Side-by-Side Photos of Actors Portraying Iconic Old Hollywood Stars
Katie McGuinness and Vivien Leigh must be related.
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Old Hollywood was an era like no other, filled with stars whose legacies still have us talking about them today. The glamorous outfits, the dramatic feuds, the scandalous relationships—all of it was iconic and has been brought back to life on-screen many times. The actors of today, from Nicole Kidman to Renée Zellweger, have done a phenomenal job keeping the memories and stories alive. See how the film industry's biggest names transformed into the legends that came before them.
Jennifer Love Hewitt as Audrey Hepburn
The grace. The poise. The fashion. Jennifer Love Hewitt had it all in 2000's The Audrey Hepburn Story. The film gave fans an in-depth look at Hepburn's difficult childhood, something that often goes overlooked when it comes to her rise to stardom.
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Don Cheadle as Sammy Davis Jr.
Don Cheadle stunned audiences as Sammy Davis Jr. But it wasn't easy preparing to step into the singer's legendary shoes—in the weeks leading up to filming, Cheadle learned to sing, tap dance, play drums, play trumpet, and twirl six-shooter pistols.
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Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland
Somewhere over the rainbow, Renée Zellweger perfected her Judy Garland impersonation. The actress sang all of her own songs and earned her first Best Actress Oscar in 2019's Judy.
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Darci Shaw as Judy Garland
At just 16 years old, Darci Shaw was mesmerizing as a young Judy Garland in 2019's Judy. She later told Hunger that working with Renée Zellweger was "a dream come true."
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Beyoncé as Etta James
In 2008, Beyoncé acted and sang in Cadillac Records, a film about the artists once signed to Chess Records—the blues label of the '50s and '60s.
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Michelle Krusiec as Anna May Wong
In 2020, Netflix released Hollywood, which brought many legendary figures back to life. First up: Michelle Krusiec as Anna May Wong, who's considered to be the first Chinese-American movie star.
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Katie McGuinness as Vivien Leigh
Also found in Hollywood is Vivien Leigh, played by Katie McGuinness. The 2020 show nailed Leigh's glamorous curls and the red lipstick she was known for.
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Queen Latifah as Hattie McDaniel
Vivien Leigh wasn't the only Gone with the Wind star to appear in 2020's Hollywood. Queen Latifah brought her talent to the small screen as Hattie McDaniel, the first Black Oscar winner.
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Jake Pickings as Rock Hudson
The last actor on this list from Hollywood is Jake Pickings, who took on the role of Rock Hudson. He's the spitting image of the '50s leading man, from his hairstyle to his height.
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Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe
Michelle Williams captured the spirit of the legendary blonde bombshell in 2011's My Week With Marilyn. From her choreographed numbers onstage to her realistic costumes, it's no surprise she won a Golden Globe for her performance.
Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball
Nicole Kidman showed off her talent in 2021's Being the Ricardos, where she effortlessly reenacted both the most comical and dramatic parts of the I Love Lucy star's life.
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Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz
Javier Bardem embraced the role of Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos and conquered his fear of singing. He also took guitar, conga, and dialect lessons to prepare.
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Cheryl Ladd as Grace Kelly
The incredible detail that went into Cheryl Ladd's portrayal of the actress-turned-royal in 1983's Grace Kelly speaks for itself. It's as if every inch of lace on her iconic wedding dress was perfectly matched piece by piece.
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Emily Elicia Low as Ava Gardner
It wouldn't be Frank and Ava without Ava Gardner. Emily Elicia Low—or Jolee Blon' as she goes by onscreen—brought the iconic actress to life in the film, which details her relationship with Frank Sinatra.
Joe Mantegna as Dean Martin
Joe Mantegna absolutely nailed Dean Martin's warm smile and ability to light up a room in The Rat Pack. It doesn't hurt that he was a fan as well, once saying, "...there would have been nothing better than to spend a week with Dean Martin if I could have."
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Dakota Fanning as Beverly Aadland
Dakota Fanning played the 15-year-old who fell in love with Errol Flynn when he was 48 years old in The Last of Robin Hood. Their shocking relationship rocked Hollywood in the '50s.
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Kevin Kline as Errol Flynn
Kevin Kline admitted he thought he "did too much research" in preparation of playing Errol Flynn in 2013's The Last of Robin Hood. Either way, he completely embodied the star in the role.
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Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles
While Jamie Foxx was a celebrity long before 2004's Ray, it was this role that earned him his Best Actor Academy Award. "Give it up for Ray Charles and his beautiful legacy," he emotionally said during his acceptance speech, "Thank you Ray Charles for living."
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Carroll Baker as Jean Harlow
Caroll Baker brought just the right amount of glitz and glam to the big screen in 1965's Harlow. Her portrayal of the '30s starlet—and her tumultuous life she led off-camera—impressed fans.
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Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash
While Joaquin Phoenix has many film credits under his belt, one of his most memorable performances is as Johnny Cash in 2005's Walk the Line. He performed all of the songs himself, learned to play guitar for the role, and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
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