Actors Who Played Opposite Gender Roles

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Actors have often taken on roles as a different gender in movies and TV shows – from lighthearted comedies to serious dramas and biographical films. They use techniques like makeup, costumes, and changing their voice to convincingly portray these characters. These performances have been seen throughout film history, from classic Hollywood to modern, critically acclaimed projects, and have frequently been recognized with awards while also prompting discussions about how different groups are portrayed on screen. Here’s a look at some well-known examples and the projects where actors made this kind of transformation.

Dustin Hoffman

In the comedy ‘Tootsie,’ Dustin Hoffman stars as Dorothy Michaels, an unemployed actor who lands a role on a soap opera by disguising himself as a woman. Creating Dorothy’s appearance required many makeup tests and costumes inspired by the fashions of the time. Hoffman also practiced voice and movement techniques to consistently portray the character throughout filming. The film is now famous for its portrayal of a character in disguise.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams played the iconic character of Mrs. Doubtfire, and the transformation was remarkable. It involved extensive prosthetics and a full-body suit, along with a famously complicated makeup process that took hours each day. To make the physical comedy believable, stunt and effects teams worked closely with the costume department. The film was a huge success, establishing Mrs. Doubtfire as a well-known example of a cross-gender performance.

Cate Blanchett

In the film ‘I’m Not There,’ Cate Blanchett embodies one of the many sides of Bob Dylan. Her part of the movie concentrates on a particular period in his life and is filmed in black and white to resemble a documentary. She worked with vocal coaches and studied Dylan’s movements to accurately capture his voice and how he carried himself. Many critics noted that her role was unusual, as it featured a woman portraying a well-known male musician in a major film.

Tilda Swinton

In the film ‘Suspiria’, Tilda Swinton underwent a remarkable transformation to play Dr. Josef Klemperer, initially credited under a false name to keep her role a secret. A team of effects artists used extensive makeup and prosthetics to alter her face and age her appearance, and a special suit was designed to change her body shape. Swinton also modified her voice and the way she walked to fully embody the character, distinct from her other roles in the movie. The production team eventually confirmed she was playing Dr. Klemperer after months of viewers trying to figure it out.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close stars in ‘Albert Nobbs’ as a woman who disguises herself as a male butler in 19th-century Dublin. The film is based on a story by George Moore and focuses on the everyday challenges of keeping her true identity a secret. Close, who previously played the role on stage, used her experience to prepare for the film. The filmmakers paid close attention to accurate period costumes and subtle makeup to create a believable disguise.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto portrayed Rayon in ‘Dallas Buyers Club,’ working closely with makeup artists who intentionally avoided digital enhancements to create a realistic appearance. His significant weight loss and the character’s clothing were carefully chosen to match the script’s description of Rayon’s declining health and personal style. To maintain consistency throughout filming, Leto remained in character even when the cameras weren’t rolling. The performance received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Eddie Redmayne

In ‘The Danish Girl,’ Eddie Redmayne plays Lili Elbe, a pioneer who underwent one of the first gender confirmation surgeries. The film was shot on location in Europe to accurately reflect the historical period. The costumes visually show Lili’s changing appearance through her clothing’s materials, shape, and colors. Redmayne also collaborated with movement experts to develop Lili’s unique way of moving and holding herself.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank stars as Brandon Teena in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, a true story filmed quickly and with limited funds. To accurately portray the character, Swank used specific hair and clothing techniques reflecting Brandon’s everyday life. The filmmakers shot on location in the Midwest to recreate the actual events of the story. Swank also practiced voice training to maintain the character’s voice throughout filming.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman plays Bree in ‘Transamerica’, and worked with a dialect coach to develop the character’s voice, changing it to reflect important events in the story. The film focuses on a road trip, and the filmmakers prioritized a realistic look through makeup and costumes rather than exaggerated appearances. Huffman’s performance earned her several major award nominations.

Jeffrey Tambor

Jeffrey Tambor starred in ‘Transparent’ as Maura Pfefferman, a story about a family navigating life after her transition. The show’s writers worked with consultants to ensure accurate and respectful portrayals. ‘Transparent’ used a realistic, documentary-style approach with handheld cameras and filming on location. Tambor’s acting was highly praised and earned him several awards in the show’s first few seasons.

