Cate Blanchett - More Actresses That Underwent Shocking Transformations For Movie Roles

Andra Day

“The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” is a 2021 biopic about the true story of jazz singer Billie Holiday being targeted by the government in the 1940s. Andra Day lost a significant amount of weight, at least 39 pounds, to appear as the legendary crooner.

She even picked up some nasty habits like smoking and drinking, which she does not recommend! Day said she absorbed herself in the suffering and trauma of the “Strange Fruit” singer and it took a personal toll.

Cate Blanchett

This magnificent actress is back again. With so many appearances on the widescreen, it is shocking that most people who watched "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", didn't even realize, who was playing the role of the old Daisy Fuller.

Cate managed to step into breathtaking scenes with this character, showing how talented she truly is. The makeup artist presented such incredible work, that up until today, viewers are unsure who is playing who and when.

Gillian Anderson

If you were around in the 1990s, you must be familiar with the number one agent of those days, the one and only Dana Scully. Born and raised in Chicago, Anderson has a rich history of playing numerous roles, but the turning point in the career is with no doubt one of her last characters, where many didn't even realize it was her.

Anderson provided the viewers of the 4th season of "The Crown" with the most spectacular Margaret Thatcher and managed to bring back to life the ironwoman she was.

Charlize Theron

In the 2003 comedy-drama “Tully,” Charlize Theron plays an exhausted mom with young children. She gained 50 pounds to look like the frazzled postpartum wife and mother.

Theron said she wanted to feel like her character would. Packing on the weight did the trick, but it also changed her mood, causing great sadness. At first, it was fun eating In-N-Out and ordering two shakes, but a few weeks later she was in a dark spot. Also, it took a year and a half for the actress to get back to her previous size.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is so unrecognizable in “Trainwreck,” you’ll have to browse the credits to confirm that she is Dianna. She’s a ruthless, in-your-face men’s fashion magazine editor and the snarky boss of Amy Schumer (Amy).

Spray-tanned and blonde, as the owner of S’Nuff magazine, Swinton is in a feminine wig with her sculpted cheekbones filled in, rounding out her face. Being Dianna was one of Swinton’s most extreme look transformations. She styled herself around Carine Roitfeld, former editor of Vogue Paris.

Linda Hamilton

Linda Hamilton is a real beauty. Her role in the T.V series "Beauty and the Beast." This updated version of the fairy tale was Linda's springboard, as, after this release, everyone knew who she was.

The transformation Linda went through for her role in "The Terminator" required her to stop eating carbs for almost a year and hook up with Serina Williams trainer. If that's not dedication, then what is?

Anne-Marie Duff

In 2002 when "The Magdalene Sisters" came out, the abilities and charm this magnificent actress brings with her were out in the open. Originally a theater actress, Anne Marie Duff has had her share of T.V series and cinema movies.

The mini-series "The Virgin Queen"  covers the life of Queen Elizabeth the 1st from early days until her death. Anne Marie remarkably transformed into the icy monarch, and the rest is history.

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Chloe O'Brian from “24” might lack social skills, but her abilities at the computer not only make her an important part of Jack Bauer's team but makes her a solid nerd. While the actress who plays her, Mary Lynn Rajskub, is best known for her portrayal of mission control for Bauer, she's done quite a lot else. Still, her transformation from a lovely natural redhead to a gothic nerd is striking.

From “Mr. Show” to “The Kings of Summer,” Rajskub's filmography is quite extensive. She has also spent a lot of time on the stand-up comedy circuit, which is where she met her husband of ten years (and now ex-husband) Matthew Rolph.

Emily Bett Rickards

Felicity Smoak, played by Emily Bett Rickards, was only supposed to be in one episode of “Arrow.” However, the quirky MIT computer nerd won the hearts of viewers and turned into the eponymous Oliver's main love interest. She also delivered a lot of comic relief in an otherwise dark show. In real life, Rickards is a big philanthropist.

She has worked with campaigns of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association and made a public service announcement in conjunction with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for advancement in spinal injuries. In addition, she has founded an acting scholarship with Vancouver Film School.

Shannon Purser

“Stranger Things” wowed us with fun visuals, funny characters, and great storylines. Shannon Purser's character, Barb Holland, didn't last too long in the show, but fans fell in love with her while she tried to keep Nancy Wheeler on the straight and narrow.

