10 Movie Characters That You May Not Have Realized Were Played By Actresses
Dedicated actors possess the remarkable ability to harness the power of their bodies and emotions, delivering captivating performances that deeply resonate with viewers. When it comes to talented actresses, they have embraced the challenge of transforming themselves into male roles with such finesse that it's hard to believe it's the same person. They seem to disappear into these roles, leaving audiences in awe of their acting ability.
These actresses prove that acting knows no bounds. Their versatility and dedication are truly commendable, and their ability to blur gender lines on the screen is a testament to their talent and creativity.
#1. Mariah Carey
Source: Obsessed / Carey
Mariah Carey is a big fan of Mean Girls and she shared that Obsessed, one of her favorite compositions, was inspired by the movie. The video clip shows Carey as a woman and a stalker who follows her everywhere.
#2. Angelina Jolie as Evelyn Salt
Source: Salt / Columbia Pictures
Angelina Jolie acted in the 2010 film Salt, where she became a CIA agent named Evelyn Salt being accused of spying for KGB. She did anything to prove her innocence, including disguising herself as a man.
#3. Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola de Lesseps
Source: Shakespeare in Love / Miramax
Shakespeare in Love starred Gwyneth Paltrow as Viola de Lesseps, who disguises herself as Thomas Kent to impress Shakespeare. Her character is against the opinion women weren’t allowed to act in theatre plays. For her performance, the actress was awarded an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and 2 SAG Awards.
#4. Hilary Swank as Brandon Teena
Her performance in Boy Don’t Cry earned Hilary Swank an Oscar nomination and A Golden Globe in the category of Best Actress. In the movie, she played a transgendered man, fleeing to a town in Nebraska. The movie was considered one of the best films of 2000.
#5. Kathy Burke as Perry
Some viewers couldn’t recognize Perry from the movie Kevin & Perry Go Large was played by an actress. The role was given to Kathy Burke and she did well. The film received mixed reviews from critics and its soundtrack was excellent.
#6. Elle Fanning as Ray
Source: 3 Generations / Big Beach Films
The 2015 drama, 3 Generations, starred Elle Fanning as Ray, a teenager who underwent a gender transition. Her decision changed the expectations of the family forever.
#7. Blanca Portillo as Friar Emilio Bocanegra
Source: Alatriste / 20th Century Fox
2006 saw the release of the movie Alatriste, in which Blanca Portillo portrayed Friar Emilio Bocanegra.
#8. Amanda Bynes as Sebastian Hastings
She’s the Man is a 2006 teenage film, in which Bynes played Viola Hastings. Her character pretended to be her brother to play soccer.
#9. Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn
I’m Not There was inspired by the music and many lives of Bob Dylan. In the movie, Cate Blanchett played Jude Quinn, and for her performance, she was nominated for an Oscar, a SAG Award, a BAFTA and won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting.
#10. Linda Hunt as Billy Kwan
The Year of Living Dangerously, where Linda Hunt portrayed Billy Kwan, was released in 1982. To resemble a man, the actress dyed her hair and willingly plucked her eyebrows. Her performance took her home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Did you recognize these actresses as a man in the movies? Let us know in the comments.