Depending on their career, actors perform multiple roles in their years on the screen and stage, and many take on several roles during one project. Film has come a long way to make the things imagined easier to bring to life, making them possible with greater realism.
With the aid of doubles, costume, makeup, and screen magic, actors can take on any character: twins, family members, doppelgangers, or characters separate in their entirety. Sometimes viewers will know that multiple characters are being played by the same actor, and other times, it can be a pleasant, unexpected, and unbelievable surprise.
Eddie Murphy - The Nutty Professor Films (1996 & 2000)
Eddie Murphy is known for playing multiple roles in Coming To America (1988) and Norbit (2007), and The Nutty Professor (1996) and The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) are no exception.
With the help of hair and makeup and many different voice pitches, Eddie played the roles of Buddy Love, Papa Klump, Lance Perkins, Granny Klump, Ernie Klump, Ernie Klump Jr., and Mama Klump.
Mike Myers - Austin Powers Films (1997, 1999 & 2002)
Special Effects Makeup really does wonders in the world of film and television. The film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) brought back the man of mystery and his multiple characters.
Mike Myers took the title role of Austin Powers, as well as the role of his own nemesis, Dr. Evil, and his henchman, The Fat Bastard.
Lupita Nyong'o - Us (2019)
The concept of the horror film Us (2019), relies on the use of multiple roles for most of the characters. There is a shadow, a doppelganger for every individual, and they all live in a facility below the surface.
Both of Lupita Nyong'o's roles (Red and Adelaide) have lines, while most of the other doubles simply make noises but do not speak. The similarities and behavioral habits of each character made for a reveal that is difficult to accept and forget.
Christian Bale - The Prestige (2006)
The Prestige (2006) captures viewers with its characters' obsessions with illusion and the lengths they will go to achieve the final act - the prestige. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman both play a role aside from their main characters. However, Christain Bale's roles were more confusing as they intertwined throughout the film.
The film follows Angier's obsession with his former performing partner, Alfred Borden, and his seemingly unattainable magic trick, in which the answer is simple; Alfred is a combination of Albert Borden and his twin, Frederick Borden, who no one knows about.
Cate Blanchett - Manifesto (2015)
Manifesto (2015) shows Cate Blanchett as viewers have never seen her. The film shows 13 exploratively performative characters, all played by Blanchett, and each has a manifesto.
The film is classified as within experimental drama and presents many visual styles. Among the expressive and opinionated characters are a news anchor, a school teacher, a homeless man, a widow, a puppeteer, a factory worker, and a punk.
Michael J. Fox - Back To The Future Trilogy (1985, 1989 & 1990)
The Back To The Future Trilogy utilized actors for multiple roles and different versions of the same characters in alternate timelines.
Michael J. Fox played his future older self, his future son, Marty Jr., and his future daughter, Marlene, in Back To The Future II (1989). He also played his ancestor, Seamus McFly back in the Old West in Back To The Future III (1990).
Robin Williams - Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
So incredible was the performance of Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), that Mrs. Doubtfire became a real person in the eyes of the viewers. This film was Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard as Mrs. Doubtfire.
The film sure made it feel as though Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire were separate characters. It was easy to forget the man behind the kindly face of an English woman with a mottled accent, that it was one actor playing two roles.
Lindsay Lohan - The Parent Trap (1998)
Many children growing up with The Parent Trap (1998) were surprised when they learned the Hallie Parker and Annie James were played by the same actress. Essentially, the film is composed of scenes where Lindsay Lohan is acting with herself.
With the help of some hair extensions, different accents, and clothing styles, viewers found themselves falling for the illusion even if they did know the truth. However, if they looked closely, there were some moments where it was easy to spot the tricks used to make this film possible.
Alec Guinness - Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) is a brilliant example of what can be done in the realm of acting. The storyline follows Louis and his attempt to avenge his mother, who was estranged by her family and shamed in her death.
Louis attempts to murder every family member who wronged her and is in line for the family fortune. These eight family members of different genders and ages are all performed by Alec Guinness.
James McAvoy - Split (2016) & Glass (2019)
James McAvoy really managed to break the mold with his role in thriller-horror Split (2016). With the help of minimal costume changes, McAvoy plays the role of a man who has been diagnosed as having 23 identified personalities.
Some of the personalities that make an appearance in the Unbreakable film series include Hedwig, Barry, Dennis, Patricia, Jade, Orwell, and Kevin. McAvoy seamlessly changes between personalities, creating spine-tingling uneasiness.