Barb is quite the classic eighties nerd, but Purser is the exact opposite and simply stunning every time she appears in public. In real life, Purser is an amateur visual artist and musician and is a hard advocate for mental health and anxiety awareness. She was the titular loser in “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser” in 2018.

Kate Bosworth

Born Catherine Ann Bosworth, she was quite anonymous in her early years with small roles in various films. For this superstar model, it was only a matter of time before her moment to shine arrives.

For the 2002 "Blue Crush", Bosworth has to go through harsh physical training spending over seven hours a day in work out. The role of a pro surfing trainer was astonishing and the praises were not long to come.

Beyonce

Queen Bey is the envy of women all around the world for her beautiful figure, and she has always been a proud defender of her curves. However, when the producers of 2006's musical drama, 'Dreamgirls' decided to cast Beyonce as the film's main character, they made it clear they were looking for a more thin, slender type of look.

Beyonce recalls that "they wanted a Diana Ross-type look for the character", and she was so invested in playing the part that she decided to go for it. Thanks to a strict juice fast, called 'The lemonade diet', Beyonce lost 20 pounds in just two weeks. The cleanse diet, as the actress explained on Oprah, consists of only drinking organic juices for 10 days and not eating any solid foods.

Janel Parrish

Nicknamed “Loser Mona” in high school, Mona Vanderwaal uses her smarts to plot revenge against the popular girls in "Pretty Little Liars".

As a villain, her intelligence as a hacker and language expert makes her dangerous. In real life, Hawaii native Janel Parrish has a very sweet side and no one would dream of pairing her with another group but the 'pretty girls'. Over the course of her career, Parrish participated in films, TV shows, and even music videos, but the coolest thing she's done yet was coming in third in season 19 of "Dancing With the Stars".

Jennifer Lawrence

The beautiful Jennifer Lawrence has definitely proven herself to be an outstanding actress in recent years. But above all, people have commended her for her very outspoken beliefs that actors shouldn't endure traumatizing diets for any role. It seems, however, that everybody has their exception, and Lawrence's was playing a Russian ballerina in the 2018 film, 'Red Sparrow'.

The actress not only endured a harsh, albeit short, diet, she also worked closely with a ballerina coach so she could play the character as authentically as possible. Lawrence said that it was the first time she'd been "really hungry and disciplined". Fortunately, the director allowed her to film the dancing scenes first so she could stop dieting and go back to eating regularly for the rest of the filming.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis is known for being one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood, and that includes her gorgeous physique. But that still wasn't enough for Kunis to portray the extremely thin ballerina Odile, in Aronofsky's 'Black Swan'. The actress had to lose 20 pounds in just five short months, engaging in a low-carb, high-protein, 1200-calorie diet and rigorous training five hours every day of the week. Kunis even had a private food delivery service that brought her salads every day.

Kunis said the whole experience left a mark on her, as she understood for the first time what actual professional dancers have to go through to make it to the top. "I weighed 95 pounds...I had no shape…All you saw was bone. I was like, This looks gross.”

Gal Gadot

Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot dedicated herself to the 2016 superhero movie. Training for “Wonder Woman 1984” required a vigorous workout, first thing in the morning, almost every day for six months.

Gadot had to be in top shape to perform fight stunts and flying scenes. In addition to a vigilant workout, she nourished her body by eating three daily meals consisting of whole foods, healthy proteins, complex carbs, like wild rice, and, of course, vegetables.

Scarlett Johansson

As Avenger Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson upped her fitness game drastically. She revamped her diet and worked out. A lot. She did several 90-minute sessions per week. She went vegan, except for some lean protein.

She also did martial arts training for stunt work. Scarlett dedicated herself to the regime, but she did allow treats like chocolate cake occasionally. As for tips, Johannsson stresses that everything should be done in moderation.

Tilda Swinton

The normally androgynous-looking Tilda Swinton is utterly unidentifiable in the 2018 horror remake of “Suspiria.” She plays Dr. Klemperer, an 82-year-old psychologist.

Not only is the character of Dr. Klemperer decades older than the actress, but she is also playing a man. An old man. It took up to four hours each day to pile on the makeup. Prosthetics were employed. The makeup artist filled in her jawline added prosthetic ears and augmented her belly fat.

