5 Actors Who Risked Their Health For a Movie Role

4. Gary Oldman in Sid and Nancy

The Metamorphosis: In Oldman's breakout role, he became the infamous Sid Vicious, bassist for the Sex Pistols, in a film about Vicious's relationship with his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen. Vicious was an a emaciated heroin addict, and Oldman was nothing if not committed. He didn't go as far as using heroin himself to properly embody Vicious, but...The Method: ...He did subsist on a diet of "steamed fish and lots of melon."The Damage: At one point, Oldman was hospitalized. Going a bit too far, methinks.Was it Worth It? It launched Oldman to stardom, although he didn't receive too much awards attention for it (the Oscars were apparently unaware of his existence until Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy). So yes.
 
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Dan Schindel loves movies more than you do. He considers it an accomplishment to have survived a year and counting in Los Angeles. Someday, he'll be the greatest critic in the world. He spent a year watching a documentary every day, so now he knows everything.