It could be fascinating to be a well-known member of a family, however in many instances, several members of the same family achieve fame on their own. We have witnessed numerous cases of famous siblings walking the red carpet together or being accompanied by their renowned parents. Some of these siblings may have a notable age gap between them which is unexpected.
Nicole and Sofia Richie
Nicole Richie, who was born in California, started her professional journey in the early 2000s by featuring in the reality show The Simple Life with her close pal Paris Hilton. Presently, she is known to be a multi-faceted personality as she has diversified into the roles of a fashion designer, socialite, and a TV persona.
Sofia, who happens to be Nicole’s younger sibling, is quite familiar with being in the limelight. In addition to pursuing a career in fashion designing like her elder sister, Sofia models for numerous prominent brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, and Adidas.
The Richie Sisters
It is widely known that Sofia and Nicole Richie are celebrities who have been in the media for several years. However, their age difference is more significant than what one would expect.
Nicole, who was born in 1981, is currently 41 years of age. In comparison, Sofia was born in 1998 and is presently 24 years old. Hence, the age difference between the two Richie sisters is 17 years.
Alexander and Bill Skarsgård
Alexander Skarsgård, who was born in Stockholm, started his acting career at an early age. However, he left it to serve in the Swedish military. Upon completion of his service, he resumed acting and secured a part in Zoolander. Nevertheless, some individuals may be more familiar with his performance in True Blood or Big Little Lies.
Pennywise, the supernatural character in the horror films “It” and “It Chapter Two” is the most popular role played by Bill Skarsgård. Bill has a diverse range of talents including producing, writing, directing, modeling, and voice acting.
The Skarsgård Brothers
Despite belonging to a well-known family, it’s not guaranteed that you have detailed knowledge about Alexander and Bill. It might surprise you to know that the brothers don’t have the same age gap as you assume. Contrary to popular belief, Alexander Skarsgård is the elder of the two, being born in the year 1976.
The current age of the actor is 46 years, while Bill, who was born in 1990, is considerably younger. As of August, the actor is 32 years old. Additionally, the siblings Gustaf, Valter, Eija, and Sam Skarsgård are all part of the family.
Rosanna and David Arquette
Although Rosanna Arquette became noticeable in the entertainment industry during the 1970s, it was not until a while after that she earned an Emmy award nomination, all thanks to her outstanding performance in the television movie The Executioner’s Song. Moreover, she appeared in several films such as Pulp Fiction and Crash.
You might recognize the name David Arquette for a few different reasons. Maybe you remember him from his roles in Scream and Never Been Kissed, or maybe you know him as the spouse of the popular Courteney Cox.
The Arquette Sibilings
Even though Rosanna and David do not look very similar, it is clear that they are siblings. Rosanna is the elder of the two, being born in 1959 and currently being 63 years old.
David’s birth year was 1971, which means he is presently 51 years old. Additionally, the two individuals have notable relatives, such as Patricia Arquette (known for her role in the movie Boyhood), who is presently 54 years old.
Rihanna and Rajad Fenty
At this stage of her career, Rihanna is so well-known that an introduction is almost unnecessary. With her achievements as a musician, actress, and businesswoman, it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t heard of her.
Riri’s family includes her siblings Rorrey and Rajad Fenty. While Rajad may not be as famous as his older sister, he still has a significant social media presence, boasting over 150,000 followers on his Instagram account.
The Fenty Siblings
Rihanna and her younger brother Rajad have the same biological father. While Rihanna was born in 1988 and is currently 34 years old, Rajad was born in 1996 and is currently 26 years old. Thus, there is an eight-year age difference between the two siblings.
According to reports, Rajad’s teenage years were largely spent accompanying his sister during the filming of her music videos and television appearances, enabling him to encounter numerous famous personalities, including Jay-Z. It appears to have been an enjoyable upbringing for him!
James and Dave Franco
James Franco and Dave Franco have established themselves as notable figures in the entertainment industry. It’s likely that you’ve watched several movies starring both of them. James, the elder sibling, gained his initial opportunity in 1999 when he secured a prominent part in the short-lived but beloved Freaks and Geeks.
After that time, James has enjoyed a highly prosperous professional path. Dave initially landed minor roles in movies such as Superbad before ultimately achieving success by playing a secondary character in 21 Jump Street.
The Franco Brothers
Although you might be aware that Dave Franco is the younger sibling, it may be unexpected to learn that there is actually a gap of seven years between the two brothers.
Dave’s birth year is 1985, which makes him 37 years old in 2022. On the other hand, James is 44. Despite the age difference, it’s easy to notice a family resemblance between them.
Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner
To have a discussion about notable celebrity siblings, it would be incomplete without mentioning the Kardashian-Jenners who possess a great amount of star quality. Kim, who gained notoriety from the early 2000s, might have had a questionable beginning, but it’s impossible to ignore her success as a socialite and entrepreneur.
