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.

Hollywood loves a comeback almost as much as it loves a scandal. Over the years, countless stars have seen their careers nosedive after very public controversies—some caused by personal mistakes, others by explosive tabloid storms. Yet in true cinematic fashion, many of these actors have managed to claw their way back into the spotlight, winning over audiences (and studios) once again.

It takes a lot to make it in Hollywood, and just because you make it, doesn’t always mean that you get what you deserve—think of Scarlet Johansson’s battle for fair pay with Disney. Some of these actresses fought hard to get big paychecks, while others decided to branch out of acting to up their net worth.

Lights, camera, friendship! Hollywood often sparkles with drama, but some of the brightest on-set sparks aren’t romantic—they’re platonic. These iconic duos turned shared scripts and long shoot days into lifelong bonds. From Dawson’s Creek to Titanic and beyond, here’s a slideshow-worthy roundup of celeb besties whose close connections began where the cameras rolled.

In Hollywood, the myth of the “overnight success” is irresistible—but often wildly inaccurate. Behind many of the most beloved stars is a long, winding road of bit parts, side jobs, and years of rejection before that one role changed everything. Some of these actors spent decades honing their craft in obscurity, waiting for the industry—and the right project—to finally catch up to their talent.

Behind every glittering Hollywood smile or record-breaking sports career lies the possibility of a new chapter—and some stars have flipped the script entirely. These celebrities didn’t just dip a toe into something different; they dove headfirst into new ventures, industries, and even entire professions. From music icons building billion-dollar empires to athletes taking over boardrooms, these bold moves prove that fame can be a launchpad for reinvention.