While many actors go all the way to inhabit a character, using method acting, then get back to their regular lives, others learn many things from their parts, which end up being a big part of their personal lives.
From Sarah Jessica Parker adopting Carrie Bradshaw’s “Sex and the City” style to George Clooney turning into a debonair prankster in real life after his part in “Ocean’s Eleven”, here are some of the celebrities who got lost in their roles, usually in a good way.
Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw
After playing Carrie on TV for 6 seasons and returning to the character for two movies, Sarah Jessica Parker has practically adopted her character’s style completely.
After entering the fashion world with commercials for Gap in 2020, Sarah Jessica Parker expanded her brand with perfumes, a fashion line and in 2020 she released her own footwear line, inspired by Carrie’s iconic Manolo Blahnik shoe collection.
Robert Downey Jr. – Tony Stark
Playing the billionaire playboy in the “Iron Man” trilogy and in “The Avenger” and its sequel definitely had a big impact on Robert Downey Jr. He’s definitely one of the celebrities who got lost in their roles, at least from a style perspective. The actor kept his character’s goatee and his fashion choices started echoing Tony Stark’s wardrobe.
George Clooney – Danny Ocean
After finding international fame thanks to “E.R.” and the worst Batman movie ever, George Clooney finally found his ideal onscreen persona in “Ocean’s Eleven”. Picking up Danny Ocean’s impeccable style sense wasn’t the only change. He also became known for his elaborate pranks, that rival his character’s complex schemes.
Reese Witherspoon – Elle Woods
Playing the “Legally Blonde” character twice on the big screen was enough for Reese Whitherspoon, who managed to get some distance by winning an Academy Award for “Walk the Line”. However, Elle’s style kept reemerging in Reese Witherspoon’s fashion choices. She’s also one of the celebrities who got lost in their roles because, just like Elle, she’s passionate about lifestyle and giving tips, launching her own website in 2020.
Johnny Depp – Jack Sparrow
The actor always had a quirky style, and some consider him a true fashion icon, but Depp’s style was definitely influenced by his “Pirates of the Carribean” character, captain Jack Sparrow. His jewelry collection was definitely inspired by the pirate, and the goatee also stuck around.
Kerry Washington – Olivia Pope
Playing one of the best dressed characters on TV has definitely made an impact on Kerry Washington’s fashion choices. When it comes to style, she’s definitely one of the celebrities who got lost in their roles, proving has she can pull off the “Scandal” character’s sophisticated wardrobe choices on the red carpet.
Joaquin Phoenix – Joaquin Phoenix
Filming the mockumentary “I’m Still Here”, Joaquin Phoenix played a version of himself that took over his life in different ways. The actor even went on the “Late Show with David Letterman” in character and kept his beard for a long time in order to complete the project.
Rooney Mara – Lisbeth Salander
While she’s not one of the celebrities who got lost in their roles completely, Rooney Mara certainly picked up a lot of things from her character in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. “Before, I dressed much girlier, a lot of blush-colored things. Now I literally roll out of bed and put on whatever is there. I have really enjoyed being a boy this last year,” she told Vogue.
Matthew McConaughey – David Wooderson
“Alright, alright, alright” is a catchphrase that will probably stick to Matthew McConaughey all his life, and the Academy Award winner is definitely owning it. Picked up from his character in “Dazed and Confused”, the phrase and the relaxed vibe of the part definitely stuck around for McConaughey.
James Franco – James Dean
After playing James Dean in the eponymous TV biography, James Franco also became one of the celebrities who got lost in their roles, channeling Dean’s charisma and his boundary pushing attitude.
