20 Actors that nailed the role of an iconic real-life personality

Biographical movies are an enticing genre as people know about the central figure beforehand and are curious to know how well he/she is portrayed on screen. The genre is also favored by actors as it allows them the chance to display their acting abilities. And many actors have gone the extra mile to embody a figure. From Charlize Theron’s physical transformation to Joaquin Phoenix learning Johnny Cash’s drawl, here are 20 times actors nailed the role of a real-life personality.

1. Charlize Theron, Monster

Directed by Patty Jenkins, this biographical crime drama features Theron as serial killer Aileen Wuornos, who murdered seven people and was executed. The movie is gritty and raw and Theron won critical and commercial acclaim, even winning an Oscar, for her dedicated portrayal for which she underwent massive physical changes.

2. Denzel Washington, Malcolm X

Based on the book by Alex Haley and Malcolm X, this biographical drama movie directed by Spike Lee revolves around the African-American activist, who was at the center of the Black Liberation Movement of the 1960s. Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X won him appreciation as he subtly handled the progressive change in views of the controversial leader and offered a commanding performance.

3. Val Kilmer, The Doors

This biographical movie directed by Oliver Stone features Val Kilmer in the role of the singer Jim Morrison, who lived a controversial and short-lived life as the lead singer of the famous band, The Doors. The movie charts the history of the band and Kilmer won acclaim for his authentic portrayal, even singing the songs in the movie.

4. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote

Directed by Bennett Miller, this biographical drama movie is based on the biography by Gerald Clarke and revolves around the life of novelist, Truman Capote, when the author was writing In Cold Blood in 1965. Hoffman won critical and commercial acclaim for his portrayal and he even won an Oscar.

5. Joaquin Phoenix, Walk the Line

Based on two autobiographies by Johnny Cash, this biographical drama directed by James Mangold focusses on the pivotal moments of the famous singer, as he rose to stardom, became a known name in country music, and faced drug addiction. Phoenix offers a compelling performance, perfecting Cash’s drawl, and singing the songs himself. He was also nominated for an Oscar.

6. Jamie Foxx, Ray

Directed by Taylor Hackford, this biographical musical drama features Foxx in the titular role of the famous soul musician Ray Charles. The movie revolves around the life of a musical personality. Foxx even learned how to play the piano and spent time with Charles to study for his role. His memorable performance earned him an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice, and other awards.

7. Ralph Fiennes, Schindler’s List

This historical drama movie directed by Steven Spielberg is based on the novel by Thomas Keneally and revolves around Oskar Schindler, who saved thousands of Jews from the Holocaust by employing them. Fiennes essays the role of SS officer Amon Göth, who was the commander of a concentration camp and committed war crimes. Fiennes's portrayal was extremely authentic and terrifying.

8. Stephen Fry, Wilde

Directed by Brian Gilbert, this British biographical movie is based on the biography by Richard Ellmann and revolves around the life of controversial writer, Oscar Wilde, who got into a feud, had a love affair with a Lord, and was presented in a trial for charges of sodomy. Fry captures the playwright’s wit and charm and offers a flamboyant performance, which was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards.

9. Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

This biographical movie features Streep in the titular role of the controversial British politician, Margaret Thatcher. The movie focuses on the early and later years of the powerful personality’s political career. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Streep offers a fiery performance and deftly handles the intricacies of the leader’s personal and professional life, winning an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA.

10. Forrest Whittaker, The Last King of Scotland

Directed by Kevin Macdonald, this historical drama is based on a novel by Giles Foden and chronicles the dictatorship of Ugandan President Idi Amin. Whittaker’s thunderous and bone-chilling portrayal of Amin was so appreciated that the actor won all the major awards like the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and many more.

11. Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything

Based on the memoir by Jane Hawking, this biographical drama directed by James Marsh features Redmayne in the titular role of the theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. The movie details Hawking’s relationship with Jane, his diagnosis of ALS, and his rise in the world of science. Redmayne’s performance was lauded and he won the Best Actor at the Oscars, the Golden Globes, and the BAFTA.

12. Salma Hayek, Frida

Directed by Julie Taymor, this biographical drama movie revolves around the life of the famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. The film is based on a book by Hayden Herrera and features Hayek in the titular role. For her dynamic and energetic portrayal, the actress was even nominated at the Oscars and her humane portrayal of the artist is a memorable performance.

13. Morgan Freeman, Invictus

Based on a book by John Carlin, this biographical sports movie directed by Clint Eastwood, revolves around the events in South Africa, during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, whereby the Springboks team were the underdogs. Matt Damon plays the captain of the team and Freeman delivers a deft performance as Nelson Mandela, portraying the leader’s charm with grace.

14. Queen Latifah, Bessie

Directed by Dee Rees, this biographical movie made for TV revolves around the life of the famous blues singer, Bessie Smith, and chronicles her rise in the world of music. Latifah delivers a fierce and dazzling performance and captures the nuances of the controversial singer with Elan. Latifah even credits Bessie for her music and therefore gives a memorable performance.

15. Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln

This biographical historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg is based on the biography of Doris Kearns Goodwin and focuses on the life of President Abraham Lincoln, who wanted to abolish slavery. Daniel essays the titular role with a charismatic persona and captures the famous political leader’s humility and strength. Daniel’s portrayal is considered one of the greatest performances and the actor rightly won multiple awards.

16. Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

Directed by Christopher Nolan, this biographical movie is based on the biography by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin and focuses on the life of theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who developed the nuclear weapon during World War II. The film dramatizes his personal life and the 1954 security hearing and Murphy embodies the role with subtle intensity, winning an Oscar.

17. Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

This British biographical war drama features Oldman in the titular role of Winston Churchill and is directed by Joe Wright. The movie focusses on Churchill’s early days as the Prime Minister and the cabinet crisis of 1940. Oldman physically transformed himself for the part and captured the politician’s distinctive voice. His commanding performance won him an Oscar.

18. Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody

Directed by Bryan Singer, this biographical musical movie features Malek in the titular role of singer Freddie Mercury, who led the famous rock band Queen. The film chronicles the formation of the band and their popular performance at the 1985 Live Aid. Malek’s portrayal captures the singer’s vivacious yet humble personality and the actor won an Oscar.

19. Renée Zellweger, Judy

This biographical drama directed by Rupert Goold, focuses on the life of entertainer Judy Garland and is an adaptation of the play by Peter Quilter. Zellweger offers an emotional performance as the film revolves around Garland’s career in the last years and her deteriorating health. The actress’s vulnerable portrayal won her an Oscar.

20. Christian Bale, Vice

Directed by Adam McKay, this biographical political satire features Bale in the titular role of former US Vice-President Dick Cheney and revolves around Cheney’s path to becoming the most powerful Vice-President. Bale is known for morphing into a role and for this movie too, he delivers a powerful portrayal, completely changing his physicality for the role, and winning a Golden Globe.