Hollywood often demands its stars to dive deep into their roles – but some actors go the extra mile, pushing their bodies and minds to the brink. Here’s a look at 10 actors who underwent extreme transformations, epitomizing commitment to their craft.
Bale lost a staggering 63 pounds, adopting a diet of an apple and a can of tuna a day, turning his usually buff physique into a skeletal frame.
Theron gained 30 pounds and underwent hours of makeup to play the real-life serial killer, Aileen Wuornos.
Leto gained a whopping 67 pounds to play Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon.
McConaughey shed 47 pounds, consuming a diet of Diet Coke, egg whites, and a piece of chicken daily to portray AIDS patient Ron Woodroof.
Mara underwent a physical transformation that included piercings, bleached eyebrows, and a dramatic haircut.
To portray Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy, Day-Lewis stayed in a wheelchair throughout filming and was often carried around set.
Hanks gained weight and then lost a massive 55 pounds to showcase his character's time stranded on a deserted island.
Brody shed 30 pounds and gave up his apartment and car, isolating himself to understand his character's plight during the Holocaust.
De Niro gained 60 pounds to play the older Jake LaMotta, while also training intensively to portray the boxer in his prime.
Hathaway lost 25 pounds and had her hair cut short on-camera for her role as the tragic Fantine.