10 Actors That Totally Overprepared For A Role

Considering that she had grown up acting on screen and found her biggest break in the Star Wars prequels, The Black Swan was a chance for Natalie Portman to get her teeth in a leading role with some truly dramatic depth.

Focusing on a production of Swan Lake, Portman plays Nina Sayers who begins a descent into madness as the intense pressure and rivalry with her new co-star gets too much to take.

Ballet is no joke and in order to not only get into the correct kind of physical shape but also be able to perform choreographed dance pieces, Portman and co-star Mila Kunis began preparing for The Black Swan more than a year in advance with hours of dancing, crossfit and swimming a day.

Portman’s body paid the price. The intense work-outs caused her toenails to fall off, her feet to become calloused and she even broke a rib performing a lift. If anything, these physical demands just drove her closer to her character.

“Real dancers dance with such incredible injuries that you wouldn't even believe. It's a nightmare for them to be replaced once they've made it to the top and they get these roles.”

The performer’s commitment to the film earned her her first Oscar for Best Actress.