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Casting someone to play a person who really existed comes with a lot of variables to consider. The actor needs range and skill to capture this person's deep, fascinating life. But it also helps to have them resemble that person, at least somewhat. Through a mix of natural resemblance, makeup, effects, and sheer passion, some actors do really capture their muse well. So much so, the role seems almost made for them. Other times, it's easy to see the thespian beneath the role. Here are ten side-by-side images of actors and the real-life people they once played. Renée Zellweger worked hard to capture Judy Garland's depth Renée Zellweger resembled Judy Garland in more ways than one / Globe-Photos /ImageCollect / YouTube screenshot No role gave an actor such a tall order quite like the role of Judy Garland, taken on by Renée Zellweger. Viewers saw the transformation's results in Judy (2019). This powerful movie pulled the curtain back on Judy Garland's life when she left Oz and returned to Kansas. RELATED: 11 Actors Who Were Handsome Hunks As Young Men The film stunned many but did not get support from Garland's blood relatives. But by looks alone, Zellweger did manage to visually become Judy Garland with a resemblance that can't be beaten. Rami Malek managed the impossible and resembled late Queen singer Freddie Mercury Rami Malek did not personally sing in the movie but brought a stunning performance still / Flickr / YouTube screenshot The real Freddie Mercury made a massive impact in his too-short life, which ended at the age of 45 from AIDS-related complications. But today, we can still enjoy his music and hear his story. This becomes especially possible thanks to actors like Rami Malek who managed to completely transform into the late Queen icon. Armed with the famous mustache and accessories, Malek put forth a praiseworthy performance in Bohemian Rhapsody. The makeup department deserves praise, too, for setting Malek up with a clip-on set of teeth to complete the look. Tom Hanks playing Fred Rogers made every day a beautiful one in the neighborhood Tom Hanks might resemble Mr. Rogers so well because they're related / Blue Room Historical Photo Essay / YouTube screenshot Throw on a suit and comforting red sweater, and Tom Hanks becomes Fred Rogers, the nicest man in history, in the blink of an eye. The resemblance holds strong in 2019's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In the case of Tom Hanks, he might have an advantage, since he and Mr. Rogers are related. The movie drew thoughtful discussion from audiences. Some noted the unique look at the life behind this caring man, and others noted what was true and false. Joaquin Phoenix knows how to dive into a role, and playing Johnny Cash was no exception Joaquin Phoenix's powerful, immersive acting reaches even before his Joker performance / Wikipedia / YouTube screenshot Fans of comic book movies got their latest dose of Joaquin Phoenix's skill when he was in Joker, playing the titular nemesis to Batman. 2019 was the year for profound screen performances and Phoenix certainly delivered that. But before playing the Joker, Phoenix had another big role to fill: that of Johnny Cash. Though Cash gained lasting renown, he faced a lot of personal struggles that Phoenix had to navigate for Walk the Line (2005). All the while, he had to resemble Cash enough that audiences did not get pulled from the performance. Fortunately, he managed both. It's always a pleasure to see the remarkable performance only Anthony Hopkins can deliver Anthony Hopkins' resemblance to the former Pope is uncanny / Tg-Globe Photos, Inc./ImageCollect / YouTube screenshot A skilled actor like Anthony Hopkins might not have even needed to resemble his muse to earn respect when he played Pope Benedict XVI in Two Popes. But he actually did, rather well, too. Us Magazine notes the star power behind this movie, seeing Hopkins act alongside Jonathan Pryce, who played Pope Francis. Read on to the NEXT page for the next five stars who did an impressive job playing the role of someone famous... Why not have Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding? Margot Robbie had a lot to pull off when playing this sensational figure skater / YouTube screenshot Why, indeed. That one-word question echoed through everyone's minds during the infamous attack against figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, perpetrated by Tonya Harding. The world of sports, no matter how artful, could be downright cutthroat. So it is today and so it was in 1994. In 2017, Margot Robbie brought this time period to life as the skater in I, Tonya. Taron Egerton manages to perfectly resemble the "Rocketman" singer himself Some movies cover people who are still alive, making it even more important to nail the resemblance / ImagePress Agency/ImageCollect / YouTube screenshot For the 2019 biographical film Rocketman, Taron Egerton brought it all to the table. He danced, acted, and - most remarkably - sang in his role as Elton John. As far as resembling a famous person goes, Egerton nailed every checkmark imaginable. Part of this stemmed from the nature of the movie itself. While other biographies about musicians focus primarily on their lives, Rocketman really leaned into the musical element. Singing was necessary. From one bombshell to another, Michelle Williams really became Marilyn Monroe It's important that an actor or actress really resembles their muse to keep the audience believing / Needpix.com / Flickr Michelle Williams bears an easy beauty that already turns heads. 2011 saw her utilize her looks and acting skills to portray Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn (2011). The film, directed by Simon Curtis, drew inspiration from two books and, in turn, tells the story of making yet another movie that starred Marilyn Monroe herself. Williams had to work with layers of narrative and personal depth to perfectly resemble Monroe inside and out. Continue to pay special attention to Jackie Kennedy Once again, the public showers attention on Jackie Kennedy / Globe-Photos/ImageCollect / YouTube screenshot The world became privy to Jackie Kennedy's life and emotions when she became the first lady. Those emotions, in turn, became synonymous with the duality between grief and strength. A spotlight stayed close on her so the world could know of this famous woman's life. And when she passed away in 1994, she still sparked inspiration in the arts. As a result, 2016 saw the release of Jackie, starring Natalie Portman as the titular first lady. For her work on the movie, Portman earned an Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe, and more. Jennifer Hudson deserves everyone's respect as Aretha Franklin in 'Respect' Jennifer Hudson will show Aretha Franklin's ascension from church singer to lasting musical powerhouse / Wikimedia Commons / YouTube screenshot Maybe because singers have the unique power of music held over us, but musicians always inspire a special kind of excitement in us. In some cases, they live lives that are bizarre, jaded, or wild. And other times, they represent real-life examples of an underdog's rise to success. Watching stars twinkle up in their place of fame, we all feel like underdogs, but learning of even the most normal life turning remarkable can inspire awe. Such is the case when learning how church singer Aretha Franklin became the Queen of Soul. She fought for other people's right to happiness and earned her own. Before becoming an eternal icon, inducted into several musical halls of fame, she was someone we might have known in everyday life. Responsible for bringing this remarkable woman to life once again is Jennifer Hudson. Based on images already circulating, she is able to resemble the famous singer in appearance and heart. Audiences can see the results of her hard work in December 2020. What other celebrities played famous people worth noting? Whose performance was your favorite? Who would you want to see cast as a particular person?