When selecting the cast for a biopic, or biographical movie, the director must walk a fine line between selecting someone for their physical similarity vs. selecting them for having the thespian talent required to play the part. Here's a list of actors who definitely succeeded on the physical similarity side of things.
It's not just the actor who does all the work – casting experts and makeup artists also play a huge role in making these famous figures come to life on the big screen.
Many consider biopics to be some of the most difficult and rewarding roles in Hollywood. Most historical figures have a wealth of information available about them, and it is the actor's job to understand and embody all of this available information, all while portraying a historical figure that many people may have strong feelings about.
(h/t: twistedsifter)
#1 Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles in Ray

Getty
Report194points
#2 Daniel Day‑Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln

Alexander Gardner
Report163points
#4 Robert Downey Jr. as Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin

Moviestore Collection/Re
Report158points
#6 Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in Downfall

Getty
Report152points
#14 Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb as Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen in Sid and Nancy

Getty
Report110points
#15 Hellen Mirren as HM Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen

109points
#17 Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo in Frida

Getty / Hulton Archive
Report90points
#19 Eddie Redmayne And Felicity Jones as Jane And Stephen Hawking in The Theory Of Everything

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69points
#20 Charlize Theron As Aileen Wuornos In Monster

53points












