5. Raymond Babbitt (Rain Man)
Thanks to
Tropic Thunder, we all know the risks involved when big name actors play characters with mental and physical disabilities. But every year during awards season, we are reminded of why many actors take that risk. One of the most notable of these performances was Dustin Hoffmans portrayal of an autistic savant. The character of Raymond Babbitt was based on a real life savant named Kim Peek (on right in picture), who had met briefly with screenwriter Barry Morrow. Though they both share tremendous memories, mathematical figuring, and severe social difficulties, in the film Raymond is autistic, but in real life, Peek has a developmental disability related to congenital brain abnormalities (likely FG syndrome). Hoffman met extensively with Peek and other savants during his preparation for the role. The character of Raymond was also based on Bill Sackter, another friend of Morrow and the subject of two made-for-TV movies in the early 80s and feature documentary.