Kylie, the younger sibling, was introduced to the world of stardom at a very young age, as the show Keeping Up With the Kardashians commenced when she was only ten. Presently, she has her own flourishing business, Kylie Cosmetics, and is recognized as a successful businesswoman.
Kardashian-Jenner Clan
It’s difficult to overlook the Kardashian-Jenner family due to their numerous siblings and business ventures. Although it’s evident that there are considerable age differences between them, it may be shocking to discover just how significant those gaps are.
Kim and Kylie have a considerable age gap of 17 years despite the fact that Kim is not the eldest of the Kardashian family. They still collaborate regularly, as viewers have observed on social media and reality shows.
Ariana and Frankie Grande
Ariana Grande started her career on Broadway in 2008, acting in the musical 13. She later became well-known for playing the roles of Cat Valentine in Victorious and Sam & Cat on Nickelodeon. Her exceptional voice, which covers four octaves, has earned her numerous awards and accolades.
Frankie is widely recognized for his stage performances and TV appearances, both in reality shows and theatrical productions. In his career, he has demonstrated his talent by participating in Broadway musicals such as Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia!, as well as taking on several roles in Off-Broadway productions. Additionally, he has worked as a producer, television host, and established a name for himself as a YouTube personality.
The Grande Siblings
The age difference between the Grande siblings is 10 years. Ariana, born in 1993, is 29 years old whereas her older half-brother, born in 1983, is 39 years old.
Although Ariana started making public appearances at a younger age, both family members began their careers in the arts at a relatively young age. Nonetheless, the family’s entertainers undoubtedly possess remarkable talent.
Kate Hudson and Wyatt Russell
Kate Hudson, known for her acting and business ventures, began her career in show business in the mid-1990s. She quickly achieved success, earning multiple awards. Her performances in films like Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days have solidified her as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
Despite the abundance of names within the entertainment industry, it’s possible that some of you haven’t yet made the connection that Kate is actually related to actor Wyatt Russell, who has appeared in Black Mirror and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The Hudson-Russell Clan
Having confirmed that Kate Hudson and Wyatt Russell are indeed siblings, we can now proceed to explore their family background. Kate and her elder sibling, Oliver Hudson, were brought into the world by Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson.
As Goldie and Bill divorced when their children were young, Kate and Oliver were mainly raised by Kurt Russell, who was their mother’s partner for a long time. Wyatt, their half-brother, was born to Goldie and Kurt when Kate was seven and Oliver was ten.
Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears
Starting her career in 1992, Britney Spears has gained the title of the Princess of Pop. Over the years, she has gained attention both for her accomplishments in the music industry and personal life. She has been recognized as one of the top-selling musical artists globally and has also faced various legal disputes related to her conservatorship. Overall, Britney has had a tumultuous yet fulfilling journey.
Jamie Lynn, who is the younger sister of Britney, has also experienced many events throughout the years. Following her time on Nickelodeon, Jamie Lynn made public her pregnancy at the age of 16 and faced considerable media scrutiny.
The Spears Sisters
At present, Britney is 41 years of age and her younger sister Jamie Lynn is 10 years younger than her. Although they had a closer bond in the past, their relationship has been tumultuous since they had a well-publicized quarrel over Britney’s conservatorship, which she was under from 2008 to 2021.
Despite fluctuating emotions about whether or not to communicate with her sister, Britney’s love for her remains steadfast, according to sources. Both sisters remain occupied with their individual professional pursuits. Britney’s upcoming memoir reportedly secured her a record-breaking $15 million book deal, setting a new high-water mark in the industry.
Scott and Kyle Eastwood
It’s undeniable that Clint Eastwood’s name is familiar to people of all ages and backgrounds. As expected, some of Clint’s children have also pursued careers in the entertainment field.
Kyle, the son, is a jazz bassist and composer for films who initially studied film at the University of Southern California before embracing a musical career. Meanwhile, Scott is an actor who has appeared in notable films such as Flags of Our Fathers, Suicide Squad, and The Fate of the Furious.
The Eastwood Brothers
Clint, a legendary Hollywood personality, is currently 92 years old and has fathered a minimum of eight children with six women. Therefore, it is of little astonishment that Scott and Kyle, who share the same father, have a considerable age difference of 18 years.
Clint was accompanied by his ex-wife, Maggie Johnson, when he welcomed Kyle. Clint and Maggie were married for 31 years until 1984. On the other hand, Scott became a part of the Eastwood family later after he and his younger sister, Kathryn, were born to Clint and flight attendant Jacelyn Reeves.
Miley and Noah Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, whose father is the renowned country music artist Billy Ray Cyrus, initiated her career in her teenage years by depicting the lead role of the titular character in Disney’s Hannah Montana series. Although Miley achieved success at a young age, it is often overlooked that she also has siblings.
Some members of the family are actually part of the entertainment industry. Noah, for example, is both a singer and an actress who has even dropped three extended plays. It’s evident that the family still possesses an abundance of talent.
