Acting requires dedication, passion, and commitment. Sometimes it’s as interesting as learning a new language, an accent, or learning how to play an instrument. Sometimes it’s as drastic as losing 30 pounds for a role.
In this video, we’ll be talking about eight actors that have undergone “dramatic” weight loss for their roles.
Christian Bale – The Machinist
Probably one of the most notorious weight loss processes out there for a film. This transformed the person who was able to convincingly play batman for three movies into a frail, skeletal human being that left movie-goers sleepless for probably a couple of nights. His diet daily consisted of a single apple, coffee, a few shots of whiskey, and water.
Michael Fassbender – Hunger
This 2008 film, true to its name, subjected Michael Fassbender to the same torments of the character that he plays. He portrays IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands in the film directed by Steve McQueen and written by Enda Walsh.
This dedication was proven to be worth it, as the film went on to win the prestigious Caméra d’Or award for first-time filmmakers, the Sydney Film Prize at Sydney Film Festival, and other awards and nominations.
Tom Hanks – Philadelphia
The film starred Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington and was one of the first few Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia. Losing 26 pounds for an Oscar-winning film, Tom Hanks perfectly portrayed AIDS patient Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia. More than his dedication to the character, Tom Hanks was able to pave the way for new doors to open and discuss the stigma that revolved around the illness.
Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman – Black Swan
For the first female actor on this list, we feature Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman in the psychological thriller film Black Swan. They lost 20 pounds for the role. The plot revolved around dancers Nina and Lily portrayed by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, respectively. The film premiered as the opening film for the 67th Venice International Film Festival and has won several awards including five nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Actress for Natalie Portman, and other notable awards.
50 Cent – All Things Fall Apart
Best known as a rapper and an icon for music, 50 cents decided to delve into the art of cinema as he portrayed Deon, a promising football running back during his senior year who ends up having cancer. More than 50 Cent’s dedication to the role shows the horrors, trials, and tribulations of a person when “All Things Fall Apart” for him.
Anne Hathaway – Les Misérables
An adaptation of an adaptation, this musical film set in 19th-century France features Hugh Jackman, Russel Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, and Anne Hathaway as the young grisette Fauntine who loses everything she had in the process of trying to keep her daughter alive. Like her character, Anne Hathaway also loses 25-pounds and A LOT of hair.
This was all worth it in the end, however, as her performance as Fantine, especially during the scene where she sings the famous “I Dreamed A Dream,” was convincing and award-worthy. Les Miserables won 3 Oscars, one of which was Best Supporting Actress for Anne Hathway. In total, Les Miserables won 85 awards and was nominated for 177.
Tom Hanks – Cast Away
If you still aren’t convinced of Tom Hanks’ dedication to the craft of acting, we suggest that you watch this film. In yet another role that required him to lose weight, Tom Hanks lost 50 pounds and grew a beard to convincingly portray his character Chuck who finds himself alone on an island after a plane crash. The film was nominated for 2 Oscars and won 15 other awards.
It’s fascinating how actors can go to such lengths to play roles as convincingly as possible and show how dedicated they are to the craft. If you enjoyed this video, please don’t hesitate to leave a like and subscribe so we can continue creating content like this for you in the future.
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