Jennifer Aniston

After her debut as the gorgeous Rachel in ‘Friends’, Jennifer Aniston has seen nothing but success. This actress always seems to look beautiful, both on-screen and off. But when she played Claire Bennett in ‘Cake’, audiences were shocked.

Playing a woman who is in chronic pain surely means, Aniston takes on a dramatic and heavy role that she’s usually not used to. But the “ugly-looking” makeup and the absolute lack of makeup for some scenes truly make this beauty look like a different person.

Natalie Portman

One of Natalie Portman’s finest performances was in the 2005 legendary film, ‘V for Vendetta’. The incredibly talented Portman plays a young, working-class woman named Evey.

After getting involved in V’s subversive plans, she undergoes a personal and physical transformation that leaves audiences wondering if this is the same actress that appeared in the beginning of the film. A shaved head, emaciated body, and near-death look left viewers shocked. Fortunately, Portman went back to her beautiful self in no time.

America Ferrera

'Ugly Betty' was an extremely popular American sitcom, and its leading lady America Ferrera played the part to perfection. As ambitious and wonderful as her character was, it was also quite unattractive, because let's face it, in today's ridiculous beauty standards, chubby young girl with braces don't exactly stand out.

But in reality, America Ferrera is quite beautiful. Which is why it was shocking for devoted fans when they first saw this American actress walk the red carpet looking like a princess.

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci made her big break when she took on the iconic role of Wednesday Addams in ‘The Addams Family’. She went on to play a myriad of characters in several other movies, but perhaps the most physically shocking transformation was her role in ‘Penelope’.

Ricci plays Penelope, a young girl born with a pig snout, who spends most of her life locked in her home. Obviously, the makeup team had to work extremely hard to make this naturally beautiful actress into a pig-looking young woman. But don’t panic, she’s back to her beautiful, tiny nose.

Mae Whitman

In the hilarious TV show 'Arrested Development', actress Mae Whitman played the simple, charmless and religious Ann. She was George Michael Bluth's crush, and an essential character in the series for a short while.

But Mae is anything but charmless in real life. She is chic, beautiful, and seems to always be in style.

Angelina Jolie

Everyone knows that Angelina Jolie is naturally stunning, and for most of her roles, she looks gorgeous on screen. However, when she played the disturbed Lisa Rowe in ‘Girl, Interrupted’, she looked gaunt and sickly.

Undoubtedly one of Jolie’s greatest performances, this actress looked like an entirely different person, and she definitely embodied the personality to go with the looks. But don’t worry, she’s back to her normal, breathtakingly beautiful self.

Halle Barry

Halle Barry is one of the sexiest, most gorgeous women in Hollywood. But she definitely wasn’t the most beautiful woman on screen when she played Leticia Musgrove in the critically-acclaimed film ‘Monster’s Ball’.

As a poor mother that’s ravaged by grief, Barry looks worn-down, depressed, and downright exhausted. But it was worth it, since this actress took home the Academy Award for Best Actress that year.

Pauley Perrette

American actress Pauley Perrette has done some guest appearances in films like ‘Almost Famous’ and ‘The Ring’. But her most known role to date is as the goth, punk, anarchist Abby in the hit TV series, ‘NCIS’.

In real life, Perrette is quite glamorous and feminine, which is why it probably took a lot of work from the hair and makeup crew every time she was on set. The only thing the actress and her character have in common is their strong personality.

Jennifer Lawrence

Blonde bombshell Jennifer Lawrence started her career in the early 2000s, mostly as a guest actress on shows like ‘Monk’ and ‘Medium’. However, it didn’t take this beautiful and talented actress long to climb her way up the Hollywood ladder.

Her breakthrough role came in 2010, when she played a poor teenager from the Ozarks in ‘Winter’s Bone’. Lawrence’s performance was incredible, but her looks were certainly shocking. The actress played the part perfectly, as she looks gritty, pale, and almost sickly throughout the movie.

Kaitlin Olson

The hilarious Dee Reynolds is a drunk, rude, almost sociopathic leading character in 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. But in reality, Kaitlin Olson is beautiful actress, who is far from a rude drunk.

Quite opposite from her raunchy appearance in the show, Olson can certainly clean up well for the red carpet.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses; she's funny, down-to-earth, super talented, and incredibly beautiful. However, for the '90s cult classic film, 'Never Been Kissed', she played a very unattractive and awkward Josie Gellar.