The Cyrus Sisters
Miley, the older sister, is presently 30 years old and her younger sibling Noah is almost 23 years old (born January 2000) owing to a seven-year age gap between them. Noah, the youngest member of the Cyrus family, has spoken candidly about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of her famous older sister.
Even though she faced a difficulty, she has undoubtedly established herself in recent years and even got recognition for the Best New Artist award at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Miley must be feeling pleased for her younger sister!
Chris and Liam Hemsworth
It cannot be disputed that Chris and Liam Hemsworth became very popular and famous, due to their appealing personalities, skills, accents, and exceptional physical appearance.
Chris gained fame through an Australian TV show and later entered the Hollywood film industry, where he is now recognized for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Similarly, Liam began his career in TV and then progressed to the American film industry, starring in movies like The Last Song, The Hunger Games, and Independence Day: Resurgence.
The Hemsworth Brothers
It has been established that the Hemsworth family has a genetic disposition for good looks. Evidently, all three brothers, namely Luke, Chris, and Liam, exhibit a strikingly similar appearance.
Despite the resemblance and the close relationship they share, one might assume that they are all of similar ages. However, this assumption is incorrect as Chris happens to be seven years older than Liam. Also, Luke, who is the eldest of the siblings, is 10 years Liam’s senior since he is 42 years old.
Barron Hilton II and Paris Hilton
The Hilton brand has a long history, originating from the establishment of the well-known hotel by Conrad Hilton in 1919, which now spans over a century. Despite being Conrad’s great-granddaughter, Paris has achieved success in the entertainment sector in her own unique way.
During the late ’90s, she was not only an influential personality in NYC’s social scene but also participated in modeling and appeared with her best friend Nicole Richie in a reality television show. Despite the fame of Paris and her sister Nicky, the public tends to overlook the third Hilton sibling, Barron II.
The Hilton Sibs
Paris has been a well-known personality for a considerable amount of time, and her involvement in reality TV is not the only factor contributing to her reputation. Apart from being a successful businesswoman, Paris has also tried her hand in acting and writing. Her first book, Confessions of an Heiress, was highly acclaimed and even became a Best Seller on the New York Times.
Paris, who is currently 41 years old, has an age difference of eight years with her brother, Barron, who is 33. Even though Barron is not as famous as his sisters, people have started paying attention to him when he tied the knot with Tessa Gräfin von Walderdorff, a member of a German aristocratic family.
Kevin, Joe, Nick // Frankie Jonas
The Jonas Brothers, known for their pop-rock music, were established in 2005 after producing the song “Please Be Mine”. However, it was only when they started to appear on Disney Channel that they became famous and well-liked. Although people often overlook this, the band is composed of Kevin, Joe, and Nick, who also have a younger sibling named Frankie.
Despite not performing together with his siblings, Frankie has established himself and found success. He has provided voice acting for animated movies like Ponyo, secured various roles in Disney Channel productions, and even acted with his brothers in the film Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.
The (Actual) Jonas Brothers
So much has happened since the Jonas Brothers started their career. One of the notable changes is that all the three brothers are now married and have kids, which is not surprising given that Kevin, Joe, and Nick are 35, 33, and 30 years old respectively. It’s amazing how time flies!
While their brother Frankie is a younger age of only 22 years old, Nick has an age difference of eight years, Joe with 11 years, and Kevin with 13 years. Nevertheless, despite the significant age gaps, the sibling bond amongst them seems to be strong.
Liev and Pablo Schreiber
Liev Schrieber, a highly praised actor, has demonstrated his acting skills in various independent and mainstream movies, and has also contributed his voice to animated productions. Additionally, he has demonstrated his abilities in the theatrical realm by performing in Broadway productions. Currently recognized for his role as the protagonist in Ray Donovan, Liev has also explored other aspects of filmmaking by engaging in directing and screenwriting.
Pablo, his brother, has also had a successful career. Although his stage work is what he is most recognized for, he also starred on The Wire and played George Mendez in Orange Is the New Black.
The Schreiber Brothers
Was anyone else caught off guard by the fact that these two are brothers? They are half-brothers, to be specific. Liev was born in San Francisco and his family relocated to British Columbia when he was just one year old.
When Liev was five years old, his parents divorced and he relocated with his mother to Manhattan. His father stayed in British Columbia and had another child, Pablo, with Canadian body-based psychotherapist Lorraine Reaveley. Pablo is eleven years younger than Liev.
Beanie Feldstein and Jonah Hill
Being that Jonah Hill goes by his given middle name, it makes sense as to why people may forget that he and Beanie Feldstein are siblings. Over the years, audiences have watched Jonah Hill grow up on screen.
From his more comedic roles in films like Superbad to performances that have won him critical acclaim — including The Wolf of Wall Street and Moneyball — there’s no denying that Jonah is an extremely versatile performer. Like her brother, Beanie is an actress, having appeared on the big screen as well as the Broadway stage.
