26 Actors Who Stay in Character Off Camera
This is a list of actors who stay in character off camera, loosely ranked by fame and popularity. Several famous actors and actresses use the technique of method acting to completely immerse themselves into a role. One actor stayed in character to the point that he took up his character's profession in his off hours and another actor only ate fruit in preparation for a role.
Who is the most famous actor who stays in character off camera? Angelina Jolie tops our list. Jolie got so into method acting for her film Gia that she told her then-husband Jonny Lee Miller that she would not speak to him during filming. "I'm alone; I'm dying; I'm gay; I'm not going to see you for weeks," she said.
Robert De Niro spent weeks driving a cab around New York City to prepare for his role in Taxi Driver. He also gained excessive weight and lived with his co-star Joe Pesci for his role in Raging Bull. Other actors known for staying in character off camera include Daniel Day Lewis, Kate Winslet, and Jim Carrey.
Do you think that these actors take their roles too seriously? Share your thoughts in the comments section.- Requiem for a Dream, Dallas Buyers Club, Mr. Nobody
- Age: 51
- Birthplace: Bossier City, Louisiana, USA
With unwavering dedication to his craft, Jared Leto consistently immerses himself in the roles he plays. Known for method acting, he has transformed both physically and mentally for roles such as the Joker in Suicide Squad and Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club. This commitment to authenticity has resulted in numerous awards and critical acclaim.
- Kramer vs. Kramer, Tootsie, Rain Man
- Age: 86
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Few actors have displayed the range and adaptability of Dustin Hoffman. Throughout his career, Hoffman has tackled roles as diverse as an autistic savant in Rain Man, a disillusioned college graduate in The Graduate, and a woman in Tootsie. His meticulous preparation for and deep understanding of each character demonstrates the level of commitment he brings to his craft.
- Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Revolutionary Road
- Age: 47
- Birthplace: Reading, Berkshire, England, UK
An actor who continually pushes herself to explore new depths, Kate Winslet approaches each role with passion and fearlessness. From her breakout performance in Titanic to her stirring portrayal of a former Nazi guard in The Reader, she consistently challenges herself and audiences alike. Her ability to fully inhabit her characters has earned her countless accolades and admiration from fans and critics alike.
- There Will Be Blood, Lincoln, Gangs of New York
- Age: 66
- Birthplace: England, London
Perhaps the epitome of commitment to the craft, Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his intense method acting and his unwavering dedication to understanding each character he portrays. Whether playing a paralyzed artist in My Left Foot, or a ruthless oilman in There Will Be Blood, Day-Lewis never shies away from challenging roles. His devotion to the art of acting has earned him three Best Actor Oscars, making him one of the greatest actors of our time.
- Community, The Martian, Mystery Team
- Age: 40
- Birthplace: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Multitalented and fiercely driven, Donald Glover effortlessly navigates between acting, writing, and music, each endeavor marked by his dedication to excellence. From his early days on the sitcom Community to his starring role in Atlanta, Glover continues to captivate audiences by bringing unique and complex characters to life. His ability to embody a variety of roles across different media platforms is a testament to his unwavering commitment.
- Maleficent, Changeling, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
- Age: 48
- Birthplace: Shawnee, Oklahoma, USA
A fearless and versatile actor, Angelina Jolie is known for her transformative performances and her willingness to take on demanding roles. From her Oscar-winning portrayal of a sociopathic patient in Girl, Interrupted to her action-heroine roles in films like Tomb Raider and Salt, Jolie consistently proves her dedication to her craft. Beyond acting, she has also extended her passion for storytelling by directing and producing several projects.