Top 10 Most INTENSE Actors of All Time
#10: Jared Leto
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When he’s not rocking out with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, this lead singer is manipulating both his physical appearance and mental state for his acting roles. Leto has been known to take on the persona of his characters both on and off the set. During the filming of 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” Leto, who played the Joker, sent his costar Margot Robbie a black rat as a gift. In addition to waxing his entire body for 2013’s “Dallas Buyers Club,” Leto lost 30 pounds and shaved his eyebrows to play Rayon, a trans woman with HIV. The physical transformation paid off, resulting in an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
#9: Jim Carrey
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He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry, and he’ll even talk with his butt. Jim Carrey is one of the most gifted comedic actors of the last 30 years, with smash hits like “Ace Ventura” and “Dumb and Dumber.” Despite being known for comedies, Carrey is an intense method actor for dramas, which caused many problems on the set of 1999’s “Man on the Moon.” The comedian believed that the deceased Andy Kaufman took over his body during filming. Carrey played pranks on the cast and got into multiple altercations, even spitting in wrestler Jerry Lawler’s face. In response, Lawler gave him a neck injury … and during another scene, slapped him even harder than he did the real Kaufman!
#8: Joaquin Phoenix
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He might have thought his life was a comedy, but there’s nothing funny about Joaquin Phoenix’s career. Initially known as “River’s brother,” he became a critically-acclaimed actor after playing Commodus in the Academy Award-winning film, “Gladiator.” Much of Joaquin’s success can be attributed to his devotion and strict attention to detail. While filming 2005’s “Walk the Line,” he referred to himself on the set as J.R., Johnny Cash’s first initials. The commitment to his roles didn’t stop there as Phoenix had his jaw wired shut for 2012’s “The Master” and pretended to quit acting for a rap career in the 2010 mockumentary “I’m Still Here.” Perhaps Joaquin’s next big role will be a professional dancer after he showcased his killer moves in 2019’s “Joker.”
#7: Tilda Swinton
When determining the most underrated actress in Hollywood, this Oscar winner tops the list because of her consistently good performances in a wide range of films. Swinton is one of the rare actors to cross into multiple genres and succeed with every role. One minute, she’s playing the Ancient One in the MCU and the next minute, she’s getting a spray tan for 2015’s “Trainwreck.” Then there’s her insane turn in 2018’s “Suspiria,” where she played a choreographer, a witch, and an 82-year-old male doctor. To play an older man, Swinton wore prosthetics all over her body, including her private area. That’s dedication.
#6: Leonardo DiCaprio
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He’s dominated the tabloids for over two decades, but Leo is more than just a pretty face. DiCaprio's commitment and spellbinding presence were on full display in 2015’s "The Revenant," where the actor ate raw bison liver and pushed his body to new limits. This Oscar winner knows that when the cameras are rolling, anything goes. During a scene in 2012’s "Django Unchained," DiCaprio smashed a crystal glass across his hand, causing blood to spill everywhere. Nonetheless, he powered through the scene, and the take was so raw and scary that director Quentin Tarantino used it in the final cut. Thankfully, Leo only needed a few stitches.
#5: Robert De Niro
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You talking to me? Everything you need to know about De Niro stems from that one phrase - intense, dedicated, and magnetic. De Niro went full method for his performance as Travis Bickle in 1976’s “Taxi Driver.” The two-time Oscar winner obtained an actual taxi license and worked as a cab driver in New York City. Bobby D continued to physically transform for his roles through the next decade, highlighted by his 60-pound weight gain to play boxer Jake LaMotta in 1980’s “Raging Bull.” You can’t argue with the results as De Niro became one of the best actors of his generation.
#4: Nicholas Cage
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Where do we even begin with one of the biggest lightning rods in Hollywood? Nicholas Cage is not afraid to push limits and go beyond boundaries. It seems that in every movie, he'll let out a sadistic scream that will leave you with more questions than answers. His facial expressions in movies like 1989’s “Vampire’s Kiss” and 1997’s “Face/Off” have become viral gifs over the years. At times, Cage can be a parody of himself, but let’s not forget this passion and dedication led to an Oscar win for 1995’s “Leaving Las Vegas,” where Cage played an alcoholic screenwriter. As long as Cage continues to make movies, he’ll always be a favorite. Never change, Nick.
#3: Charlize Theron
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If you see this actress in a stairwell, run the other way. Charlize Thereon is a jack-of-all-trades that brings a high degree of seriousness and concentration to her roles. Whether it’s being an assassin in 2017’s “Atomic Blonde,” a cyberterrorist in 2017’s “The Fate of the Furious,” or the Secretary of State in 2019’s “Long Shot,” Theron captivates the screen with her ferocious presence. The actress is a beauty icon, which is why her turn in 2003’s “Monster” was so shocking. Theron wore multiple prosthetics and gained 30 pounds to play serial killer Aileen Wuornos. One of the most recognizable people on the planet looked like a completely different person, and the result landed Theron an Academy Award for Best Actress.
#2: Christian Bale
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If you appreciate performances where actors either lose or gain a significant amount of weight, look no further than this Academy Award winner. From 2003 through 2005, Bale lost over 60 pounds to play an emaciated insomniac in “The Machinist.” When filming ended, he had only six months to go from 122 pounds to around 200 pounds to play Bruce Wayne in Christoper Nolan’s “Batman Begins.” Despite entering his mid-forties, Bale continues to put his body through the wringer as evidenced by a 40-pound weight gain to play Dick Cheney in 2017’s “Vice.” Although Bale seems like a great person, never go to his house and listen to Huey Lewis and the News. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Michelle Williams
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Rooney Mara
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Adrian Brody
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Ed Harris
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Sylvester Stallone
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#1: Daniel Day-Lewis
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There are committed actors, and then there’s Daniel Day-Lewis. The legendary method performer brings an unprecedented tenacity to every role. From remaining in a wheelchair on set and learning to paint with his toes in 1989’s “My Left Foot,” to designing and sewing dresses for 2017’s “Phantom Thread,” Daniel Day-Lewis epitomizes the true nature of his characters. His larger-than-life persona onscreen culminated with 2012’s “Lincoln,” where he spoke in an American accent and signed texts off-camera as if he were truly the 16th President of the United States. It’s impossible for Day-Lewis to give a weak and timid performance, and for that, we thank him.