The Feldstein-Hill Siblings
Being that Jonah and Beanie were born to costumer designer/fashion stylist Sharon Lyn and Guns N’ Roses tour accountant Richard Feldstein, it doesn’t come as a shocker that they both saw a future in the entertainment industry.
In fact, so did their late older brother, Jordan — who was a music manager for Robin Thicke and Maroon 5. Of course, considering that Jonah is 10 years Beanie’s senior, it was his job to pave the way for his younger sis. And, from the looks of it, he definitely understood the assignment.
Beau and Jeff Bridges
There’s no denying that brothers Jeff and Beau Bridges have both made huge marks in Hollywood. A family of artists, it’s no surprise that Beau and Jeff followed in their parents’ footsteps. In fact, after Beau graduated from high school at 17 years old, he toured with his father in a stage production of Anniversary Waltz.
He then studied acting in NYC before getting his start in the entertainment industry in the late ’40s. For his part, Jeff got his start back in 1951 and has received various accolades since then.
The Bridges Sibs
The sons of actor Lloyd Bridges and actress Dorothy, Beau and Jeff were raised in the Holmby Hills section of LA, along with their younger sister. According to sources, Beau and Jeff have always had a close relationship, despite their eight-year age difference.
According to Jeff himself, as the older brother, “Beau was kind of, you know, like the uncle or the surrogate father at the time” while their dad was working hard on set. We don’t know about you guys but that totally warms our hearts!
Lupita and Peter “Junior” Nyong’o
An award-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o got her start in Hollywood as a production assistant before making her acting debut in a short film. It was her first feature film role in Steve McQueen’s biopic 12 Years a Slave, however, that earned her critical acclaim.
From there, the gigs began rolling in, although Lupita rose to stardom thanks to her portrayal as Nakia in the MCU Black Panther films — as well as her starring role in Jordan Peele’s horror film Us. Lupita has a younger brother who, while not as famous as his sis, has also graced fans with his presence.
The Nyong’o Sibs
While Lupita is undeniably more famous than her younger brother, you might actually recognize his face from the viral star-studded selfie from the 2014 Academy Awards. According to his IMDB, Junior is an actor and musician.
After graduating from Stetson University with a BA in Theater Arts and Digital Arts, Junior performed in several plays including 12th Night, Shakespeare in Love, and Hamlet among other shows. Considering all of his experience, it may come as a suprise that Junior is actually 11 years younger than older sis Lupita. While Junior is 28, Lupita is 39 years old.
Evan and Tracee Ellis Ross
No matter how old or young you are, the name Diana Ross will likely ring a bell — especially considering the fact that her kids are too in the entertainment industry. Tracee Ellis Ross began her Hollywood career back in the mid-’90s.
She’s best known for her leading roles in the TV series Girlfriends and Black-ish. Following in the footsteps of both his sister and mother, Evan is an actor and musician. Not only has he starred in several films including Pride and Supremacy, but he has also had recurring roles on television shows such as 90210 and Star.
The Ross Siblings
Right, so we’ve already discussed the fact that Tracee Ellis and Evan Ross are related. But, being that Tracee and Evan have different fathers, it makes sense that there’s a substantial age difference.
Tracee was born in October of 1972, making her 50 years old today. Younger brother Evan was born in August 1988, which makes him 34 years old. That means these siblings have a 16-year age gap! Despite that, though, it actually seems like the Ross family is very close.
Alec and Stephen Baldwin
Here’s yet another instance in which it really makes no difference your age. Either way, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll recognize the collective Baldwin brothers Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen.
For our younger readers, Stephen is fashion model Hailey Bieber’s father! Today, we’ll be focusing on the eldest and youngest of the siblings — Alec and Stephen. Both brothers have enjoyed rather fruitful careers, which started back in the ’80s.
The Baldwin Brothers
While Alec’s career began in 1980, it took a few more years for Stephen to join his brothers. Then again, that’s understandable considering the fact that Stephen is eight years younger than Alec.
The eldest of the brothers, Alec is 64 years old. Stephen, the youngest, is 56 years old. Although the two have had their differences in the past, it seems that all the brothers get along quite famously.
Tia, Tamara, and Tahj Mowry
Twins Tia and Tamera Mowry found their way into our hearts back in the ’90s when they began starring in Sister, Sister. What many don’t know is that the sitcom was specifically developed for the Mowry twins after a producer saw them on the set of Full House, a show on which their brother Tahj made regular appearances.
Over the years, all three siblings have continued their respective careers, although they all took some time away from the spotlight to study at Pepperdine University.
The Mowry Siblings
Born in July of 1978, Tia and Tamera Mowry are now 44 years old. Tahj, on the other hand, was welcomed in 1986, which makes him 36 years old today. That means the twins are eight years older than their younger brother.
