Age is a just number in film and television—especially when casting is involved. At times, actors will take on roles so oddly mismatched from their real ages that makes them an interesting combination on film.
Whether it is some experienced actor playing someone significantly younger than themselves or someone youthful playing someone significantly older, these casting decisions mostly surprise everyone.
Even though some age gaps are more evident than others, the versatility of the actors and great storytelling really come out in these performances.
1) Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing (1987)
Jennifer Grey was 27 years old when she played 17-year-old Frances "Baby" Houseman in Dirty Dancing (1987). Age did not matter because Grey's youthful appearance and charm made the character believable. But being older than her character put her in the Hollywood discussions.
The movie went on to make $214 million in box office sales. While this cemented the performance, it later came with some form of typecasting issues. In her 2022 memoir Out of the Corner, she reflected on that role that made her a star.
2) Brian Bonsall in Blank Check (1994)
At the age of 12, Brian Bonsall portrayed Preston Waters in the family comedy Blank Check. While not much more than a youngster, Bonsall shouldered the entire movie; a kid finds himself one day with a million dollars to spend when a twist of fate turns his world around.
The one surprisingly age-inappropriate scene in the movie was Brain Bonsall's kiss with Karen Duffy. The reason being, the actor was only 11-12 years old while the actress was 31, during the time of filming.
Innocence mixed with the kind of mischievous charm was brought out in his portrayal of Preston, making this wild spending spree funny and entertaining to young viewers. Although the premise was stretched, Bonsall's natural charm grounded the story, making him a memorable child star of the '90s. For many, his work in Blank Check remains a nostalgic favorite.
3) Jack Gleeson in Game of Thrones (2011-2014)
Jack Gleeson was 18 years old when he played the cruel and power-hungry King Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones. His youthful looks heightened the sinister nature of his character, as the actor was supposed to seem much older in George R.R. Martin's novels.
Gleeson's chilling performance received many positive reviews but also brought him unwanted attention from fans, who blurred fiction with reality. After his exit from the show in 2014, Gleeson retreated to focus on his studies and more theatre work.
4) Jesse Metcalfe in Desperate Housewives (2004-2012)
Jesse Metcalfe was 25 when he appeared as John Rowland, the teenage gardener of Desperate Housewives, in 2004. The character with whom Eva Longoria's Gabrielle Solis was to have an affair was written as a high schooler. Metcalfe's age made him older than the role, but the youthfulness in his features made the age gap work on camera.
The salacious storyline brought much attention, which was all Desperate Housewives needed to become a cultural phenomenon. It was a defining moment in Metcalfe's career, leading to bigger opportunities.
5) Jake Gyllenhaal in The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Jake Gyllenhaal was 23 when he appeared as Sam Hall, the character intended to be in high school. Although the actor's youthful appearance certainly allowed him to play out this role, his actual age made him look visibly off for the supposed high school years of the character.
Nevertheless, Gyllenhaal's acting was appreciated and very relatable, most of all when his character managed to go through the bedlam of a global climatic disaster. He was older than the role required, but he did a great job that moved the audience and gave him a leading man status in Hollywood.
6) Alan Rickman in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Alan Rickman was 55 when he played Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Even though Snape was supposed to be in his 30s, Rickman's presence and gravity gave the character depth. Fans criticized the casting, but Rickman's performance silenced all the critics, making Snape one of the series' most complex figures.
Rickman's posthumous diaries in 2022 revealed a deep connection to the character despite all the challenges that came with it. Portraying Snape, he showed menace with vulnerability and proved that age can add depth to a character in ways one least expects.
7) Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963)
At the age of 31, Elizabeth Taylor did her Cleopatra epic film role. Traditionally, someone younger portrayed such a role, yet due to the larger-than-life personality and undeniable charm, Taylor's movie transcended the issue of an age gap. She made her portrayal breathtaking by keeping audiences of the whole world under her dramatic spell.
Although she was wrong about her age and history, Taylor's intense depiction of Cleopatra has been one of the most iconic in film history. She proved to be an excellent actress and, thus, a Hollywood legend.
8) Sally Field in Forrest Gump (1994)
Sally Field was only 10 years older than Tom Hanks when she played his mother, Mrs. Gump, in the classic movie Forrest Gump. While not much of an age gap, Field played a doting mother whose wisdom and resilience guided Forrest's life. Field played Mrs. Gump so convincingly that audiences never doubted the age gap.
From her vivid advice, "Life is like a box of chocolates," to her unceasing support of Forrest, the performance by Field became one of the movie's emotional touchstones. She was at her finest, transcending the age mismatch, and really proving to be an exquisite talent for an actress.
9) Angelina Jolie in Alexander (2004)
Angelina Jolie was 29 years old when she played the role of Olympias, Alexander's mother in Alexander. History shows that Olympias was a couple of decades older than this young actress, but Jolie added strength to the character to showcase intense devotion to her son throughout the film.
While some people raised concerns about the age gap, Jolie's acting made it clear that actors can get away with a lot if they truly embody their character, making her portrayal of Olympias one of the film's standouts.
10) Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man (2002)
Tobey Maguire was 27 years old when he played Peter Parker, a high school student turned superhero, in Spider-Man. He was way older than his character, but Maguire performed in a way that conveyed the awkwardness, earnestness, and emotional depth of a teenager.
Relatability and charm are two qualities he brought to the role that made the movie a great success. Although his age became a matter of debate, it was his genuineness that won the hearts of viewers as he played both underdog Peter and heroic Spider-Man.
11) Emily Rudd in One Piece (2023)
Emily Rudd was 30 years old when she took up the role of Nami in the live-action film One Piece. Portrayed traditionally in an anime series, Nami is a young character. Rudd managed to pull off this role and was quick-witted and independent as the character Nami. She injected charm and vulnerability into the character, making her an overnight fan favorite.
12) Nancy Kyes in Halloween (1978)
Nancy Kyes was 27 years old when she portrayed Annie Brackett, the high school student, on Halloween. The casting choice was a controversial one because Kyes was much older than the character, but her performance was so excellent that it went unnoticed by the audience. Kyes perfectly fitted Annie's bubbly character, making her an unforgettable part of the iconic slasher movie.
The age gap did not even take away from the performance, as she brought both heart and humor to the role, adding to the general success of the film and turning Annie into a standout role in Halloween.
13) Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon (2022)
Ewan Mitchell played Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon when he was in his late 20s. Aemond, who was supposed to be a teenager in the timeline of the show, was portrayed by Mitchell with maturity and intensity. His performance added depth to the character, and his age did not prevent him from portraying Aemond's fiery ambition and ruthless demeanor.
A highlight of the acting was when Mitchell portrayed a young Targaryen prince; one would not have felt that an age difference prevented him from bringing the many complexities of the character alive.
14) Michelle Trachtenberg in Gossip Girl (2008-2012)
When Michelle Trachtenberg was 22 years old, she got the part of the vixenish manipulative high school student, Georgina Sparks, whose outrageous stunts stirred up the Upper East Side. It was no small feat to be that good at such a young age, especially for an iconic character like Georgina—rebellious and sneaky.
Michelle added to Georgina's charismatic but out-of-control aspect that makes her character pivotal to much of the drama of this show. It blurred the lines between age and character; Georgina's devil-may-care attitude made her one of Gossip Girl's most unforgettable wildcards.
15) Shirley Henderson in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Shirley Henderson was 36 years old when she acted as Moaning Myrtle, the ghost of 11 years, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. She was rather old for the character, but her high-pitched voice, combined with the loneliness of Myrtle, made her one of the most unforgettable characters in the movie.
Her performance had the right balance: Moaning Myrtle's emotional depth against the seeming childishness of her personality. With the ability to portray Myrtle's emotional vulnerability and sadness, age was not a hindrance in her captivating performance.
16) Olivia Newton-John in Grease (1978)
Olivia Newton-John was 29 years old when she played the role of Sandy Olsson in Grease, meant for a high school graduate. Despite being older than the character, her youthful features and vitality made her very suitable for the role.
The entire film revolves around the change of an innocent girl into a confident woman and the actress could easily slip between those two personas, demonstrating her skills. The age difference was hardly noticeable, as Newton-John's charm and performance helped cement Grease as a classic favorite.
17) Stockard Channing in Grease (1978)
Rizzo, the tough teenage rebel in Grease, was an appropriate role for Stockard Channing at the age of 34. Although Channing herself was older her performance as Rizzo was perfect: wry, strong-willed, and full of attitude.
Her subtlety added depth to her character, making Rizzo one of the most vivid and lovable characters. The age difference did not work to prevent Channing from really portraying the angst and vulnerability of a teenager, and this is what remains a defining part of the cultural legacy of Grease.
18) Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (1964)
Audrey Hepburn was 34 years old when she portrayed Eliza Doolittle, a flower girl turned refined lady in My Fair Lady. Although older than the character, Hepburn's grace and poise enabled her to portray Eliza with great elegance.
The character's transformation from a poor Cockney girl to a sophisticated lady, as portrayed by Hepburn, was both captivating and timeless. Hepburn was so captivating that the age gap became almost unimportant, and she took her place as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses.
19) Christopher Reeve in Superman (1978)
Christopher Reeve was only 26 years old when he played Superman, an age when an actor traditionally plays more mature roles. He balanced innocence and strength blended with vulnerability to portray the iconic character.
Both Clark Kent and Superman, portrayed by him, are etched in history as an enduring symbol of heroism. Reeve's age did not stop him from bringing the beloved comic book character to life, and his portrayal remains one of the most iconic in superhero film history.
20) Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
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Meryl Streep was 56 when she played Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. Priestly, in the story, is written as being a bit older, yet Streep brings an even greater sense of class and power into the role that is so rarely found.
The legendary portrayal by Streep as the imperious fashion magazine editor has also been showered with accolades. Despite a wide age gap, her performance really captured the intricacy of the character with the understanding that when one is given an iconic role, age is merely just a number.
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