More than 40 performers who significantly altered their appearance for a part in a production

In the entertainment industry, certain performers go beyond the traditional means to achieve the perfect character portrayal. These actors go so far as to alter their body weight, don masks or even switch genders for a role. It can take hours of makeup application and physical exercise, and even put their personal wellbeing in danger. Here are some examples of performers who have transformed their appearance for a part.

Charlize Theron – Monster

Charlize Theron's portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. To accurately reflect the character, she drastically changed her appearance; this included changing her hair color, removing her eyebrows, donning artificial teeth and contact lenses, gaining extra weight, and applying makeup to stain her skin.

The starlet had no intention of putting on a substantial amount of pounds, but to get a better understanding of the role she was playing. She believed that relinquishing control of her body would help her get into the mind of the infamous murderer.