The controversy surroundingKim Kardashian’s weight loss to wearMarilyn Monroe’s gown to the Met Gala has once again ignited the extreme diet and exercise media debate. Some have labeled her a bad example to young women, promoting taking extreme measures to fit a garment. Others have pointed out that actors have been using this practice for decades and received no-such critique.
Related:11 Best Fashion Industry Documentaries In Honor of the Met Gala
Some actors have built careers on their ability to contort themselves to fit any role. From liquid diets to four-hour workouts, some craft their perception of the ‘perfect’ body for the character. Then there are the mentally driven ‘Method’ actors; those who pride themselves on getting into the mind of a fictitious person and living as them for an extended period of time, in order to flesh out their reality. Either way, it’s clear these actors areverydedicated to their craft.
Lily James
Taking on an icon, especially one as bodacious asPamela Anderson, would be a huge task for even a Doppelgänger to accomplish. When the brunette, demure and BritishLily Jameswas announced as the actress to take on the titular role inPam & Tommy, there were skeptics. However, once on-set images leaked ofJames in full Anderson mode,jaws dropped.
Related:Where Does ‘Pam & Tommy’ Rank Against Lily James' Best Roles?
As Ms Anderson is for her figure, James worked with personal trainerMatt Bevanfor four months, virtually and from home (due to Covid-19), to achieve her lean and tonedBaywatchlook. Prosthetics were used to give James not only Anderson’s ample chest but her face, too. For four hours each morning, James underwent the application of two prosthetic facial pieces, a wig, nails, and signature 90s makeup. On top of this, she had a constantly topped-up fake tan and admitted that she and co-starSebastian Stanwould scream into pillows to give their voices a huskier tone.
WatchPam & Tommyon Hulu
Jonah Hill
After years of struggling with his self-image, and gaining substantial weight to play arms dealerEfraim DiveroliinWar Dogs, actorJonah Hillsought the advice of friend andJump Streetco-starChanning Tatum. Tatum, who is no stranger to getting in shape, told Hill that it’s the “easiest thing in the world”, meaning that a well-balanced diet and frequent exercise will inevitably show results.
Related:Essential Jonah Hill Performances, From ‘Moneyball’ to ‘Superbad’
Hill’s slim appearance in theNetflixseriesManiacwas far less talked about than his powerful performance. These days he prefers not to disclose the details of his lifestyle anddirects more focus on the importance of self-love. Centered on this theme, Hill created a Zine titledInner Childwhich he describes as a companion piece toMid90s, a film he wrote and directed in 2018.
WatchMid90son Fubo
Renée Zellweger
An actress who has experienced her fair share of weight speculation isRenée Zellweger. A staple in many 90s classics, she shared the screen withTom Cruise,Jim CareyandLiv Tyler, but it was starring asBridget Jonesin 2001 that made her a household name. Unfortunately, the early 2000s press were more inclined to focus on Zellweger’s weight than her talent. As her next film,Chicago,swept the 2002 award season, it was co-starCatherine Zeta-Joneswho took the trophies, and Zellwegger who copped the negativity for her ‘boney’ frame.
Related:Essential Renee Zellweger Performances
In a brilliantly defiant move, Zellweger chose not to gain any weight when she reprised her role inBridget Jones Babyin 2016. The reason behind this choice was to “show that Bridget had achieved her ideal weight, but… it didn’t mean her life was perfect”. In her latest role,The Thing About Pam, Zellweger donned a ‘fat suit’ and prosthetics to resemble convicted killerPam Huppas closely as possible.
WatchThe Thing About Pamon Hulu
Chris Pratt
Long before his blockbuster debut,Chris Prattwas just agoofy guy onParks and Recreation. The actor was more well-known for his relationship with fan-favorite andScary MoviealumniAnna Faristhan his acting capabilities, but that soon changed whenMarvelcame knocking.
Related:Chris Pratt as Mario the Plumber and Other Questionable Casting Choices
The role of Peter Quill inGuardians of the Galaxygave Pratt his big break and launched him to leading-man status. The actor undertook a grueling work-out regime with former marine sniper and ex-Navy SEALDuffy Gaver, on top of cutting out all junk food and upping his overall intake. In five months he achieved what fans dubbed a shocking transformation, and he has held on to his physique and popularity for now,despite a few controversies.
