Top 20 Ugly Characters Played By Hot Actors

Sharon Stone created an iconic femme fatale in the erotic thriller “Basic Instinct” and her beauty has been used to great effect in movies such as “Fading Gigolo.” So it’s really impressive — if shocking — to see Stone play ordinary suburban stepmother Olivia in this crime drama, based on a true story. Olivia’s stepson Jake has a substance issue and his debt to gang leader Johnny leads to his half-brother Zack’s kidnapping and death. Stone’s vulnerable, grief-stricken explanation of her son Zack’s death through gang violence is pitch-perfect and utterly convincing. It is a complete transformation, and illustrates what a great actor can accomplish.

Known mostly for his high-octane action films, Tom Cruise’s svelte athleticism makes him very easy on the eyes. So it’s doubly impressive when he plays ugly characters, both inside and without, such as film producer Les Grossman in this satiric action comedy. Grossman’s looks are merely ordinary, a pudgy mediocrity, but his expletive-ridden rants and callous behavior make him a truly ugly character, if a hilariously entertaining one. It’s a far cry from Cruise’s clean-cut heroes, for sure, and it gives Cruise a chance to demonstrate his comic chops as well. Color us impressed.

From his cute and dorky Spider-Man and wholesome Nick Carraway in “The Great Gatsby,” Tobey Maguire is generally not known for unattractive parts. So it’s certainly a surprise to see his transformation as gangster James McKay in the Damien Chazelle film “Babylon.” Not only does Maguire look creepy and off-putting with his bloodshot eyes and yellow-stained teeth…there is also his laugh. Maguire’s McKay also has a penchant for animal sadism, as is evident when he attends parties involving live rats. And when he finds out Manny’s money is fake, his giddiness turns deadly. Yikes.

Jared Leto’s handsome looks have not stopped him from going above and beyond in transforming himself — quite literally. From a guy with substance issues to a trans woman to his own take on the Joker, Leto has played a wide range of roles and not always aesthetically pleasing ones. Paolo Gucci, however, is something else entirely. Leto is downright unrecognizable as the aspiring fashion designer without much talent. With his balding and paunchy physique and Italian accent, Leto’s Gucci is less Gucci than off-brand. In a film replete with transformations, Leto’s definitely takes the cake. Or should we say, the cioccolato.

It’s Ewan McGregor. This Scottish heartthrob has wooed audiences with his roles throughout the years, from his dreamy Christian in “Moulin Rouge!” to fan favorite mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars” prequels. Handsome doesn’t even begin to cover it. But as the paunchy, balding Raymond Stussy, we can say, without a doubt, that he doesn’t look at all good here. Honestly? It’s terrific. McGregor also flexes his acting chops by playing Ray’s brother Emmit, a much more conventionally attractive wealthy man who is happily married. Get you a man who can portray both.

Comedians often downplay their natural attractiveness, perhaps feeling it can detract from their comic skills. And Amy Sedaris’ diminutive blonde charm is definitely dimmed in her most well-known comedy series, “Strangers with Candy.” There, she plays a 46-year-old prostitute who decides to go back to school and get herself an education. Sedaris’ Jerri Blank looks way older than the real-life Sedaris, and with a much rougher outlook on life. The contrast between Jerri and her fellow teen students is, of course, part of the absurdist comedy of this satirical series, patterned after moralistic high school specials.

The Penguin is definitely one of the ugliest and most off-putting villains in the Batman canon. We still haven’t forgotten Danny DeVito’s nightmarish portrayal. So what is Colin Farrell doing here? Farrell’s version may be a more conventionally ugly take than the romantic horror of DeVito, but his scarred face is a far cry from his “Miami Vice” days. He is almost unrecognizable here. Farrell was praised for his portrayal of the fish-loving villain, even garnering a full spin-off television series on Max called “The Penguin.” Whatever he’s doing, he is doing it right.

It’s hard to surpass Jim Carrey’s film portrayal of the orphan-snatching, fortune-loving villain. But Neil Patrick Harris’ tall sunny looks get a nasty twist in his role as the Baudelaire siblings’ new sinister guardian, Count Olaf. Harris’ haggard, balding, and white-haired appearance may be less distinctive than Carrey’s, but both his comic and dramatic chops are as impressive as ever. His Gothic appearance and over-the-top character, as well as the Netflix series in general, have garnered acclaim for their fidelity to the books. Just don’t expect any Barney from “How I Met Your Mother” type of charisma.

Another beautiful blonde bombshell, Missi Pyle is known for conventional supporting roles in “Josie and the Pussycats” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” But in this satirical sports comedy, she appears completely unrecognizable as a Romanovian sports champion and the deadliest woman on earth…with a dodgeball. Pyle’s character is a hilarious grab bag of Soviet Russian stereotypes, including bulky super strength, bad teeth, red jumpsuit, and some ultra short hair. From dodgeball queen to fighting Queen Latifah in “Bringing Down the House,” Pyle can pile it out, whether she’s off-putting or beautiful.

Ah, John Hurt. The late, acclaimed actor’s many roles throughout the years have often ended in grisly death. Just ask Kane from “Alien.” As he has gotten older, he has played eclectic, wizened parts, like Ollivander in “Harry Potter.” But his most grotesque role has to be the titular Elephant Man, actually named John Merrick, an mistreated circus performer rescued by a kind surgeon. Hurt’s Elephant Man is actually the result of makeup, needing seven to eight hours to be applied and then carefully removed. The result is a pitifully oversized, bee-stung visage, a gruesome facial deformity that is a cross between Quasimodo and Igor. It’s a truly stunning transformation in physical acting.

