10 Actors Who Changed Their Entire Image In One Movie

5. Melissa McCarthy - Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Steve Carrell Office Foxcatcher
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Melissa McCarthy is the lovable actress that most audiences will recognise from one film or other. During the 2010's, she couldn't be stopped, appearing in several big box office successes, always delivering her signature charisma to every role. But in recent years, McCarthy has been turning her Hollywood star around, arguably for the best.

Most audiences will know McCarthy for her signature style of role: the comic relief side character in your favourite PG-13 comedy movies. These include Bridesmaids, Identity Thief and The Hangover: Part 3 and so, so many more. Sometimes she's the lead in these movies, such as in Spy and The Heat however she always kept to the same, safe character. That was until 2018.

Here, McCarthy took the lead role in Can You Ever Forgive Me, a deep character study into the life of Lee Israel, a writer who made money forging letters from dead playwrights and authors. McCarthy shocked everyone with her Oscar nominated performance, delving into Israel's character including her alcoholism and writer's block. Suddenly, McCarthy is a brilliant dramatic actress and has turned to focus on more serious roles.

Contributor
Contributor

If you have clicked on here, get ready to be bored. I'm just a 20 year old white male who has a (probably) unhealthy obsession with pop culture Film and TV. Handy in a trivia game but not much else. My parents were never murdered, I'm not avenging my dead wife. Just plain, old sat at a computer with a head full of knowledge I mostly don't use I was born and raised in the Black Country near Birmingham, England however am now living in Manchester, England after I moved here two years ago. I currently attend the University of Salford, studying Broadcast Journalism. That's it really. Told you there was nothing special. If you're really that desperate for something to do, follow me on socials. Yes, I do like that ego boost.