Despite this age gap, though, it’s evident that the Mowry siblings are extremely close. Don’t believe us? Just check out their social media accounts and you’ll see all sorts of sweet and heartfelt posts, proving just how strong their bond is.
Lady Gaga and Natali Germanotta
Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, Lady Gaga took the world by storm when she first entered the scene, between her dance-pop sound and eccentric fashion sense. Over the years, she has proven that her talent knows no bounds.
She has not only found success in her musical career but in her acting endeavors as well. Her sister, Natali, is also in the entertainment industry — though it seems that she prefers to stay behind the scenes, in comparison to her sister. Natali is a fashion designer and stylist. She’s also the founder of fashion label Topo Studio.
The Germanotta Sisters
Lady Gaga was born in March 1986, which makes her 36 years old. Natali, the younger of the two, was born in March 1992 so she’s now 30 years old. That means that the sisters have a six-year age gap.
Though this may be the case, it seems that Gaga and Natali have a very close relationship and, in fact, accompany each other to social events and award shows. Not only that, but Natali has even styled her big sis for magazine shoots. Aside from her work as a stylist on the set of A Star Is Born, Natali has also appeared in two of Gaga’s music videos including “Telephone” and “Joanne”.
Aly and AJ
Aly & AJ is a pop-rock duo made up of sisters Alyson and Amanda Joy Michalka. The duo first became popular in the early 2000s upon the release of their debut album, Into the Rush, which debuted at number 36 on the US Billboard 200.
Their third album, Insomniatic, peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200, selling over 39,000 copies in its first week — becoming the band’s highest debut to date.
The Michalka Sisters
This sister duo is a little different. After all, they’re close in age — they don’t sport a massive gap like some of the others on this list. However, their age difference surprises many who assume the sisters are twins. It turns out, they aren’t.
Aly Michalka was born in 1989, making the 33-year-old two years older than her younger sister, AJ Michalka. The misconception likely comes from the pair’s long careers, much of which they’ve appeared together for.
Some of these actors have been considered the very best in the business, going above and beyond for their film roles only to end up hospitalized. While we admire their commitment, sometimes we wonder – was it all worth it?
Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
When Heath Ledger started filming The Dark Knight, he scared everyone on set, so much that Michael Caine forgot his lines. Unfortunately, the mix of insomnia, depression and prescription pills led to his untimely death.cch
Ashton Kutcher – Jobs
When the film Jobs went into production, Ashton Kutcher was the chosen actor for the role of the Apple creator, Steve Jobs. To get into his role, the That ’70s Show actor went on a complete fruit diet, just like the man he was playing had in real-life. However, this proved to be severely unhealthy for Kutcher, who ended up in the hospital two days before filming began. He was admitted to the hospital for severe vitamin deficiencies and a reduction in bone density.
Michelle Williams – Marilyn
Michelle Williams was given the lucrative role of playing glamour model, Marilyn Monroe, in the film Marilyn. To perfect her role, and do the role justice, Williams tied a belt around her legs in order to match the famous walk of Monroe’s. After spending weeks studying up on how to become Marilyn as best she could, Williams admitted that she didn’t know if it was her in her head or if the feeling of being Monroe had taken over.
Nicolas Cage – Ghost Rider
Nicolas Cage scared his co-stars on the film Ghost Rider when he got into his character of Johnny Blaze. While he has since claimed he isn’t even a fan of the film franchise, he certainly went all out to get into his character for the movie. He used makeup on his face to look like a corpse, and he carried Egyptian symbols with him to invoke ghosts and spirits. He also refused to speak to any of his co-stars in between scenes, which was why they were scared of him.
Val Kilmer – The Doors
When Val Kilmer was cast to play Jim Morrison from The Doors in the film adaptation, he wanted to make sure his performance was the best it could possibly be. To make it authentic, he took the time to learn some of Morrison’s songs which would make sense. However, he then he went overboard in trying to learn a staggering 50 of his songs when only 15 made it to the film. By the end, he had everyone on set calling him “Jim.”
Jared Leto – Suicide Squad
Jared Leto was chosen to follow in the footsteps of Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger for playing the Joker, so expectations were high. Similarly to Ledger, Leto prepared himself for the crazy role and sent his Suicide Quad co-stars weird gifts. He sent Margot Robbie creepy love letters and a dead rat and sent Will Smith bullets. His preparation for the character has gotten so out of hand that the producers hired on-screen therapists to take care of the cast’s sanity during the shoot.
Daniel Day Lewis – My Left Food
Daniel Day Lewis has become one the best actors to ever live, and that is because he knows how to pull off a character. However, when he portrayed a handicapped hunched person in My Left Foot, he remained hunched for the duration the film was in production. He remained hunched even when he was done shooting his and ended up with two broken ribs. Since he refused to come out of character, the crew had to literally spoon feed him between takes as he acted as a disabled person.
