10 Unconventional Ways Famous Actors Got into Character

For many actors, getting into character means more than just memorizing lines; it requires immersing themselves completely in the role. Some actors take this process to remarkable extremes, adopting unconventional and sometimes controversial methods to embody their characters. Whether through physical transformation, intense psychological preparation, or bizarre routines, these actors go above and beyond to bring authenticity to their performances. Here are ten actors who took unique and often extreme approaches to prepare for their roles.

Related: 10 Actors Who Portrayed Real-Life Criminals to Perfection

10 Daniel Day-Lewis Refuses to Break Character on Set

Renowned for his dedication, Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the most intense method actors of his generation. Known for fully immersing himself in his characters, Day-Lewis famously refuses to break character during filming, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. For his Oscar-winning role in My Left Foot (1989), where he portrayed Christy Brown, a man with cerebral palsy, Day-Lewis stayed in character throughout filming. He insisted on using a wheelchair, had the crew feed him, and even let them carry him to avoid walking. His insistence on complete immersion allowed him to capture Brown’s struggle authentically, impressing audiences with his performance.

For Lincoln (2012), Day-Lewis took a similar approach, studying everything from Lincoln’s letters to his speeches and adopting the president’s voice on and off camera. He even requested that everyone, from cast and crew to extras, address him as “Mr. President.” His meticulous preparation included reading about Lincoln’s relationships and health, allowing him to embody the physical and mental toll of the Civil War on the leader’s life. Day-Lewis’s extreme dedication has earned him three Academy Awards and solidified his reputation as one of the most committed actors in the industry.^[1]

9 Heath Ledger Lived in Isolation for the Joker

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008) is widely regarded as one of the most iconic performances of all time. To prepare for the role, Ledger locked himself in a hotel room for six weeks, isolating himself from the outside world to develop the character’s mindset. During this time, he kept a journal filled with disturbing images and phrases that reflected the Joker’s chaotic nature, helping him tap into the character’s psyche. The entries included lines like “I am an agent of chaos” and drawings of twisted smiles, which shaped his performance’s intensity and unpredictability.

Ledger’s preparation was intense and reportedly took a toll on his mental health. His efforts to embody the Joker extended beyond his hotel stay—on set, he continued experimenting with the character’s voice and mannerisms, even developing the iconic, sinister laugh that would define his portrayal. While some close to him worried about the psychological impact of such a dark role, Ledger’s commitment to his craft was evident, and his hauntingly memorable Joker earned him a posthumous Academy Award.^[2]

8 Christian Bale’s Extreme Physical Transformations

Christian Bale is known for undergoing drastic physical changes to embody his characters, often taking his transformations to an extreme level. For The Machinist (2004), Bale famously lost over 60 pounds (27.2 kg), surviving on a diet of water, coffee, and an apple or can of tuna each day. His gaunt, skeletal appearance shocked audiences and set a new bar for physical transformation, but Bale believed it was necessary to authentically portray the insomniac, mentally unwell protagonist. He reportedly dropped to just 120 pounds (54.4 kg), pushing his body to the brink of its limits.

After The Machinist, Bale quickly gained 100 pounds (45.4 kg) to play Batman in Batman Begins, bulking up to portray the superhero’s imposing physique. His willingness to undergo extreme body changes didn’t end there—he gained weight for American Hustle and then slimmed down again for The Fighter, proving his commitment to each role. Though such drastic weight changes come with health risks, Bale’s dedication to embodying his characters through physical transformation has earned him immense respect in Hollywood, even as it sparks concern from health experts.^[3]

7 Meryl Streep Learns Languages and Accents from Scratch

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, renowned for her ability to adapt to different accents and languages to bring authenticity to her roles. For her Oscar-winning performance in Sophie’s Choice (1982), Streep learned Polish and German, spending weeks with a coach to perfect her pronunciation. She even adopted a Polish accent in English, adding depth to her character’s background as a Holocaust survivor. The dedication to linguistic detail made her portrayal all the more convincing, deeply resonating with audiences and critics alike.

Streep has continued this rigorous approach in other films. For Out of Africa (1985), she studied Danish accents, and in The Iron Lady (2011), she spent countless hours perfecting Margaret Thatcher’s distinct tone and cadence. Each linguistic transformation reflects her dedication to fully immersing herself in her characters’ worlds, which has helped her create complex, layered performances. Streep’s meticulous attention to voice and accent is an example of her exceptional talent and adaptability as an actress, underscoring her status as one of Hollywood’s finest.^[4]

6 Jared Leto’s Method Acting for the Joker

Jared Leto’s approach to playing the Joker in Suicide Squad (2016) involved some of the most extreme and controversial method acting techniques. Known for diving headfirst into his characters, Leto sent bizarre and disturbing gifts to his co-stars to capture the Joker’s unpredictable personality. These “gifts” included a live rat for Margot Robbie, bullets for Will Smith, and even a dead pig for the entire cast. His goal was to make his presence on set feel as unsettling as the Joker himself, fostering an atmosphere of chaos.

But Leto’s method acting extended beyond gifts. He stayed in character off-camera, using the Joker’s voice and laugh and rarely breaking character, even during breaks. Some cast members were reportedly uncomfortable with his methods, and his performance sparked debate over the lengths actors should go to embody a role. Leto’s approach raised questions about the ethical boundaries of method acting, even though he argued it helped him understand the Joker’s chaotic mindset.^[5]

5 Shia LaBeouf Pulled Out His Own Tooth and Lived on the Streets

Shia LaBeouf’s commitment to method acting has taken him to extreme lengths, with his approach to character preparation bordering on dangerous. For Fury(2014), a World War II film, LaBeouf reportedly refused to shower