Josie Gellar was a nerdy reporter that decides to go back to high school and pose as a teenager to get the inside scoop on a story. This meant Barrymore was in awful clothes, terrible makeup and even a worse hairdo. But no need to worry, Barrymore is back to dating musicians and looking fabulous.

Charlize Theron

In what is perhaps one of Hollywood's most shocking transformations, the gorgeous South African actress, Charlize Theron, turned into a homeless killer for 'Monster'. She played the real-life American serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, and won an Oscar for Best Actress for her incredible performance.

Acclaimed movie director Roger Ebert claimed it was "one of the greatest performances in the history of the cinema". And we agree.

Shailene Woodley

California-born actress Shailene Woodley got her big break with her role in the 2014 film ‘The Fault in Our Stars’. Four years later, Woodley played Tami Oldham in 2018’s ‘Adrift’, and she looked very different from what audiences remembered.

Playing a woman that has been stranded at sea, she had to limit her diet to 350 calories a day, and even less for the last two weeks of filming. Even though her performance was amazing, Woodley said she was miserable and the experience took a toll on her. She looked very skinny and worn-down, but luckily she was able to gain some weight in a few weeks.

Linda Cardellini

Anybody who saw the amazing 1999 TV series 'Freaks and Geeks' is familiar with the very cool Linda Cardellini. Fortunately for the actress, and for us, she made it big when she was cast as Velma in 2002's 'Scooby-Doo'. Although she looked like a geeky librarian with those black, square glasses and that bob haircut, Linda is actually quite the fashionista in real life.

Not only glamorous, but this California native is also just naturally gorgeous. The only thing that's similar between this actress and her roles is her super cool, down-to-earth personality.

Anjelica Huston

Anjelica Huston is a Hollywood veteran, with a career of nearly 40 years. Her father was an acclaimed director, and she was basically born into the business. She’s starred in countless blockbusters, such as ‘Prizzi’s Honor’, ‘The Grifters’, ‘The Addams Family’, and basically every Wes Anderson film.

But many will agree that one of her best performances, and most shocking transformations, was when she played Miss Ernst, in ‘The Witches’. With hideous makeup and prosthetics, Huston embodied a devilish witch, and certainly brought Roald Dahl’s famous character to life.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman had minor roles back in the 90s, appearing as a guest actress in ‘X-Files’, ‘Early Edition’, ‘Law & order’, and more. It wasn’t until 2004 when she landed the role of Lynette Scavo in ‘Desperate Housewives’ that she became wildly famous.

Huffman always appears more or less the same in her roles, which is why it was shocking to see her play Bree, a trans woman who goes on a trip to find a long-lost son, in the 2005 film ‘Transamerica’. Without virtually any makeup and a very simple, plain-looking wardrobe, Huffman looks older and much less attractive than her real-life persona.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks played the eccentric Effie Trinket in the famous film ‘The Hunger Games’. Even though the look was not “ugly”, it was certainly very odd and uncharacteristic of the actress. Banks was completely covered in lavender and pink airbrush, and always wore huge, heavy wigs, and over-the-top, uncomfortable shoes.

Although that was nothing compared to the flowers that decorated her clothes and the butterflies she had on her eyelashes. Banks looked like she had been released from an insane asylum.

Taryn Manning

You might think of a pretty, hippie-looking young girl when you think of Taryn Manning, if you're judging by her roles in 'Crazy/Beautiful' or 'Crossroads'. However, if you fast forward a decade, and only know her from her character in 'Orange is the New Black', as Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett, you might just be in shock.

Her character in the series, which she says drew her attention immediately, is a former addict with black, receding gums and barely no teeth left that now lives in jail. In reality, however, Taryn is quite healthy, has all of her teeth, and is really quite attractive.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling was a queen of the '90s, starting off with her role as Violet Bickerstaff in the beloved sitcom, 'Saved By the Bell'. Victoria wasn't exactly one of the popular girls, and her nerdy braids and big glasses didn't make her look particularly pretty on the show.

In real life, however, Tori Spelling is known for her style and attractive looks. And this actress certainly felt relatable to so many teens that have struggled, or are currently struggling, with self-esteem.

Rooney Mara

When Rooney Mara played Lisbeth Salander in 2011's 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo', her hair was short and chopped, she had no eyebrows, she was covered in piercings, and she just looked incredibly weird. However, if you've ever seen this New Yorker out of her character, you'd know how intense this transformation was.

