When stars play famous people

A strong case can be made for the contention that one of the most difficult challenges a star can face is to play a famous person.

That’s because the “assignment” runs counter to a show biz luminary’s usual absorption—namely, to play himself or small variations thereof, in the different roles he tackles.

This is the way stars rationalize that narrow view of career-long characterization: Their fans fall in love with their carefully nurtured show biz personas, so they’re happiest when their favorite luminaries share with them, not just their talents, but also their very essence.

That’s why, when stars are tasked to play a famous figure other than themselves, there’s a visceral “disconnect” that takes place, as the actors have to drop their usual, “self-derived” performance mode and focus instead on understanding and vivifying somebody else!

Despite the difficulty of the unfamiliar challenge of getting under somebody else’s skin, actors worth their thespic salt feel obliged to do it, because it’s what separates the tyros from the pros. That’s why, throughout film history, portrayals of famous personas have ended up among top luminaries’ most famous and celebrated performances. To illustrate:

Bette Davis is remembered for her idiosyncratic look (those “signature” orbs!) and uniquely mannered acting, but the role that most indelibly identifies her in some film buffs’ ardent view is her “personification” of the “virgin queen,” Elizabeth 1.

Instructively enough, Davis’ “patented” characterization of England’s illustrious and controversial monarch set such a vivid “template” that, when newer and younger actresses like Cate Blanchett were assigned to play the same character, their portrayals paid homage to hers.

Challenge

Another actress who continues to accept the challenge of playing famous people, despite the risks involved, is Meryl Streep. Some years ago, she delighted viewers with her spot-on portrayal of pioneering chef and TV cooking show host, Julia Child. And Streep will soon unveil her latest big-screen “personification”—of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher!

For his part, Michael Douglas has agreed to play the most radically demanding character he’s ever been assigned, the self-spoofing gay pianist-entertainer, Liberace! It’ll be hugely fascinating to see how the macho dreamboat can go from galloping testosterone to the flaming queen of lavender La-La-land without falling flat on his famous face, or fatuous posterior!

Other memorable celebrity “personifications” crown top stars’ careers: Anthony Quinn as Toulouse-Loutrec; Daniel Day-Lewis as the Elephant Man; Will Smith as Muhammad Ali; Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. —The list is as illustrious as it is endless!