If you’ve watched the popular series ‘Downton Abbey’, you know that English actress Sophie McShera plays Daisy, a rather unattractive kitchen maid, on the show. And then, in 2015, McShera played the role of ugly stepsister Drizella in 2015’s ‘Cinderella’.
But get ready to be shocked, because Sophie is quite a stunner in real life. In an interview after the film’s release, the actress said, “It was so much fun playing the evil stepsister in Cinderella, but I did feel bad – every time we’d finish a take I’d have to say sorry to Lily James. I was upstairs and she was downstairs, so it was a complete role reversal after Downton Abbey. She still looked beautiful in her rags, though.”
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens really shocked audiences when she played Apple, a troubled teen dealing with an addicted mother and foster care, in the 2013 drama, 'Gimme Shelter'. Hudgens, the sweet, cute-looking girl from Disney's 'High School Musical', had suddenly transformed into gritty looking teen that was struggling to keep it together.
Hudgens really outdid herself with the role, and certainly managed to make us forget for the duration of the movie that she is actually gorgeous in real life!
Hillary Swank
For her role as Maggie Fitzgerald in ‘Million Dollar Baby’, Hillary Swank completely transformed herself. In just 90 days, Swank became a muscly boxer that looked quite masculine. The actress said it was one of the hardest things she’s ever done.
She added 20 pounds of pure muscle after a strict diet of 210 grams of protein and a five-hour workout every day. The actress took home her second Academy Award for Best Actress.
Jaime Pressly
Jaime Pressly was one of the babes of the ‘90s, and she still looks incredible today. However, this blonde bombshell had to make some changes when it came to playing Joy Turner in the famous TV series, ‘My Name is Earl’.
For the role, Pressly got hair extensions, a super-thick accent and a trashy-looking wardrobe makeover. Luckily, Jaime went back to her classy, beautiful self in time for the red carpet.
Renée Zellweger
Playing the lead character in 'Bridget Jones’s Diary' required a significant weight-gain commitment for Renee Zellweger, so when the sequel, ‘Edge of Reason’, started production, she had to put on 30 pounds again.
Zellweger, who is usually in great shape and looking beautiful, had to go from a size 4 to a 14. So, she ate burgers all day. Fortunately, the star was able to quickly shed off the extra weight as soon as production ended.