17 Actors Who Are So Believable, They're Basically Shapeshifters

Any of these guys could play me in a biopic.

Sometimes actors are typecast into particular roles, but sometimes, you'll see a role and think "no way is that that actor."

Here are a bunch of actors who I'm certain could inhabit any role thrown at them.

1. Gary Oldman

Warner Bros.

With a 40+ year career, Gary Oldman is a chameleon actor. I've lost count of the time times where I didn’t even realise it was him on-screen. This is a man who played Sirius Black, Jim Gordon, Lee Harvey Oswald, and Pontius Pilate – he knows how to change it up.

2. Robin Williams

20th Century Fox

The late great Robin Wiliams started in comedy but transitioned to the big screen, and had a colourful career. His most famous roles are testament to his ability. Who else could have played Mrs Doubtfire, the Genie, and Dr Sean Maguire as well as he did? As the kids say, he always understood the assignment.

3. Viola Davis

Netflix

We all know about her immense acting ability and impressive range – from Ma Rainey to the cold Annaliese Keating, Viola Davis is Hollywood's finest. We're about to see her play Michelle Obama, and if the pictures of her on set are anything to go by, she's already embodied her.

4. Tom Hardy

20th Century Fox

Tom Hardy is all about dedication – whatever accent or body shape a role requires, he goes all in. His performances in Bronson and The Dark Knight Rises are drastically different from the ones we see in Inception and Warrior. 

5. Meryl Streep

Universal Pictures / Associated Film Distribution

Does she need any further explanation? Iconic.

6. Riz Ahmed

Optimum Releasing

Maybe you were introduced to Riz in Sound of Metal, maybe it was Four Lions. Perhaps it was when he played Paul-Louis in Girls. Whether it's comedy, drama, or even music (yep, he has two albums), Riz does it well.

7. Matthew McConaughey

Focus Features

Remember when Matthew McConaughey used to rule rom-coms? The last decade has taught us that he’s an actor who can really do anything. Who else could teach us how to lose a guy in 10 days and give a heartwrenching performance as Ron in Dallas Buyers Club?

8. Jim Carrey

Focus Features

Yes, we all love Jim for his brilliant comedy, but the guy is amazing in his serious roles. For every Ace Ventura, there’s a film like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, truly showing his range. He does do comedy really well though.

9. Whoopi Goldberg

Warner Bros. Pictures

Whoopi’s given us comedy (Sister Act) and serious (The Color Purple) with equal brilliance. She’s also one of only 16 people to be an EGOT winner, which is an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony – I don't think I need to say any more. 

10. Gemma Chan

Liam Daniel

Her career may have started with some quite limited roles, but performances like Bess of Hardwick in Mary Queen of Scots and Mia in Humans prove that her skills have no limits. Whether it's Marvel fight scenes, British comedy, or serious drama, Gemma's got it covered.

11. Andy Serkis

Universal Pictures

You’ll notice that Andy is slightly different to some of the others on the list – he physically transforms for every one of his roles. He’s Gollum, King Kong, and is set to play Alfred Pennyworth in the new Batman – motion capture or not, the man can do it all.

12. Tilda Swinton

Searchlight Pictures

Tilda has often had me question whether it really is her in the film I’m watching. While she does tend to favour a villain role, no two are alike – her characters span different genres, accents, and styles.

13. Daniel Day-Lewis

20th Century Fox

It would be impossible to make this list without including method man Daniel Day-Lewis. He's universally known for his dedication and preparation to really become someone else. I’m sure he could play a chair and win an Oscar.

14. Leonardo DiCaprio

Warner Bros. Pictures

As Leonardo DiCaprio’s career goes on, his range as an actor becomes even more impressive. Could you imagine Titanic’s Jack Dawson as a corrupt diamond smuggler? His films are award-winning, but Leo’s characters feel like different people.

15. Anthony Hopkins

Lionsgate

You might think of Anthony for his villain roles (see Westworld and Hannibal), but he’s flitted across every genre. I mean, the fact that the man has played the Pope, Alfred Hitchcock, and Zorro, says it all. Not that we needed convincing, but his recent role in The Father was a further testament to his ability to play complex vulnerable characters.

16. Emily Blunt

Paramount Pictures

Emily Blunt has an impressive range of films for every situation. Want to laugh? The Devil Wears Prada. Feeling nostalgic? Mary Poppins Returns. The fact that she’s won awards for her role in A Quiet Place says it all (she barely spoke)!

17. Timothée Chalamet

Searchlight Pictures

He's everyone's favourite soft boy, but his recent performance of Paul in Dune proved he can take on any role he wants. We saw sensitive in Call Me By Your name, got slight fuckboy vibes in Lady Bird, and we have his interpretation of Willy Wonka to look forward to.

Who do you think can play any role? Tell us in the comments!