Celebs Push The Limits For Roles

It's common to hear, "I need to lose 10 lbs. or so", well if you require motivation to drop the poundage look no further than H'wood celebs.  When prepping for a role, sometimes make-up and wardrobe simply won't cut it, so actors will turn to body-imaging - crash diets, self-sacrifice, or even morbid indulgence.  It's all about the drive to be 'believable'. The photos that follow dramatize the limits actors will go to in depicting their on-screen characters.

Matthew McConaughey

In 'Fools Gold' (2008) 185lbs. and in the recent 'Dallas Buyers Club' (2013) 134lbs. To prepare he consumed only Diet Coke, egg whites, and chicken.


Jared Leto

In 'My So Called Life' (1995) 152lbs. and in 'Chapter 27' (2007) 220 lbs.,where he portrayed Mark Chapman, John Lennon's killer. Leto's diet: microwaved ice cream mixed with soy sauce and olive oil.






Charlize Theron

In 'Monster' (2003) 171lbs. and in 'The Italian Job' (2003) 120lbs. Filmed the same year. Not only weight but 'ugly' make-up for 'Monster' role gave Theron crazed look and an Oscar for her performance.


Robert DeNiro

In 'Taxi Driver' (1976) 145lbs. and in 'Raging Bull'
(1980) 211lbs.  Bob packed it on only after all of the
fight scenes of  "Raging Bull" were shot.













Christian Bale

'American Psycho' (2000) 171lbs. and in 'The Machinist' (2004) 110lbs. His diet consisted of one can of tuna and an apple each day plus taking up smoking cigarettes.

Renee Zellweger

Renee packed on the pounds for 'Bridget Jones' Diary' which was filmed in 2001. She was at 140lbs. In 1996 at 108lbs. she played in 'Jerry Maguire'. She quickly lost the weight after 'BJD' by working out and smoking Marlboros.











So, if you are looking for motivation just think how the stars have to sacrifice and change their physical images solely on the scripted character they are portraying.