WatchGuardians of the Galaxyon Disney+
Demi Moore
Formative 80s Brat Pack memberDemi Moorehad been well and truly typecast for her beauty. Despite a few roles outside this expectation with little note, it wasn’t until 1997 andRidley Scott’sG.I. Janethat Moore broke the mold. Although, it did earn her a Razzie for Worst Actress.
Prior to filming, Scott had his stars complete a Navy SEAL Bootcamp. As revealed in her memoirInside Out, Moore vomited the first morning and had blisters come midday, but despite being given the option of opting out, she taped herself up and pressed on. Her determination, also evident in Moore shaving her head on set, set her apart as an actress. Unfortunately,G.I. Janewas flooded with bad reviews, and her career stalled as a consequence. If only they’d been allowed to keep the original ending, which tested a lot better with audiences.
WatchG.I. Janeon Fubo
Jared Leto
The enigma that isJared Letohas played quite a variety of roles with varying levels of success. From his Oscar-winning performance as Rayon inDallas Buyers Clubto hisuniversally panned turn as DC’s Jokerin 2016’sSuicide Squad, he is a testament to the fact that you can’t win ‘em all, no matter how hard you try.
Related:From ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ to ‘Chapter 27’: Jared Leto’s Transformative Performances
The Method actor’s antics have often caused a stir with costars and garnered him some heavy criticism from both fans and colleagues. ActorWill Poulterhas spoken against Method acting, stating it “shouldn’t be used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior”. We wonder if sendingMargot Robbiea rat would be deemed inappropriate.
WatchSuicide Squadon HBOMax
Jessica Chastain
For her role as the titular TV Evangelist inThe Eyes of Tammy Faye,Jessica Chastaintook home the Best Actress Academy Award. When you see her incredible transformation, it’s not hard to see why. Set during the 1970s, the heyday of televangelists,this biopic was years in the making, as was Chastain’s careful character study.
Related:9 Best Jessica Chastain Performances, From ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ to ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’
Each day of filming, Chastain had facial prosthetics applied to widen her cheeks and fill in her dimple. Next, she’d wear a wig under her wig to mimic Tammy’s natural hair. Each piece of clothing was carefully designed to exude the power and drama of the real woman, so naturally, they all contained massive shoulder pads. Finally, the actual makeup brands Tammy wore were sourced and carefully applied to Chastain for the most authentic appearance possible. Along with her impeccable mirroring of minor physical movements and vocal emphasis, Chastain truly earned her award.
WatchThe Eyes of Tammy Fayeon HBOMax
Charlize Theron
South African actressCharlize Theronis another unafraid to shed herself for a part. From her appearances as America’s first female serial killerAileen WuornosinMonster(2003) to Imperator Furiosa inMad Max: Fury Road(2015), Theron has proven she is willing to get gritty in her films and her performances are consistently strong. Not to mention,she brokeTom Hardy’s nose.
Theron shaved her head for the role of Furiosa, and gained weight to closer resemble Wuornos.MonsterdirectorPatty Jenkin’s said her main stipulation for her lead actress was that they would allow an up-close shot of their runny nose. After seeing Theron inThe Devil’s Advocate(1997), she knew she would be perfect for the part. The film earned Theron her first Academy Award, which she was awarded on what would have been Wuornos’ birthday.
WatchMonsteron Fubo
Christian Bale
Another actor well known for the diversity of his roles isChristian Bale. The British Thespian may be best known for his turn asChristopher Nolan’sBatmaninThe Dark Knight trilogy, but there was a time when his drastic acting choices were making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Fans were concerned when a gaunt and ill-appearing Bale dropped 60+ pounds forThe Machinist(2004). Regardless of the quality of the film, no one could get over Bale’s drastic measures, which included living off a tin of tuna and an apple a day, and taking up smoking. Somehow, Bale was able to return to a healthy weight and even gained considerable muscle for his role as Bruce Wayne inBatman Begins(2005), just one year later. In 2018, he undertook yet another drastic change forDick CheneyinViceby putting on 40 pounds, but this time with the help of a nutritionist.