Mara is stunning in real life, and definitely has nothing but style. But hey, we're sure the temporary piercings were worth it, as the actress won an Oscar for her role.

Lizzy Caplan

The talented and hilarious Lizzy Caplan became known for her role as a cater waitress in the hysterical comedy series, ‘Party Down’. Then she made a big break with her role as Jais Ian in ‘Mean Girls’.

She played Lindsay Lohan’s weird, goth-looking teenager friend who was always wearing dark colors and making snarky remarks. Definitely a change for the usually happy-go-lucky, bright-color wearing actress.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman has a unique and exotic type of beauty, and she usually shows it off in all of her roles. All except for one, when she played the famous villain Poison Ivy in 1997’s ‘Batman & Robin’.

Although she does eventually become Poison Ivy, a sexy minx that fights the movie’s superheroes, she starts the movie as Dr. Pamela Isley, who looks like a nerdy trainwreck. Nothing like the real-life Uma.

Melissa Rauch

When the nerdy blonde Dr. Bernadette first appeared on 'The Big Bang Theory', audiences loved the character. She was sweet, naive and a total brainiac with a PhD. However, her extremely irritating voice and nerdy look (glasses and a very outdated wardrobe) couldn't be farther from what this cute blonde looks like in real life.

Actress Melissa Rauch doesn't have an annoying voice at all, and if you look at some of her red carpet styles and magazine photo-shoots, you'll be blown away by this cute blonde.

Julia Roberts

In the American adaptation of the 2009 Argentinian film, ‘El Secreto de Sus Ojos’ (‘The Secret in Their Eyes’), Julia Roberts plays Jessica Cobb. The character is an investigator that is anything but glamorous.

Roberts is covered in a thick layer of white foundation and has a terrible haircut with bangs, and her personality, as a mother who is destroyed by the death of her daughter, is somber at best.

Mariah Carey

Diva Mariah Carey is known for her glamour and voluptuous looks. However, when she played a tired-looking social worker in the hit film ‘Precious’, Carey looked ghastly.

We’re sure Mariah was ecstatic when production ended and she could get back to her glittery closet.

Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany made a name for herself after her stellar performance in the hit TV series ‘Orphan Black’. Maslany plays over twelve different people on the series, and she looks completely different for each one.

This Canadian actress has certainly proven her talent and versatility with the role, which is all the more impressive when you realize how gorgeous she looks in real life!

Cate Blanchett

This Hollywood queen has proven her incomparable talent time and time again. The one-and-only Cate Blanchett is known for her versatile roles, but perhaps the most shocking was when she played Bob Dylan in 2007’s ‘I’m Not There’. Blanchett had to lose a lot of weight, wear a short-haired, wispy wig, and stick a stock down her pants so she could look like a man. And, as always, her performance was memorable.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is one of the most talented actresses in the world, with a career spanning six decades. Being the Hollywood veteran that she is, Streep had definitely undergone some big transformations for some of her roles, but perhaps the most shocking one was when she played the witch in 2014's 'Into the Woods'.

With a lot of makeup, and really good acting, Meryl looks absolutely terrifying in the movie. Fortunately, by the end, a curse is lifted and she turns into a normal-looking person again. And of course, we always have the red carpet to remind us of how elegant and wonderful she actually looks.

Michelle Williams

The 2008 drama ‘Wendy and Lucy’ featured the talented and beautiful Michelle Williams playing a broke drifter traveling to Alaska with her dog. Obviously, she couldn’t look glamorous for the part, but Williams really took the transformation to heart.

With a short, boyish haircut, a pale complexion and a very skinny body, Williams is almost unrecognizable in the film.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is one of those timeless women that just seems to get better with age. With an impressive career spanning nearly four decades, this American-Australian actress has starred in some of the most critically acclaimed films in the world. But her most shocking transformation was for her role as Virgina Woolf in 2002’s ’The Hours’.

Kidman won her first Academy Award for Best Actress, and it was well deserved. Her portrayal of the famous novelist was brilliant, and the big prosthetic nose she had to wear throughout the film to look more like Woolf, was just proof of a true artist’s commitment to a role.

Laura Gomez

If you’ve seen the binge-worthy series ‘Orange Is the New Black’, you know who Blanca Flores is. Yes, the crazy unibrowed lady that’s constantly talking on a bootlegged cell phone throughout the first season.

