The world of acting demands versatility, dedication, and often, physical transformation. This article explores the journeys of several accomplished actors, highlighting instances where they underwent significant physical changes for roles and tracing the evolution of their careers. From Susan Sarandon's early breakthrough to Joaquin Phoenix's method approach and Liam Neeson's late rise to stardom, these are tales of talent, perseverance, and the commitment to craft.
Susan Sarandon: From Catholic University to Academy Award Winner
Susan Sarandon's career began unconventionally. After graduating from Catholic University in Washington D.C., she accompanied her then-husband, Chris Sarandon, to an audition for the film Joe (1970). While Chris was passed over, Susan landed a major role as Susan Compton.
Five years later, Sarandon captivated audiences as Janet in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). However, it was her active pursuit of the role of Annie in Bull Durham (1988) that marked a turning point. Sarandon campaigned for the role and even flew from Rome to Los Angeles at her own expense. She described the script as wonderful, as it "did away with a lot of myths and challenged the American definition of success". Her romance with Tim Robbins, a supporting actor in Bull Durham (1988), led to two sons and allowed Sarandon to be selective about her roles. This resulted in four Academy Award nominations in the 1990s and a Best Actress win for Dead Man Walking (1995). Her first Academy Award nomination was for Louis Malle's Atlantic City (1980).
Mark Ruffalo: From Bartender to The Hulk
Mark Ruffalo's path to success was far from straightforward. Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1967, he moved to Los Angeles after high school and studied at the Stella Adler Conservatory. He co-founded the Orpheus Theatre Company, where he honed his skills in various roles, from acting to set design.
Ruffalo's early film appearances were inauspicious, including roles in horror films like Mirror Mirror 2: Raven Dance (1994) and The Dentist (1996). He even worked as a bartender for nearly a decade to make ends meet. A chance meeting with playwright Kenneth Lonergan changed everything. Ruffalo's success in Lonergan's play This Is Our Youth led to a leading role in the Oscar-winning film You Can Count on Me (2000), which drew comparisons to a young Marlon Brando.
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Despite facing a diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma in 2002 and undergoing surgery that caused partial facial paralysis, Ruffalo persevered. He made his Broadway debut in Awake and Sing! and directed the indie film Sympathy for Delicious (2010), which won a Special Jury Prize at Sundance. His role in The Kids Are All Right (2010) earned him multiple award nominations. Ruffalo received further Best Supporting Actor nominations for Foxcatcher (2014) and Spotlight (2015). He returned to Broadway in 2017 in Arthur Miller's The Price.
High-profile roles in Shutter Island (2010) and Margaret (2011) preceded Ruffalo's iconic portrayal of Dr. Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk, in The Avengers (2012). He reprised the role in numerous Marvel movies, solidifying his status as a critically acclaimed actor.
John Cusack: From Teen Films to Political Theater
John Cusack's career began with roles in films like Class (1983), positioning him as a potential teen-flick star. However, Cusack sought more challenging and diverse projects. He balanced mainstream films with off-screen ventures, including founding New Crime Productions, a theater company that promoted political and avant-garde stage work in Los Angeles.
Joaquin Phoenix: Method Acting and Weight Gain
Joaquin Phoenix, born Joaquin Rafael Bottom in Puerto Rico, followed his older siblings, River and Rain Phoenix, into acting. The family traveled extensively before settling in Los Angeles, where Joaquin began his career with television appearances and a role in SpaceCamp (1986).
After a period of withdrawal from acting, Phoenix returned to the public eye with a critically acclaimed performance in To Die For (1995). His role in Inventing the Abbotts (1997) introduced him to Liv Tyler, whom he dated for almost three years.
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Phoenix gained international recognition for his portrayal of the emperor Commodus in Gladiator (2000), for which he gained weight and cultivated a pasty complexion. His commitment to the role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005).
Rahul Kohli: From London to International Stages
Rahul Kohli was born on 13th November 1985 in London. He has been involved in worldwide advertising campaigns for Heineken and Sony.
Tobias Menzies: From British Television to Global Recognition
Tobias was born in London. He appeared in series such as Foyle's War (2002), Midsomer Murders (1997), and Casualty (1986). On TV, he guest starred on seasons 3 and 6 of HBO's Game of Thrones (2011) as Edmure Tully, and starred as Jack Randall and Frank Randall on Starz's Outlander (2014).
Numan Acar: From Civil Engineer to Actor
Numan Acar was born in Kozoglu, Kelkit District, and grew up in Erzincan in Turkey. He emigrated to Germany where he became a civil engineer. After completing his studies, he started an acting career. Numan had his international breakthrough as "Haissam Haqqani" in the US TV show Homeland, season 4. Further roles followed in the shows Prison Break, season 5 and Jack Ryan, season 1.
Liam Neeson: From Forklift Operator to Leading Man
Liam Neeson's journey to stardom was a gradual one. Born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, in 1952, he worked as a forklift operator, truck driver, and assistant architect before pursuing acting. He joined the Belfast Lyric Players' Theater in 1976 and later moved to Dublin's Abbey Theater.
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Neeson's early film roles included appearances in Excalibur (1981), The Mission (1986), and Duet for One (1986). He gained attention for his performance as a mute homeless man in Suspect (1987). However, it was his role in Darkman (1990) that propelled him to leading man status.
Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List (1993) earned him Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations. He made his Broadway debut in Anna Christie in 1993, co-starring with his future wife Natasha Richardson.