facets of Dylan’s public personas to widespread critical acclaim.
Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs
The hair and makeup team didn’t need to do a great deal for this role! Ashton’s uncanny resemblance to Apple founder Steve Jobs was evident from the start. But that doesn’t mean that Ashton didn’t work hard for the part. Prior to filming he ate what Steve used to eat, met his friends and tried to live like him. Speaking about taking on the role, he told The Verge: “I want to make sure it’s protected. Even if I screw it up and totally bomb it, I love that guy. I love that guy. I’d rather have someone that cared about him screw it up than someone who didn’t.”
Madonna as Evita Peron
Donning brown contact lenses and personally pleaing with the President of Argentina to let filming take place on the iconic Plaza De Mayo balcony, Madonna lived and breathed this role. Evita went on to garner her a Golden Globes award and an Oscar for Best Song for You Must Love Me.
Senn Penn as Harvey Milk
“He was an electric, warm guy and he had a star quality about him,” is how Sean Penn spoke about charismatic gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk while promoting the 2008 movie Milk. Sean’s ability to nail Harvey’s mannerisms and voice won him a Best Actor Oscar.
JLo as Selena Quintanilla
This was a career-defining role for Jennifer Lopez who channelled Latina icon Selena Quintanilla perfectly. To prepare for the part she: “soaked up everything, I watched every interview that I could. I slept in her bed at home. I talked to the whole family. I spent time with them. It can be melancholy and beautiful at the same time.”
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Daniel Day Lewis as Abraham Lincoln
British actor Daniel Day Lewis is famed for his method acting, his ability to get underneath his character’s skin and bring them to life on the silver screen. And in Lincoln, the 2012 biographal drama about the 16th President of the US, Daniel scored his third Oscar win for his performance. Talking to the NY Times about the role, Daniel said: “He has a very powerful orbit, which is interesting because we tend to hold him at such a distance. He’s been mythologized almost to the point of dehumanization. But when you begin to approach him, he almost instantly becomes welcoming and accessible, the way he was in life.”
Helen Mirren as the Queen
It doesn’t get much more doppelgänger-worthy than Helen Mirren’s 2006 portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. In real life the two ladies look nothing alike but Helen was able to adopt the Queen’s mannerisms and voice so incredibly that it earned her a Best Actress Oscar. When speaking about her success, Helen says: “The voice was terribly important. The voice and the physicality, those two elements in terms of the outward appearance of the Queen.”