Christian Bale – The Machinist
Christian Bale is known for going a little too far when it comes to getting into character, but he outdid himself when it came to his performance in The Machinist. Playing insomniac-hallucinating machinist Trevor, Bale lost around 60 pounds for the role. He was completely famished and did not sleep for two weeks straight to become Trevor, nor speak to the outside world for two months. Rather, he completely isolated himself during that period, for which he perfected his remarkable role in the film.
Malcom McDowell – A Clockwork Orange
When Malcom McDowell was given a role in A Clockwork Orange, he was also given full access to play with the character. In fact, McDowell improvised almost all of his scenes, when his character was held together by copious amounts of glue. However, his character’s personality seemed to take a toll on the actor’s personal life, and McDowell started to have seizures at night and needed therapy. He experienced temporary blindness on set and, to limit his sanity, he got put on medication.
50 Cent – All Things Fall Apart
After 50 Cent starred in Get Rich or Die Tryin’, he impressed his fans who believed he was only cut out for the rapping world. However, with such a positive response, the rapper believed he was ready to take on more roles. In 2011, he starred in All Things Fall Apart, and photos of a very sickly skinny 50 Cent emerged online. Having stuck to a mostly liquid diet, he went from 214lbs to 160lbs in nine weeks. Unfortunately, the film was a massive flop.
Johnny Depp – Pirates of The Carribean
It is safe to say that Johnny Depp has had his fair share of crazy moments, and when it came to playing Captain Jack Sparrow in The Pirates of The Caribbean franchise, Depp stayed fully in his role. He based the character off of Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones and was said no never have come out of character. Having focused so much on his method acting, he wanted to stay in character for the duration of filming.
Hilary Swank – Boys, Don’t Cry
When she was cast to play Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry, Hilary Swank was really going for that Oscar. She lived, breathed and slept Teena by essentially living as the character; she wrapped bandages around her breasts, wore prosthetic genitalia, only answered to a male’s name for the entire month, and cut her hair. Since she was telling a real-life story with her character, Swank wanted to make it as accurate as possible. It paid off since she won an Academy Award.
Jamie Dornan – The Fall
Before becoming Mr. Christian Grey, Jamie Dornan played the role of a serial killer in the TV show, The Fall. To get into character, Dornan admitted that he followed a woman off the train and sneaked behind her for several blocks afterward.
This was his way of learning how it felt to prey on someone, and said, “It felt kind of exciting, in a really sort of dirty way. I’m sort of not proud of myself.” We won’t even begin to wonder how he prepared for 50 Shades of Grey.
Bill Skarsgard – It
It might’ve been Tim Curry who originally played the iconic role of Pennywise the clown in an adaptation of Stephen King’s It. However, Bill Skarsgard recently put his own stamp on the terrifying clown in an updated version. While his filmography was fairly limited before landing the creepy role, there is no denying that It catapulted Bill Skarsgard into superstardom and he definitely has the acting chops to become the embodiment of fear and craziness. He will reprise the role in It: Chapter Two.
Halle Berry – Jungle Fever
While Halle Berry does not seem to be the type to take on method acting, she did so when it came to her role in Jungle Fever. Playing a street worker who was addicted to illicit substances, Berry prepared by not showering for two weeks and would visit those who were struggling from addiction in real-life to see how they live and act. This Hollywood star completely transformed herself for the role and, unsurprisingly, since she is known for always being a super talented actress.
Jamie Foxx – Ray
When Jamie Foxx was cast to play the lead role in the film Ray, he wanted to make Ray Charles proud. The role was a huge deal for him, and Foxx wanted to represent the blind community accurately. The actor wore prosthetic eyelids for 14 hours a day and stayed in character on set meaning people had to help guide him. He managed to achieve what he set out to do and his dedication paid off since he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Kate Winslet – The Reader
Kate Winslet may have won her first and only Academy Award in 2008 for her role as a former Nazi concentration camp guard in the film, The Reader, but the actress said the role took its toll on her. The actress admitted that it took months for her to fully break free from the part and leave the character behind to which she compared would feel like escaping a serious car accident. Nevertheless, Winslet proved once again why she is one of Hollywood’s most recognized actress’s.
Nicolas Cage – Birdy
Once actors are given the title of being one of the craziest actor’s in Hollywood, it seems that they hold onto this and never let it go. That could be said for Nicolas Cage who, like his role in Ghost Rider took things to the extreme for his role in Birdy. Cage had four of his teeth pulled out when he played the role of a disfigured Vietnam veteran in 1984, and he wore the character’s facial bandages for five weeks, both on and off of set.
Shelley Duvall – The Shining
It may not have been all fun and games for Shelley Duvall at the time, but her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining made for an amazing performance. The infamous baseball bat scene fan for 127 takes, and Duvall said she would spend 12 hours a day just screaming. While Kubrick got a great performance and end result after 13 months of shooting The Shining, Duvall says that her experience on the film was “almost unbearable,” and her character really took its roll on her.