The titular Betty from this TV series is hardworking and intelligent, but as the title suggests, looks are not at the top of her list of qualities. So when she shows up at the office of a top New York fashion magazine in a poncho with her big blue metal smile, she’s not very well received. But when you see what this beautiful American with Honduran parents looks like in real life, it becomes clear just how hard the makeup artists and costume designers had to work to achieve the “ugly” effect! Her perfect smile, fiery gaze and beautiful hair quickly wipe away any memory of her on-screen look.

The all-female version of Ghostbusters certainly gave the franchise a fresh look. Among the cast was Kate McKinnon, who plays Jillian Holtzmann, the technical wizard of the crew. With those odd yellow goggles and that hairstyle straight out of the ‘80s, it’s hard to detect the natural beauty of this SNL star. However, under that ill-fitting costume hide plenty of noteworthy features, all of which shine through in real life. Remove those wraparound shades and you’ll also find some vibrant blue eyes and a beautiful head of hair. Don’t let her good looks fool you though... she’s every bit as badass in person.

Few TV shows in history have had the cultural impact of Game of Thrones, and its success is in no small part thanks to its high-caliber characters. Gwendoline Christie plays Brienne of Tarth, a strong woman who better embodies the virtues of knighthood than most actual knights. A true tomboy, her short hair and sharp features are far from feminine. But behind this armored shell, there is a killer body. With her curvy figure and tall stature, she’s worked with a number of fashion designers and photographers. This athletic model and actress is a true chameleon! Speaking of tomboys who stun off-screen, how about young Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams?

American actress Cameron Diaz certainly has tackled a wide variety of roles. In the 1999 movie “Being John Malkovich,” she played a wacky wife who’s totally obsessed with animals. With her frizzy hair and makeup-free face, her usual sex appeal is completely suppressed. Then again, John Cusack isn’t exactly looking his best in this film either. Regardless, that same year, Diaz appeared in “Very Bad Things,” where she played a future bride who’s utterly irresistible - albeit a little unstable. Throughout her various roles, and as herself, her stunning good looks have given us reason to marvel countless times over the years. We certainly wouldn’t ask Lotte for hairdresser recommendations though.

A former football athlete turned actor, the late John Matuszak’s physically fit form may have made him an oddly handsome choice for this ugly role. When Chunk tries to hitch a ride to the police station, he stumbles upon the Fratellis, a family of criminals who take him prisoner. There he meets the most gruesome member of that family: Sloth Fratelli, played by John Matuszak. Fortunately, Sloth turns out to be a nice, Baby Ruth-loving guy whom Chunk befriends and eventually protects from arrest. It’s always great to see an actor willing to think outside the conventionally-attractive box.

Emma Thompson is barely recognizable in her role as Nanny McPhee and, to a slightly lesser extent, the Divinations teacher at Hogwarts. Sporting a wart on her face and buck teeth in “Nanny McPhee” and thick glasses with a disheveled hairdo in “Harry Potter,” Emma Thompson can truly transform herself. But underneath all those layers of makeup hides an elegant blonde with a brilliant smile and sparkling eyes. They say that a true actress should be able to play diverse roles. Well, in that case, Emma Thompson has certainly proven herself to be a master of her craft.

Rooney Mara’s breakout role may not have showcased her looks, but her undeniable talent obviously shone through, as the role earned her a nomination at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. She portrayed young hacker Lisbeth Salander. In keeping with the source material, her Gothic style made her less than conventionally appealing. But in real life, all those piercings, tattoos and dark makeup disappear, and an undeniably beautiful and bright woman emerges. This mysterious and enchanting actress has turned many heads and will continue to do so!

You’d be forgiven for not recognizing Naomi Grossman and Pepper as the same person! In the chilling TV series “American Horror Story,” Naomi plays a microcephalic woman - an individual with an abnormally small head that results in developmental issues in the brain. For the role, a team of professional makeup artists completely altered her face and body, using silicone masks and other artificial prosthetics. Naomi even gave up her beautiful hair and shaved her head. But surprise! Behind all these alterations, Naomi has a regular sized head, soft features and plenty of sex appeal.

“It’s Always Sunny” is known for its very colorful characters and controversial subject matter. Even so, the character of Margaret McPoyle is one of the most bizarre of the entire series. Poor Margaret is a deaf-mute who flicks her tongue like a snake. In order to accentuate her eccentricity, the creators decked her out with a unibrow, greasy hair and an expressionless look. But it’s truly shocking once you see the actress who portrays Margaret! Thesy Surface, minus the costume, is gorgeous. The revealing photos taken of this doe-eyed beauty certainly prove as much!

They often say that beauty is a factor in success, but for Charlize Theron, diminished beauty made her a truly respected star. She won the Oscar for best actress for her role in 2003’s “Monster,” in which she played a prostitute at her wits’ end who commits several murders. The movie is based on the true story of American serial killer Aileen Wuornos. This woman with tired features, rotten teeth and dirty hair is the character that earned Charlize true recognition in Hollywood. Even today, Theron continues to showcase her incredible acting talent in countless roles, whether she’s playing an unattractive or a beautiful character.