10 Actresses With A Non-standard Appearance Who Became Style Icons

Everyone knows that Hollywood is full of people who are both extremely talented and attractive. In fact, if you want to be successful in this field, having good looks is almost a must. It's true that attractive and beautiful actors often succeed because the industry gives priority to beautiful people with perfect smiles and faces. However, a lot of Hollywood stars show that talent and hard work are more important than good looks.
It's the case of actress Winona Ryder. Before debuting in her career, Winona was mistaken for a boy, and she lost several auditions because she 'wasn't attractive.' And she was even advised not to become an actress because of her appearance. However, she didn't give up and she had proved how wrong they were...Winona transformed from a supposedly ugly girl into a great actress, becoming the muse of many directors.
And Millen isn't the only celebrity underrated for their looks before becoming famous. From Meryl Streep to Anne Hathaway, here are 10 successful actresses who have proven: it's not their flawless looks that make them attractive. Believe it or not, they have admitted that they have heard many comments about their appearance or that they are not suitable for acting. Thank god they didn’t take it close to heart and kept going!

#1 Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep says openly: 'My appearance is not the card up my sleeve.' However, The actress is undoubtedly a shining example of elegance, or else "The Devil Wears Prada" wouldn't have been such a hit. At the same time, Meryl was rejected when auditioning for "King Kong" because of her appearance.
Though the incident could hardly hurt the actress, it didn't stop her from continuing her acting career. Meryl has 18 Oscar nominations, 29 Golden Globe nominations and has won a total of 3 Academy Awards, 8 Golden Globe Awards, 3 New York Film Critics Circle Awards, 1 Cannes Award, 2 Awards SAG Awards, 1 Tony Award, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 BAFTA Awards, and 4 Grammy nominations. She is recognized as one of the most talented and respected actors in Hollywood, being one of the few actors to have won all four major acting awards: the Oscar, the Golden Globe, the SAG, and the BAFTA.

#2 Winona Ryder

At school, Winona was frequently mistaken for a boy, and during auditions, she was told not to pursue a career in acting because she 'wasn't attractive.' But nowadays, Winona turned from an unattractive girl into a great actress, having broken a lot of men's hearts.
Ryder made her cinematic debut in "Lucas" in 1986, and her role in Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" (1988) made her famous. She furthered her rise to fame with significant parts in the "Heathers" (1989), "Great Balls of Fire" (1989), "Mermaids" (1990), "Edward Scissorhands" (1990), and "Bram Stokerer's Dracula" (1992). She has won several awards and been nominated for two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

#3 Barbra Streisand

'Everyone is beautiful,' says Barbra with the benefit of hindsight. 'We only need to believe in it sincerely, and then others will believe.' When Barbra was young, her classmates teased her for having slightly squinting eyes and a huge nose. But no one can think that she would become a global sex symbol.
The well-known actress and singer had several opportunities to get cosmetic surgery and address her physical flaws, but she declined. 'Being perfect is boring,' says 72-years-old Barbra Streisand. 'That's why you should cherish your defects - they make you special.'

#4 Anne Hathaway

Many people said that Anne Hathaway's role debut in "The Princess Diaries" accurately depicts her life. From a shy girl with an ungainly body and a number of other flaws, she turns into a real princess. Although she didn't really alter much in terms of appearance in the film, when she changed her attitude toward herself, she blossomed. The actress experienced the same thing in real life: she let go of her negative complexes after realizing and accepting her flaws.
She has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Some of her famous films: "Princess Diaries" (2001, 2004), "Rachel Getting Married" (2008), "The Hustle" (2019), "WeCrashed" (2022)

#5 Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman has never considered herself beautiful because she is very tall, has angular motions, and wears huge shoes (size 11). But despite this, she went on to become one of Hollywood's most popular actors and Quentin Tarantino's muse. She became known for her 'non-standard traits,' which were once considered to be flawed. "Everyone looks the same. I don't fit conventional standards, and that's why I'm beautiful," Uma said.

#6 Jennifer Lawrence

The Oscar-winning actress has endured criticism for being too curvaceous throughout her life. She resists the provocations of the paparazzi, despite the fact that they keep publishing photos of her in a bikini with dubious captions. This comment sums her attitude up perfectly: 'It's better to look a little curvy in pictures and look like human, than to look chic on the screen but resemble a skeleton in real life.'

#7 Renée Zellweger

After portraying Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary," (2001) a young woman who was continuously attempting to lose weight, Renee became well-known. Her performance is truly amazing. She portrayed a shy and chubby lady who was constantly finding herself in awkward situations, yet she went on to become the idol of millions of people. Although Zellweger plays a simple woman or a glamor girl, she didn't lose her charm.
She was one of the highest-paid actresses in the world by 2007 and the recipient of several honors, including two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. She gained notoriety for her leading performances in the romantic comedy "Jerry Maguire" (1996), the drama "One True Thing" (1998), the black comedy "Nurse Betty" (2000), NBC crime miniseries "The Thing About Pam" (2022).

#8 Keira Knightley

Even when slanderous lips criticize her thinness and claim she has anorexia, Keira Knightley doesn't bother about discussing her flaws. Keira doesn't have any issues with it. But she tries to tell the public about her position.In an interview, Knightley stated, "For me, it's important that everyone knows that appearance doesn't really matter to me"
She has won several honors, including nominations for two Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award. She is well known for her work in both indie and mainstream movies, notably period dramas like "Pride & Prejudice" (2005), "Atonement" (2007), "The Imitation Game" (2014),...

#9 Sarah Jessica Parker

It can't be denied that Sarah Jessica Parker's large impact on numerous generations. The actress' style has become as a model for many girls and women all over the world. It's difficult to envision someone else decrying the legendary Carrie Bradshaw. She looks so natural as a glamourous author!
Sarah changed her destiny by herself. As it was at the start of her career, she played unattractive girls facing up with many awkward situations for her whole life. She persevered nevertheless, and eventually became well-known. "Don't try to please everyone", the actress advises, "because it's impossible."

#10 Helena Bonham Carter

When she was young, Helena had detested appearance, but she later realized that appearances weren't the most crucial aspect of who she was. It's not how you look that matters, but how you present yourself to others. Her unique looks have earned Helena a reputation as a great actress and an unmistakable style, which contributes to her success. All of it has allowed her to perform the most unexpected and successful roles.