Real Life VS Films: Real People and Celebs Who Played Them On-Screen (8 of 8)

Morgan Freeman and Nelson Mandela / Matt Damon and Francois Pienaar

Invictus was a powerful movie that showcased the story of how the rugby captain Francois Pienaar (whose role was depicted by Matt Damon) and Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) decided to come together for that defining sporting event.

Cynthia Erivo and Harriet Tubman

Cynthia Erivo was asked to play the historical character of Harriet Tubman and she was extremely thrilled to do the role. She said in an interview that she always felt she was there with her to guide her all along.

Kristen Stewart and Joan Jett Kristen

Stewart plays iconic rock star Joan Jett in the movie The Runaways. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she admitted that she went to meet the legendary singer and borrowed some tape-recorded letters in order to understand the role fully.

Christian Bale and Dick Cheney

A shapeshifter who has time and again surprised us with his transformations, Christian Bale seems to be capable of doing just about any role. Remember his body transformation for The Machinist when he lost 60 pounds only to return later as the muscular Batman a few months later? So, when he was roped in to play former Vice President Dick Cheney in the movie Vice, we knew he would nail it. And he did!

Renée Zellweger and Judy Garland

Renée Zellweger went on to win her second Academy Award for best actor for her portrayal of iconic Hollywood actress Judy Garland. The actress admitted that she had to go through tons of voice recordings and then practice them for hours in order to nail the voice perfectly. She even wore fake dentures to make sure she sounded exactly like Judy, and she definitely did.