In reality, the actress that plays her, Laura Gomez, couldn’t look more different. Gomez is a beautiful Dominican actress that is usually very glamorous. The special effects team certainly did an incredible job with her makeup for the series.

Elisabeth Moss

The world got to know Elisabeth Moss as the timid, and arguably unattractive, Peggy Olson in the hit TV series, 'Mad Men'. But in reality, Moss is anything but timid, and certainly not unattractive!

When the beautiful Elisabeth appeared as herself on the red carpet, people couldn't believe that was good little Peggy Olson. But, being the extremely talented actress that she is, Moss managed to transform into a shy, badly-dressed secretary with little to say. At least during the first season.

Jenna Fischer

Jenna Fischer became known around the world as Pam Beesly, after the American adaptation of the popular British series 'The Office' came out in 2005. Even though Pam is very plain-looking in the series, in real life, this actress is actually quite beautiful and glamorous!

Fischer has certainly climbed the Hollywood ladder since her role as simpleton Pam. It seems the only thing these two personas have in common are their very likable nature and their humble personality.

Naomi Grossman

You surely won't recognize this beautiful American actress from her role in the famous TV show, 'American Horror Story'. Remember Pepper, the microcephalic woman and performer of Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities that lives in a mental asylum? Yes, that is Naomi Grossman.

Obviously, she looks completely different when she's out of the set.

Joey King

Many people still don’t know this gorgeous, up-and-coming actress, and they really should. Debuting in the Netflix movie ‘Kissing Booth’, the young King went on to play an unforgettable part in a Hulu series. In the hit series ‘The Act’, King played Gypsy Rose, a role that demanded she shave her head, speak like a child, and wear uncomfortable fake teeth throughout the movie.

King won an Emmy for her portrayal of the character, who is based in real-life. She also said she truly believes that the real Gypsy “deserves to be free and in therapy”. We won’t tell you anymore. Go watch it.

Maisie Williams

English actress Maisie Williams played Arya Stark in the critically-acclaimed HBO series, 'Game of Thrones'. As Arya, this actress had to look rugged and somewhat worn-down, something the gorgeous Williams knows nothing of in real life.

But alas, the show is over, and so are Williams' attempts to tone down her naturally stunning looks. The actress gets to look beautiful again, and enjoy her Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in Drama.

Kate McKinnon

The gorgeous Kate McKinnon is a jack of all trades. She's talented, smart, absolutely hilarious and can basically impersonate anybody in this world to perfection. As a regular part of the Saturday Night Live cast, McKinnon has done her fair share of impersonations, including Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Justin Bieber, and countless more.

Now, anybody who has seen McKinnon at entertainment events knows she's an absolute beauty. However, you would never guess it if you were to see some of her SNL characters, such as Mrs. Rafferty from the 'Close Encounter' sketch.

Renée Zellweger

Playing the lead character in 'Bridget Jones’s Diary' required a significant weight-gain commitment for Renee Zellweger, so when the sequel, ‘Edge of Reason’, started production, she had to put on 30 pounds again.

Zellweger, who is usually in great shape and looking beautiful, had to go from a size 4 to a 14. So, she ate burgers all day. Fortunately, the star was able to quickly shed off the extra weight as soon as production ended.

Jaime Pressly

Jaime Pressly was one of the babes of the ‘90s, and she still looks incredible today. However, this blonde bombshell had to make some changes when it came to playing Joy Turner in the famous TV series, ‘My Name is Earl’.

For the role, Pressly got hair extensions, a super-thick accent and a trashy-looking wardrobe makeover. Luckily, Jaime went back to her classy, beautiful self in time for the red carpet.

Sophie McShera

If you've watched the popular series 'Downton Abbey', you know that English actress Sophie McShera plays Daisy, a rather unattractive kitchen maid, on the show. And then, in 2015, McShera played the role of ugly stepsister Drizella in 2015's 'Cinderella'.

But get ready to be shocked, because Sophie is quite a stunner in real life. In an interview after the film's release, the actress said, "It was so much fun playing the evil stepsister in Cinderella, but I did feel bad – every time we’d finish a take I’d have to say sorry to Lily James. I was upstairs and she was downstairs, so it was a complete role reversal after Downton Abbey. She still looked beautiful in her rags, though."

