Top 8 Actresses Who Took on the Role of Mary Magdalene

Next to Mary, the mother of Jesus herself, no female had a greater influence on Jesus than Mary Magdalene. Dubbed “the apostle to the apostles,” Mary Magdalene was a prominent follower of the Son of God who provided financial support for his ministry and was known to have been present for his crucifixion and burial, along with being among the first to witness his resurrection. Given this, it comes as no surprise that whenever a movie about Jesus is made, Mary Magdalene is sure to be featured. Because she was so essential, casting directors take the job of selecting the right actress to portray her very seriously. Here are 8 actresses who did a masterful job in their role as Mary Magdalene.

1. Monica Bellucci — The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Perhaps best known for playing Persephone in The Matrix sequels, Monica Bellucci first made a name for herself at 16 when she began a modeling career. She appeared in fashion shows in Milan, Florence, and Paris, saving the money to pay for her university studies, where she aspired to become a lawyer. However, after making a breakout appearance in 1992’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, she dropped out, enrolled in acting classes, and the rest is history. Her portrayal of Mary Magdalene earned her a Nastro d’Argento nomination for Best Supporting Actress.