Movies Where an Actor Portrays Another Actor Depicting a Historic Figure: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered about the films where an actor steps into the shoes of another actor who previously brought to life a historic figure? This in-depth exploration uncovers a fascinating realm of acting where history, storytelling, and the art of performance intertwine. From a legendary comedian playing a news anchor to music legends reenacting historical dating figures, this list delves into some of the most notable instances of this unique cinematic tradition.

List of Movies Featuring Actor Impersonation of Actors Portraying Historic Figures

Here is a compiled list of films where an actor portrayed another actor who played a historic figure. This list includes both theatrical releases and made-for-television movies, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject.

Behind the Scenes: Behind the Camera

Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Mork Mindy - Chris Diamantopoulos played Robin Williams, who played Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning Vietnam Call Me Anna - Ari Meyers played Patty Duke, who played Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story - William Gluth played Lionel Barrymore, who played Grigori Rasputin in Rasputin and the Empress Frances - Jessica Lange played Frances Farmer, who played Calamity Jane in Badlands of Dakota Gable and Lombard - James Brolin played Clark Gable, who played Fletcher Christian in Mutiny on the Bounty Gainsbourg: A Historic Life - Laetitia Casta played Brigitte Bardot, who played Poppaea in Nero’s Mistress Judy - Reneé Zellweger played Judy Garland, who played Marilyn Miller in Till the Clouds Roll By Liz Dick - Lindsay Lohan and Grant Bowler played Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who played Cleopatra and Marc Antony in Cleopatra Madonna: Innocence Lost - Terumi Matthews played Madonna, who played Eva Perón in Evita Mank - Amanda Seyfried played Marion Davies, who played Queen Mary I in When Knighthood Was in Flower Mommie Dearest - Faye Dunaway played Joan Crawford, who played Adrienne Lecouvreur in Dream of Love My Week with Marilyn - Kenneth Branagh and Julia Ormond played Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, who played Lord Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton in That Hamilton Woman Naomi Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge - Megan Ward played Ashley Judd, who played Linda Porter in De-Lovely Papa’s Delicate Condition - Linda Bruhl played Corinne Griffith, who played Lady Emma Hamilton in The Divine Lady RKO 281 - Liev Schreiber played Orson Welles, who played Cardinal Wolsey in A Man for All Seasons Rock Hudson - Thomas Ian Griffith played Rock Hudson, who played John Wesley Hardin in The Lawless Breed Seberg - Kristen Stewart played Jean Seberg, who played Joan of Arc in Saint Joan Shadow of the Vampire - Willem Dafoe played Max Schreck, who played Cardinal Aleander in Luther So This Is Love - Kathryn Grayson played Grace Moore, who played Jenny Lind in A Lady’s Morals The Actress - Jean Simmons played Ruth Gordon, who played Mary Todd Lincoln in Abe Lincoln in Illinois The Aviator - Cate Blanchett played Katharine Hepburn, who played Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter The Butler - Alan Rickman played Ronald Reagan, who played George Gipp in Knute Rockne All American The Last of Robin Hood - Kevin Kline played Errol Flynn, who played George Armstrong Custer in They Died With Their Boots On The Life and Death of Peter Sellers - Geoffrey Rush played Peter Sellers, who played Queen Victoria in The Great McGonagall The Mystery of Natalie Wood - Justine Waddell played Natalie Wood, who played Helen Gurley Brown in Sex and the Single Girl The Naked Civil Servant - John Hurt played Quentin Crisp, who played Queen Elizabeth I in Orlando The Rat Pack - Ray Liotta played Frank Sinatra, who played Joe E. Lewis in The Joker is Wild The Unauthorized Beverly Hills 90210 Story - Samantha Munro played Shannen Doherty, who played Margaret Mitchell in A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story The Unauthorized Saved By the Bell Story - Julian Works played Mario López, who played Greg Louganis in Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story Too Much Too Soon - Errol Flynn played John Barrymore, who played King Louis XV in Marie Antoinette

Why This Is Significant

These films not only offer a unique layer of storytelling but also provide a deeper understanding of the actors, their work, and the influence they have on the performing arts. The skill and dedication needed to portray an actor who themselves brought a historic figure to life are not only a testament to their talent but also a true piece of artistry.

Conclusion

From Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Mork MINDY to The Last of Robin Hood, these films showcase the depth and complexity of the performing arts. It is a reminder of the layers of storytelling and the intricate connections between actors, characters, and historical figures. Exploring these films is not just a tribute to these legendary performances but also an appreciation of the art that goes into bringing conflicting histories and memories to life on the screen.