Heather Donahue – The Blair Witch Project
The directors of The Blair Witch Project did not make it easy for the whole cast after they plunged them into the woods without them knowing exactly what was planned. Rather, they were deliberately disturbed and alarmed every night, which would keep them in a state of anxiety. Heather had a hard time even after the film was released because she had to pretend the whole thing was real – meaning she had to pretend to be dead, when she was very much alive.
Adrien Brody – The Pianist
For his role in The Pianist, Adrien Brody dedicated his life to perfecting his performance and went through hell to prepare. As well as losing 12 kilos for the role, he gave up his cell phone, his car, and his apartment, by selling each of them. He also broke up with his long-term girlfriend, which may explain why his crying scenes looked like he lost everything in the world. However, at 29-years-old, Adrien Brody became the youngest actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for this role.
Marilyn Burns – Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Texas Chain Saw Massacre goes down as one of the most traumatic films to watch, so it could not have been the easiest to work on. Marilyn Burns suffered at the hands of Leatherface and director, Tobe Hooper, and cut her finger open for real during one scene. “It was surrealistic and became so frightening because I had to be tied up and screaming for so long,” she told Terror Trap. “Afterwards, I was just so grateful it was over. I probably was the happiest girl alive.”
Kyle Richards – Halloween
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Kyle Richards, started her career as a child actress. She was just nine-years-old when Halloween came out and explained that she was fine when filming but told Halloween Daily News, “I had no idea what I was in for. “Seeing it for the first time all pieced together was a very, very different movie. It was just really scary, and I really did sleep with my mom until I was 15 years old after that. I was terrified.”
Margot Robbie – I, Tonya
Margot Robbie took on the role of disgraced professional ice skater, Tonya Harding, for the film, I, Tonya, and it was not just make-up and prosthetics that made her fit for the role. The Australian actress took her role seriously by training for five months, five days a week, four hours a day to perfect her ice skating on the ice rink. This still was not enough to get the coveted triple axel, which is understandable, but it did win Academy Awards.
Robert Pattinson – Good Time
He won international fame after his role in the Twilight series but, somehow, Robert Pattinson managed to go unnoticed when he started working at a car wash and taking the New York City subway to prepare for his critically acclaimed role in Good Time, playing a thief. He “literally lived in the same basement apartment [as the character] in Harlem. I never opened my curtains, didn’t change the sheets the entire time I was there, for those two months, and I would just sleep in my clothes.”
John Krasinski – 13 Hours
For the film 13 Hours, based on the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya, John Krasinski was transformed into a cut special ops soldier. Speaking about how he and the cast had to go through vigorous training from former Navy SEALS, the The Office actor told Yahoo! News, “We learned how to fire a whole variety of different weapons and learned how to maneuver through rooms with lights, without lights. We learned how to maneuver through buildings on fire… Physically, it was an extremely intense workout.”
Chris Hemsworth – In the Heart of the Sea
For his role in Ron Howard’s whaling epic, In the Heart of the Sea, Chris Hemsworth went on a 500-calorie-a-day diet, which completely changed his appearance. Those who have seen Hemsworth would know he is usually in great shape, so this role took its toll on the Australian actor. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he said, “We kind of went insane, weighing ourselves every day. We all felt like a bunch of supermodels, trying to get down in weight for a show or something.”
Demi Moore – GI Jane
Demi Moore, known for her long, brunette locks, shaved off her hair for the role of Jordon O’Neil in GI Jane and took part in grueling training for the role, led by former Navy SEALS. “I could have come in and asked to let the stuntwoman do the obstacle course,” Moore explained. “But I felt I would have walked away having missed an opportunity experiencing, first-hand, what these people actually go through in training; it’s the whole reason for doing this film in the first place.”
Rooney Mara – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
For her breakthrough role in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara spent two days with David Fincher and makeup artist, Pat McGrath, coming up with 26 looks for her part of Lisbeth Salander. As well as her chopped-up, dyed black hair, Mara had her eyebrows bleached and got all of her character’s piercings, including a nipple piercing. Speaking of her choices to get the tattoos, and this piercing, in particular, Mara said, “It just felt like a good one to get—a necessary one to get.”
Danny DeVito – One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
The film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, is shot in a psychiatry ward of a mental asylum, and the whole cast lived in a real mental asylum to prepare for their roles. It was for this reason that many actors in the film had a breakdown because they wanted to make their characters as real as possible. Critically acclaimed actor Danny DeVito, for example, made an imaginary friend during filming, as if he were a real-life patient living in an asylum.
Sydney Lassick – One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Another actor from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest who was affected heavily by his role was Sydney Lassick, who suffered a mental breakdown during the filming of the last scene. While a doctor had no concern over DeVito developing an imaginary friend, he was concerned for Lassick. While playing the role of Charlie Cheswick, Lassick developed emotionally erratic behavior which became increasingly unpredictable. During his last scene, Lasick had a tearful outburst, and he became so overwhelmed he had to be removed from the set.