Hillary Swank

For her role as Maggie Fitzgerald in ‘Million Dollar Baby’, Hillary Swank completely transformed herself. In just 90 days, Swank became a muscly boxer that looked quite masculine. The actress said it was one of the hardest things she’s ever done.

She added 20 pounds of pure muscle after a strict diet of 210 grams of protein and a five-hour workout every day. The actress took home her second Academy Award for Best Actress.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens really shocked audiences when she played Apple, a troubled teen dealing with an addicted mother and foster care, in the 2013 drama, 'Gimme Shelter'. Hudgens, the sweet, cute-looking girl from Disney's 'High School Musical', had suddenly transformed into gritty looking teen that was struggling to keep it together.

Hudgens really outdid herself with the role, and certainly managed to make us forget for the duration of the movie that she is actually gorgeous in real life!

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has certainly come a long way since her early days as a frumpy, bushy-browed teenager in 'The Princess Diaries'. Much like she did in the movie, Anne Hathaway has managed to transform from ugly to stunning, to absolutely atrocious-looking.

In one year, she went from the gorgeous Catwoman in 'The Dark Knight Rises', to the gaunt and lifeless Fantine in 'Les Misérables'. Now, that's commitment!

Tina Fey

Legendary comedienne Tina Fey is known for putting wit and brains before beauty, and she actually enjoys looking absolutely ridiculous on screen.

In her show, '30 Rock', Liz Lemon isn't exactly what you'd call sexy and feminine, but in real life, Tina Fey certainly knows how to clean up well and look absolutely gorgeous and elegant. Fans adore her, whatever she chooses to look like.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow made her debut back in 1989, when she acted in ‘High’, a TV movie directed by her father. Since then, she has starred in a number of films, in which she has kept more or less the same appearance. Except for when she played Rosemary in ‘Shallow Hal’, of course.

Playing an extremely overweight woman, and Jack Black’s love interest in the film, Gwyneth Paltrow wore a fat suit and had a lot of makeup magic done. This Goop leading lady looked anything but healthy, and she was absolutely unrecognizable. Thankfully, everything went back to normal when production ended.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel is absolutely gorgeous. Since her film debut in 1997’s ‘Ulee’s Gold’, Biel has acted in several TV shows and movies, and she usually looks stunning in all of them. But in the 2012 thriller ‘Tall Man’, Biel transformed into someone else.

Playing a suburban nurse that’s desperately trying to save her son from an ominous abductor, Biel wears no makeup throughout the film, and the little she wears is to make her look exhausted, pale and gritty.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele's role as Rachel, on the popular TV show 'Glee', was not exactly known for her popularity or great sense of fashion. But in real life, Lea Michele is slim, stylish and very interested in health and wellness.

This just goes to show the actress's talent, which included a beautiful voice on the show too.

Jennifer Hudson

For her role as the iconic Winnie Mandela in the 2011 biopic, Jennifer Hudson lost a lot of weight. In fact, she lost so much that the director asked her to gain a few pounds!

Hudson started an extreme diet with Weight Watchers and nailed a nearly perfect South African accent. All in all, this former American idol singer was totally unrecognizable on screen.

Judy Greer

Judy Greer is a phenomenal actress, not to mention hysterically funny. When she played the ugly, ditsy Kitty Sanchez on 'Arrested Development', you would never have guessed that she's a beautiful red-head in real life.

Judy had this to say about the role, "I looked kind of weird for a long time. It was easier to be the funny friend instead of the pretty friend. I just didn't have the curves that most girls have, until very late, and I have really frizzy hair, and I had braces. I took ballet dancing forever and there was a natural transition into acting."

Emma Stone

To become the legendary tennis player, Billie Jean King, in ‘Battle of the Sexes’, the red-headed beauty Emma Stone had to actually look like an athlete. This meant gaining 15 pounds, which meant limiting her diet to fattening protein shakes.

Stone, who we’re used to seeing as a stunning green-eyed redhead, turned into a buff athlete whose last concern was her looks. She delivered a stellar performance, and thankfully went back to her gorgeous self after the film ended.

Emma Thompson

This British actress is silver screen veteran, and an absolute genius when it comes to acting. Emma Thompson has been acting since the '80s, and she's just gotten better every year. She's played many different characters, but the most atrocious transformation Thompson has ever done on screen was when she played Nanny in 'Nanny McPhee'.

