Double Take
Hollywood is full of transformations. With wigs, prosthetics, makeup, and costumes, some actors vanish so completely into their characters that you wouldn’t recognize them walking down the street. From medieval queens to quirky sidekicks, here are some of the most jaw-dropping actor switch ups when the cameras stop rolling.
Emilia Clarke
On Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke reigned supreme as Daenerys Targaryen, with flowing platinum locks and a bronze, almost ethereal look. Off camera, Clarke is nearly unrecognizable, favoring rich brunette shades and bold lipsticks that add modern glamour. Seeing her walk a red carpet in a chic dress, it’s hard to believe this is the same “Mother of Dragons.”
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Sophie McShera
As Daisy Mason on Downton Abbey, Sophie McShera played the meek kitchen maid with a perpetually tired look. In real life, however, McShera is radiant and confident, trading in aprons and flour-dusted faces for couture gowns and sleek hair. The transformation shows just how much wardrobe and posture can turn “invisible help” into a glamorous starlet.
ITV, Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Tom Mison
Tom Mison brought a rugged, eccentric Ichabod Crane to life in Sleepy Hollow, with his long hair and brooding period costumes. Off screen, though, a haircut, neatly trimmed beard, and pair of glasses completely alter his appearance. Suddenly, he’s not a Revolutionary-era outsider but a dashing, modern leading man you might mistake for a fashion editor.
Fox, Sleepy Hollow (2013–2017)
Taryn Manning
Taryn Manning’s character Tiffany “Pennsatucky” Doggett on Orange Is the New Black was almost intentionally unflattering, complete with missing teeth, stringy hair, and ragged clothing. In reality, Manning is stylish, edgy, and worlds away from her disheveled character. Her off-camera presence proves just how much dedication (and makeup magic) went into making her nearly unrecognizable on the show.
Netflix, Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
Laura Gómez
As Blanca Flores in Orange Is the New Black, Laura Gómez sported tired eyes, unkempt hair, and a weary expression that screamed “behind bars tough”. Away from Litchfield, Gómez is a red-carpet vision—sleek hair, smoky makeup, and glamorous gowns that show her elegance. The difference is so stark it’s almost as if Blanca belongs in another universe entirely.
Netflix, Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019)
Jaleel White
For many fans, Jaleel White will always be Steve Urkel, the awkward, suspenders-wearing nerd from Family Matters. But White has long since shed the oversized glasses and squeaky voice, trading them in for a sharp wardrobe and enviable confidence. Spot him today and you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly suave he is compared to his unforgettable TV persona.
ABC/CBS, Family Matters (1989–1998)
Hannah Murray
Hannah Murray’s Game of Thrones character, Gilly, was portrayed with plain clothing, unstyled hair, and a perpetually weary look from surviving north of the Wall. Off-screen, however, Murray dazzles with her natural glamour and striking red hair. It’s a transformation so extreme that it takes a second glance to realize she’s the same actress.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Laura Carmichael
Lady Edith Crawley may have been the least glamorous of the Downton Abbey sisters, often styled conservatively to emphasize her insecurities. But actress Laura Carmichael in real life carries herself with elegance, sophistication, and an undeniable glow. Seeing her outside the Crawley estate is enough to remind viewers just how much television styling can dull natural beauty.
ITV, Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Madeline Brewer
On Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Madeline Brewer plays Ofwarren (Janine), whose tragic storyline includes a very distinctive physical difference. Off camera, Brewer is effortlessly stunning, with both eyes intact, a radiant smile, and a keen sense of style. The shocking contrast highlights just how powerfully makeup and costume departments can transform a person’s entire essence.
Hulu, The Handmaid’s Tale (2017– )
Rainn Wilson
Dwight Schrute may be one of television’s most iconic oddballs, complete with mustard shirts, wire-rimmed glasses, and that infamous center-part hairstyle. Without the costume, Rainn Wilson looks like an entirely different man—more relaxed, hip, and approachable. Even so, fans will forever associate him with beet farms and bizarre office antics.