John Travolta

John Travolta portrays Edna Turnblad in the movie ‘Hairspray’, wearing a special fat suit and large wig, as is customary for the role. Rehearsals adjusted the choreography to work with the weight and limitations of the costume. Travolta’s singing style draws on traditional musical theatre performance. Throughout the film’s songs and dances, Edna remains a key figure, even in big group numbers.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry created the character Mabel Madea Simmons and plays her in his stage plays and movies, including ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and its sequels. Madea is instantly recognizable thanks to her consistent look – a dress, wig, and glasses. Perry often plays multiple characters within the same project, and frequently acts alongside Madea using techniques like split screen or body doubles. This recurring role has consistently attracted large audiences to his films.

Martin Lawrence

In ‘Big Momma’s House,’ Martin Lawrence plays FBI agent Malcolm Turner, who famously disguises himself as an elderly woman named Hattie Mae Pierce. To create this transformation, special effects artists designed a complete prosthetic body suit, especially for the movie’s more physically demanding scenes. The suit even included a cooling system to keep Lawrence comfortable during long filming days. The film relied on precise coordination between Lawrence, stunt performers, and the rest of the cast for its comedic action. The movie proved popular and spawned several sequels based on the same idea.

Tony Curtis

In ‘Some Like It Hot,’ Tony Curtis skillfully plays both Josephine, a woman, and Joe, a man. The costumes and makeup accurately reflect the style of the late 1920s, particularly during the band performances. The story cleverly uses fast costume changes and musical numbers to make Curtis’s disguise believable. Curtis and his co-star work together to bring the film’s central idea – the disguise – to life.

Jack Lemmon

In ‘Some Like It Hot,’ Jack Lemmon plays Daphne, mirroring Tony Curtis’s character who also lives a double life. During filming, a lot of attention was given to precise timing to make the musical numbers and action scenes exciting. The costumes, especially the high heels, played a big part in the funny physical comedy throughout the movie. This role is still considered one of Lemmon’s most famous and memorable performances.

John Cameron Mitchell

Mitchell plays the lead role in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, adapting the stage musical into a movie. The film creatively combines live concert performances, short animated sequences, and scenes from the past. Hedwig’s appearance changes with each song, shown through different makeup and wigs, reflecting their personal journey. The film’s soundtrack proved popular and helped it connect with a wider audience.

Jaye Davidson

Stephen Davidson’s role as Dil in ‘The Crying Game’ is crucial to the film’s surprising twist and the evolving relationships between characters. To avoid spoilers, the filmmakers deliberately kept promotional materials mysterious. Davidson’s performance relies on nuanced acting during conversations, rather than heavy makeup or special effects. The role garnered considerable awards recognition upon the film’s release.

Linda Hunt

In ‘The Year of Living Dangerously,’ Hugo Weaving plays Billy Kwan, a photographer who helps move the story forward. The character isn’t created with bulky prosthetics, but through changes in hair, makeup, and clothing. Weaving’s voice and body language bring Kwan to life, especially in busy scenes. This performance was highly acclaimed and even earned him an Academy Award nomination – a rare achievement for a role played as a different gender.

Barbra Streisand

In ‘Yentl,’ Barbra Streisand plays a young woman who disguises herself as a man so she can study religion – a story adapted from Isaac Bashevis Singer. The film uses songs to show what the characters are thinking and feeling, and the central disguise drives the plot forward. The movie authentically recreates the look of Eastern Europe in the early 1900s. Streisand not only starred in the film but also directed and produced it, bringing her vision to life.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews stars in ‘Victor Victoria’ as a singer who cleverly disguises herself as a man pretending to be a woman. The film is set in vibrant nightclubs and features stunning costumes. Andrews’s singing and the film’s choreography emphasize the multiple layers of this deceptive performance. The role became another celebrated musical highlight in her film career.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes plays the lead in ‘She’s the Man,’ a funny movie inspired by a Shakespeare play. It’s about a teenage girl who pretends to be her brother so she can play on the boys’ soccer team. Filming took place at actual schools, and they hired sports experts to make the soccer games look realistic. The actors’ makeup and clothes changed to help maintain the disguise between school scenes and sports scenes. The movie updates the classic story of mistaken identity for a modern audience.

Share your favorite example of an actor convincingly playing a character of the opposite gender in the comments, and let us know who else we should consider adding to our list!

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2025-10-26 00:20