10 Biopics Where Characters Change Their Appearance

Description: This film tells the story of Joseph Merrick, a man with severe deformities, who finds kindness and understanding in Victorian London. The transformation here is not physical but emotional, as Merrick's inner beauty shines through his outward appearance.

Fact: John Hurt, who played Merrick, had to wear heavy makeup for up to 12 hours a day. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: Robert De Niro's transformation into Jake LaMotta, from a fit boxer to an overweight retiree, is legendary. His physical change reflects the boxer's tumultuous life both in and out of the ring.

Fact: De Niro gained 60 pounds for the role, and he trained with real-life boxer Jake LaMotta to get his boxing technique right.

Description: Salma Hayek plays Frida Kahlo, capturing not only her physical transformation due to polio and a bus accident but also her vibrant spirit and artistic genius.

Fact: Hayek was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and the film was co-produced by Hayek herself.

Description: Charlize Theron's transformation into Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer, is one of the most famous in cinema. Theron gained weight, wore prosthetic teeth, and altered her appearance to embody the troubled woman.

Fact: Theron won an Oscar for Best Actress for this role, and her transformation was so convincing that she was almost unrecognizable.

Description: Philip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal of Truman Capote involves a physical transformation to match Capote's distinctive voice and mannerisms, highlighting his journey into the dark world of crime for his book "In Cold Blood."

Fact: Hoffman won an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role, and the film was based on the book "Capote: A Biography" by Gerald Clarke.

Description: Matthew McConaughey stars as Ron Woodroof, an AIDS patient who smuggles unapproved drugs to treat his condition. His drastic weight loss for the role reflects the physical toll of the disease and his transformation into an advocate for AIDS patients.

Fact: McConaughey lost 47 pounds for the role, and his co-star Jared Leto lost 30 pounds to play a transgender woman with AIDS.

Description: Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher includes a transformation from a young, ambitious politician to an elderly woman reflecting on her life, capturing the physical and emotional changes over time.

Fact: Streep won an Academy Award for Best Actress for this role, and she spent time with Thatcher's daughter to understand her mannerisms.

Description: Eddie Redmayne portrays Stephen Hawking, whose physical condition deteriorates due to motor neuron disease, yet his mind continues to explore the universe. The film captures his physical transformation and his undying spirit.

Fact: Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was based on Jane Hawking's memoir.

Description: Margot Robbie transforms into Tonya Harding, showcasing her rise in the figure skating world and the infamous scandal that changed her life. The film uses makeup and costumes to depict Harding's physical changes over time.

Fact: Robbie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and the film uses a unique narrative style with interviews and fourth-wall breaks.

Description: Christian Bale's extreme weight loss to play Trevor Reznik, an insomniac machinist, showcases the physical toll of mental anguish. His transformation is central to the film's narrative of guilt and redemption.

Fact: Bale lost 63 pounds for the role, reducing his body weight to 121 pounds, which is one of the most drastic transformations in film history.