With a lot of makeup, terrible wiry hair, two disgusting moles and very unseemly teeth, Thompson was hard to look at throughout this movie. But don't worry, this British lady is looking as stunning and elegant as ever in real life!

Margot Robbie

From the moment she walked on screen in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, audiences’ jaws dropped at the sight of Margot Robbie. This mind-blowingly beautiful actress has played a number of different roles since, and she has as much talent as she has looks.

So, it made sense that when people saw her as Queen Elizabeth I in the 2018 film ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, they were stunned. Playing a 16th-century royal meant getting covered in white, pasty foundation and having wiry red hair to look like the smallpox-stricken Queen.

Sandra Bullock

Sandy Bullock is a Hollywood sweetheart, and one of people’s favorite actresses. She has talent and beauty, and has brought many characters to life in classic films like ‘Practical Magic,’ ‘Speed,’ ‘The Blind Side,’ ‘Gravity,’ and countless more.

Bullock always looks gorgeous on screen, except, of course, when she played Gracie Hart in the beloved ‘Miss Congeniality’. A masculine and messy cop dressed in oversized pants and awful t-shirts had Bullock looking nothing like herself. Luckily, Hart quickly transformed into a princess when she had to go undercover for a beauty pageant.

Cameron Diaz

There's no need to even state how gorgeous Cameron Diaz is, which is why when she appeared in the 1999 film, 'Being John Malkovich', nobody could believe it was actually her. The bright-eyed beauty and her contagious trademark smile were nowhere to be seen when Diaz played the animal-obsessed Lotte.

Aside from her hidden transgender desires, her pet-filled tiny apartment and her shocking hair, Lotte was also unbearably naive. Her make-up artist on the set said that "it was a challenge to make her look homely." We bet it was.

Patricia Heaton

Everybody loved Debra in the favorite TV sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. Actress Patricia Heaton was a simple, down-to-earth, and totally lovable mom in the show. But also strong-willed when she needed to be. However, looks weren't one of the focuses of her character.

In reality, Heaton's looks are far from her typical on-screen suburban mom roles. Always looking chic and in style, Heaton commands attention when attending red carpet events. Look out, Raymond!

Demi Moore

In one of Demi Moore’s most incredible performances, the gorgeous actress plays Jordan O’Neil, a Lieutenant that is chosen for her femininity as the U.S. Navy starts a program to integrate women into the force.

For the role, Demi shaves her head and starts training until she gains manly-looking muscles. Needless to say, this feminine and stunning actress looks nothing like herself throughout the entire movie.

Mayim Bialik

The talented Mayim Bialik had her TV debut when she played Amy in 'The Big Bang Theory'. Amy is a frumpy, quite unattractive-looking neuroscientist, and her nerdy grandma sweaters and geeky glasses don't make her a great sight to look at.

But in real life, Bialik is an elegant, lipstick-wearing mom with green eyes and an actual Ph.D. in neuroscience! And no, her style has nothing to do with old sweaters and glasses.

Salma Hayek

Considered by many to be one of the sexiest, most stunning women in Hollywood, Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek has made a name for herself in the business. But Hayek proved to everyone that she was much more than just a beauty after her brilliant performance as the legendary Frida Kahlo.

In the 2002 biopic, Hayek sported a bushy unibrow, just like the iconic painter. She looked manly and rough and totally convincing.

Alyson Hannigan

The beautiful Alyson Hannigan made her TV debut with 1997's cult TV series, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Hannigan played Willow Rosenberg, a witch that was certainly magical but not very attractive. The next time Alyson made a famous appearance was in the cult classic saga 'American Pie', in which she played a band nerd and looked even less glamorous.

But low and behold, Alyson is a gorgeous and glamorous redhead in real life. And nowadays, even on the screen, like her famous character Lily in 'How I Met Your Mother.'

Bette Midler

Bette Midler is a well-known name in Hollywood, and after a stellar career of over five decades, how could she not be? Midler has played countless characters and transformed into many different personas with unparalleled skill. But her most shocking transformation was in the 1993 classic film, 'Hocus Pocus.'

Midler played Winifred, a very ugly witch and leader of a trio of witch sisters. Of course, we weren't expecting her to look gorgeous as a witch, but with that hideous red hair and ridiculously big teeth, Midler definitely made us forget about her blonde locks and elegant look in real life.