Natalie Portman to Matt Damon: 7 notable actors who went bald for their iconic roles

By Team Newsable  |  First Published Jul 14, 2023, 6:35 PM IST

Discover the commitment and dedication of these actors as they embraced baldness for their memorable characters. From Bryan Cranston in 'Breaking Bad' to Natalie Portman in 'V for Vendetta,' explore the transformations that added depth and authenticity to their performances.


In the world of film and television, actors often undergo physical transformations to portray their characters convincingly. One such transformation involves going bald. These actors demonstrate the dedication and commitment they have to their craft by willingly going bald for their roles. Whether it's to enhance the authenticity of a character or to visually represent a transformation, these actors fully embrace the physical changes required to deliver compelling performances. Their commitment to their roles extends beyond their natural appearance, showcasing their versatility and willingness to immerse themselves in their characters' worlds.

Here are seven notable actors who went bald for their roles:

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1. Natalie Portman

In the dystopian film "V for Vendetta," Natalie Portman played Evey Hammond, a woman living under a repressive government. As part of her transformation, Portman's character goes through a harrowing experience that involves shaving her head. Portman fully committed to the role, shaving her own head and delivering a powerful performance.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cami Modas (@camibelarmino)

2. Bryan Cranston

In the critically acclaimed TV series "Breaking Bad," Bryan Cranston played Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. To fully embody the character's transformation from a mild-mannered teacher to a ruthless criminal, Cranston shaved his head, giving Walter White his iconic bald appearance.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bee Bald (@beebaldproducts)

3. Sir Patrick Stewart

Known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Patrick Stewart embraced baldness for the character. He portrayed the wise and authoritative Starfleet captain with a completely bald head, which became an iconic and recognizable look for the beloved character.

3. Charlize Theron

In the movie "Mad Max: Fury Road," Charlize Theron played the character Imperator Furiosa, a fierce and determined warrior. Theron opted for a shaved head to portray the character's strength and resilience. Her bald look added to the intensity of her performance and became a defining visual aspect of the character.

5. Sigourney Weaver

In the science fiction thriller "Alien 3," Sigourney Weaver reprised her role as Ellen Ripley, the iconic character she played in the "Alien" franchise. As part of the plot, Ripley finds herself on a prison planet where she battles a deadly alien creature. Weaver shaved her head for the role, emphasizing Ripley's resilience and showcasing her determination to confront the alien threat.

6. Cate Blanchett

In the drama film "Heaven," Cate Blanchett played a grieving woman seeking justice for the death of her husband. As part of her disguise, the character adopts a male persona and shaves her head. Blanchett fully committed to the role, portraying the emotional journey of the character with a shaved head that added to the authenticity of her performance.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by 🔮✨ (@earthward09)

7. Matt Damon

In the action-thriller film "Elysium," Matt Damon played the lead role of Max, a man living in a dystopian future where the wealthy reside on a luxurious space station while the rest of humanity struggles on Earth. Damon shaved his head for the role, further immersing himself in the character and bringing a gritty authenticity to his portrayal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Matt Damon (@mattdamon5)

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