Actors Who Nailed Opposite Gender Roles

Embracing the challenge of opposite gender roles, actors often immerse themselves in a specific culture or life to accurately portray a character. This unique demand is less frequent, but the following actors had to precisely do that. Here is a list of performers who took on roles that required them to play the opposite gender.

The 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire” became a lasting testament to the remarkable talent and versatility of the beloved actor Robin Williams. In his portrayal of Daniel Hillard, a divorced father who assumes the identity of the nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire, Williams effortlessly demonstrated his extraordinary comedic timing and seamless ability to shift between humor and genuine emotion. The addition of transformative makeup only deepened the impact of his performance, captivating viewers and allowing Williams to fully embody the endearing and caring nature of his character.

Cillian Murphy, the celebrated actor who received acclaim for his role in “Peaky Blinders,” “Inception,” and “28 days Later,” shocked viewers with his moving portrayal in “Breakfast on Pluto.” This movie follows the path of a transgendered individual who seeks love in the fictional town of Irish during the 70’s. Murphy’s commitment to the role is apparent, as he dedicated weeks to researching the world of drag queens, studying their fashion and communication. The outcome is a remarkable performance that led to a well-deserved nomination for the Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical.

Jared Leto, who is renowned for his diverse array of roles in movies like”Morbius”, “Blade Runner 2049” and the emotionally charged “Requiem for a Dream,” participated in an unforgettable performance in “Dallas Buyers Club.” Leto’s portrayal of Rayon, a fictional homosexual man with HIV who aids upon a woman, garnered him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. His meticulous planning that spanned multiple months resulted in him delving into the character of Rayon, he possessed a delicate yet intelligent individual with remarkable care and authenticity.

Renowned for her captivating performances as the White Witch in “The Chronicles of Narnia” and Mason in “Snowpiercer,” Tilda Swinton delivered an astonishing portrayal in “Suspiria.” Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this eerie supernatural horror film pays homage to Dario Argento’s 1977 masterpiece. Swinton’s transformative performance as Dr. Klemperer is nothing short of remarkable, with her identity remaining hidden until the credits roll. Her convincing embodiment of the character leaves audiences in awe.

Known for roles in the wizarding world and his mesmerizing performance as Stephen Hawking, Eddie Redmayne captivated audiences in “The Danish Girl.” The film explores the story of Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe, one of the earliest known individuals to undergo sex reassignment surgery. Redmayne’s dedication to capturing the journey of Einar/Lili is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a lovely and convincing portrayal that earned him another well-deserved Oscar nomination.

The legendary Meryl Streep showcased her extraordinary talent in the TV miniseries “Angels in America.” With an illustrious filmography encompassing masterpieces like “Sophie’s Choice” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” Streep demonstrated her remarkable versatility by embodying multiple roles, including The Rabbi, complete with a bear mask and accent. This formidable challenge only served to elevate her performance, reaffirming why Streep is considered one of the greatest actresses of our time.

Renowned for stirring performances in films like “P.S. I Love You” and “Million Dollar Baby,” Hilary Swank delivered an Oscar-winning portrayal in “Boys Don’t Cry.” Portraying transgender man Brandon Teena, Swank immersed herself in the role, living as a man for an entire month to authentically capture the character’s essence.

In the ambitious and thought-provoking film “Cloud Atlas” by the Wachowski Sisters, Hugo Weaving left a lasting impression with his portrayal of Nurse Noakes, a relentless and malevolent character. Weaving’s talent for immersing himself in diverse roles shone through as he brought this antagonist to life with chilling intensity, portraying five other characters and contributing to the film’s complex narrative.

Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There

In the intriguing film “I’m Not There,” paying homage to Bob Dylan, Cate Blanchett defied expectations by portraying the electric guitar era as Jude Quinn. With nuanced depth and a fearless approach, she brought forth the unconventional and mesmerizing dimensions of Dylan’s character, showcasing her immense talent and adding a unique dimension to the film.

Dustin Hoffman – Tootsie

Revered actor Dustin Hoffman showcased his remarkable talent in the 1982 comedy “Tootsie.” Portraying Michael Dorsey, an aspiring actor taking on a female persona, Hoffman demonstrated his comedic prowess and ability to fully immerse himself in a role. With meticulous attention to detail, including a wig and glasses, he convincingly embodied the spirit of drag queens, leaving an indelible mark on the film and earning widespread acclaim.

While Angelina Jolie’s beauty is indisputable, her acting skills shine in her portrayal as a man in the 2010 film “Salt,” achieved with several hours of prosthetics and makeup. This role adds to the diverse range of action movie characters Jolie has taken on.

Well-known for his role as an overweight grandmother and FBI agent in the “Big Momma’s House” movies, Martin Lawrence, despite mixed reviews, showcased his comedic talent and commitment to the character in this series of films.