Actors Who Made Major Body Transformations for Roles

Based on a true story, this gripping saga depicts Yossi Ghinsberg’s struggle to survive while lost in the Amazon.

To best capture the mental and physical deterioration of his character, Daniel Radcliffe lost 14 pounds over the course of the shoot. He also contended with a number of jungle hazards, including raging rapids and poisonous snakes.

Ben Kingsley’s most iconic role put him in the life and mind of legendary activist Mahatma Gandhi.

Not only did the actor temporarily adopt his character’s vegetarian diet, but he also practiced yoga and meditation. He ultimately lost 20 pounds for the performance.

Emile Hirsch underwent two separate phases of weight loss for the role of real-life adventurer Christopher McCandless.

After shedding 26 pounds before shooting began, he lost another 15 pounds for the film’s final act.

Following her role as a college student in “The Social Network,” Rooney Mara took on a drastically different appearance for this David Fincher thriller.

Playing hacker Lisbeth Salander, she donned shorter hair, numerous piercings, and a boatload of (temporary) tattoos.

Colin Farrell did not turn into a lobster for this surrealist dramedy, in which his character must either find love or become a crustacean.

The actor did, however, gain 45 pounds for the role. To achieve this feat, he consumed up to 4,000 calories a day and avoided all exercise for two months.