Johnny Depp – Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Johnny Depp took on the role of the crazy Hinter Thompson in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Thompson would store gunpowder and Nitroglycerine in his basement, and Depp would sleep on a bed right next to these containers of explosives at Thompson’s place, which was extremely dangerous. He also took hard illicit substances while he was there and even turned up to the audition for the role in Thompson’s personal clothes that had not been washed for thirty years. Apparently, the casting directors liked that.
Leo DiCaprio – The Revenant
When an actor takes on a role and completely dedicates themselves to their character, it is called method acting. However, some actors don’t know when to turn off their character and bring it into their personal lives. So much so, it makes them go a little crazy. Leo DiCaprio has always been an actor to fully embody his character, and did so for his film The Revenant. To live the character, he changed his vegan lifestyle by eating raw meat and sleeping in animal carcasses.
Joaquin Phoenix – I’m Still Here
When Joaquin Phoenix took on the role of Freddie Quell in I’m Still Here, the actor led many to believe that he had given up acting to pursue a career as a pop star. Playing the part in a film of a completely disheveled actor who went completely out of control, it seems Phoenix did the same. The actor took his character out into the public, and he even made an appearance on David Letterman in the role of his character, which completely confused the talk show host.
Natalie Portman – Black Swan
Natalie Portman does not like to be known as a method actor, but when it came to the Black Swan, she pushed herself to limits she had never done for other films. She lost 20 pounds from her already slim frame and, although she has a body double for her dance routines, she went through a rigorous dance program so she could do some of the scenes herself. On her role, Portman said she was not channeling any past experiences in her life but just doing her job of acting.
Robert De Niro – Taxi Driver and Raging Bull
Robert De Niro is a critically acclaimed actor, so it’s no wonder he wants to give it his all for every role. So much so, that for two of his films, he used method acting to perfect his characters. For Taxi Driver, De Niro got a fake and illegal license to drive people around in New York City at night. For the movie Raging Bull, and his character Jake LaMotta, he practiced boxing so viciously with the real-life LaMotta and broke the boxer’s ribs and teeth while sparring.
Mathew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club
Mathew McConaughey lost 47lbs to play the role of Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club. It took a while for the actor to recover from his role of an individual afflicted with AIDS who tries to get medication for those suffering from the disease. Speaking about his drastic weight loss, the actor said, “As soon as I hit 143lb [10 stone 3lb], I started losing my eyesight. I would do five push-ups and be sore. I would run 30 feet and my legs would lock up.”
John Travolta -Grease
Actor John Travolta never minded switching things up when it came to roles. In fact, he favored taking upon himself new challenges. Whether it’s playing a grown mother in Hairspray or the oh-so-groovy Danny in Grease, Travolta had a knack for thinking outside the box and playing around with his identity. It is for this reason that many fans thought the great actor lost his mind when he shaved off all his hair.
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker
Let’s face it, Joaquin Phoenix was already a pretty eccentric character before landing the role of the Joker. However, not even he thought he had it in him to churn out such an incredible performance as Batman’s arch-nemesis. Just over a decade after Heath Ledger’s iconic performance as the Joker, Phoenix still managed to put his own stamp on the character in Todd Phillips’s dark, psychological thriller. Joker is now the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time.
Charlize Theron – Monster
Charlize Theron played the role of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the 2003 film, Monster, and she certainly had to go to extreme measures to get this role just right. In fact, Theron had such a complete transformation for the part that she was unrecognizable on screen. She had her skin layered with tattoo ink, wore dentures, had her hair thinned and fried repeatedly, and shaved her eyebrows. The South African beauty was worlds away from her usual self, but she was playing a real monster after all.
Zac Efron – Killing Zac Efron
While filming his survival reality TV show Killing Zac Efron, the High School Musical star fell seriously ill. Efron was on set in Papua New Guinea when he was flown by helicopter all the way to Australia for treatment. It is believed that the actor contracted a bacterial infection, which may have been typhoid. According to Efron though, he “bounced back quick and finished an amazing 3 weeks in PNG,” before returning home to L.A. for Christmas Eve.
Anne Hathaway – Les Miserables
The Devil Wears Prada actress, Anne Hathaway, was a far cry away from her fashion assistant role when she was cast to star in Les Miserables. While she put on a stellar performance for the movie, she became obsessed with her role. She shaved her hair for the character of Fantine and dropped 10 kilos after eating nothing but oatmeal paste for weeks. Since Fantine went through a lot of hardships, Hathaway admitted that she was physically and psychologically deprived when taking on the character.
Shia LaBeouf – Fury
Shia LaBeouf wanted to keep it as real as possible when shooting Fury, so cut himself up and kept the wound open for the whole time the movie was being shot. The cut on his right cheek was done by Labouef himself, and he followed this by pulling one of his teeth out. Just to add to this craziness, he also did not bathe for 30 days straight. The crew could not handle the smell, so they arranged a separate room for Shia to go to after shoots.
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