Ed Speleers
As Stephen Bonnet on Outlander, Ed Speleers sported stringy hair and a rough pirate aesthetic that screamed villain. Outside of the role, however, he’s sharp, polished, and often barely resembles the cruel character he portrayed. His transformation proves that a little hair gel and a tuxedo can work wonders.
Ariel Winter
Growing up on Modern Family as Alex Dunphy, Ariel Winter was typecast as the brainy, bespectacled younger sister. In reality, Winter is far more glamorous, having grown into a confident young woman with a bold style. It’s always fun to see fans’ reactions when they realize Alex and Ariel are not one and the same.
ABC, Modern Family (2009–2020)
Julia Garner
Ruth Langmore on Ozark was as fierce as her tightly wound blonde curls. Julia Garner, however, often switches up her hair, sometimes sleek and straight, sometimes fashionably styled, but always chic. Off screen, her look is softer and trendier, making her nearly unrecognizable from the sharp-tongued character that earned her critical acclaim.
Édgar Ramírez
In American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Édgar Ramírez’s transformation was jaw-dropping. The actor was aged with silver hair and a designer’s refined aesthetic, making him look almost nothing like his naturally youthful self. Catch him outside the role, and you’re reminded just how versatile he truly is.
FX, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018)
Jonny Galecki
As Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory, Johnny Galecki’s thick-framed glasses and cardigans gave him an adorably geeky charm. Off screen, Galecki often ditches the glasses, revealing a much more ruggedly handsome version of himself. It’s proof that eyewear alone can completely alter public perception.
CBS, The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)
Conleth Hill
Lord Varys in Game of Thrones was known for his bald head and cryptic whispers. Conleth Hill, though, has a full head of hair and a well-groomed beard that make him look almost unrecognizable. Fans often do a double take when they see the actor at events, far removed from his shadowy on-screen persona.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Rachel Brosnahan
Rachel Brosnahan brought the fast-talking, witty Midge Maisel to life in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, complete with vintage hair and bold makeup. In reality, Brosnahan is a natural blonde, with a much softer and more contemporary style. It’s fascinating to see how the actress’s off-camera look strips away the retro glamour audiences know her for.
Amazon Prime Video, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)
Zuzanna Szadkowski
Dorota, Blair Waldorf’s loyal maid on Gossip Girl, was iconic for her uniform, headband, and understated presence. In real life, actress Zuzanna Szadkowski is chic, stylish, and brimming with personality. It’s a delightful surprise to see her outside Dorota’s shadow, reminding us how much wardrobe influences perception.
The CW, Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Hugh Grant
Audiences are used to seeing Hugh Grant as the charming romantic comedy lead. In The Gentlemen, however, he adopted an entirely different persona—complete with a darker look, new accent, and gritty edge. The transformation was so convincing that many fans had to remind themselves it was the same actor who once bumbled adorably through Notting Hill.
STXfilms, The Gentlemen (2019)
Judy Greer
Judy Greer has made a career out of being “the best friend” in rom-coms, often styled in approachable, understated ways. Off-screen, though, Greer can stun with daring fashion choices and a glamorous presence that feels worlds away from her on-screen archetypes. Her transformations prove she’s far more versatile than Hollywood often gives her credit for.
CBS, Two and a Half Men (2003–2015)
Michael Dorn
As Worf in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Michael Dorn was nearly unrecognizable under layers of prosthetics, heavy makeup, and that signature Klingon scowl. Off camera, Dorn is strikingly handsome, with an easy smile and charm that Klingon warriors would never dare show. It’s almost hard to believe such a warm presence hid under all that latex.
Paramount Domestic Television, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
Final Thoughts
These actors remind us that Hollywood magic is alive and well. From elaborate prosthetics to simple styling tricks, transformations can be so convincing that even devoted fans forget what the stars look like in real life. The next time you spot one of these performers at an award show or interview, don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing a double take.
HBO, Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
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