“The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” is a 2021 biopic about the true story of jazz singer Billie Holiday being targeted by the government in the 1940s. Andra Day lost a significant amount of weight, at least 39 pounds, to appear as the legendary crooner.
She even picked up some of the singer’s bad habits like drinking and fuming, which she does not recommend! There are so many crazy things that actors will do to immerse themselves in a role, and this was a prime example. Day said she absorbed herself in the suffering and hurt of the “Strange Fruit” singer and it took a personal toll.
Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman)
It's miraculous the difference a prosthetic nose can make. When actress Nicole Kidman donned the famous Virginia Woolf snout in the film "The Hours," she was instantly transformed into the famous writer. There was also quite a bit of makeup and the perfect wardrobe.
Kidman is totally blonde and has a very different-looking nose, as we all know. The brilliant actress more or less maintains the same look throughout her movies, though this one was a real step in another direction. Truth be told, everything that Nicole Kidman touches turns into absolute gold. But this really was the cherry on top of an illustrious career.
Karen Walker (Megan Mullally)
"Will & Grace" star Megan Mullaly gave us the hilarious Karen Walker. Walker described herself as "a spoiled, shrill, gold-digging socialite who would sooner chew off her own foot than do an honest day's work." That pretty much sums it up. Oh, and that high-pitched voice.
In reality actress, Megan Mullaly has a very normal voice and has a totally different demeanor from Karen. Her style is also much less flamboyant. In "Parks and Recreation," Mullaly showed up as one of Ron Swanson's estranged wives called Tammy. Of course, Mullaly and Nick Offerman are actually married in real life. How funny!
Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot)
Israeli-born actress Gal Gadot dedicated herself to the 2017 superhero movie. Training for both "Wonder Woman" and “Wonder Woman 1984” required a vigorous workout, first thing in the morning, almost every day for six months. By the time she was done, Gadot was the most superior version of herself.
Gadot had to be in top shape to perform fight stunts and flying scenes. In addition to a vigilant workout, she nourished her body by eating three daily meals consisting of whole foods, healthy proteins, complex carbs, like wild rice, and, of course, vegetables. We imagine she will be back in the gym in preparation for the third installment.
Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)
As Avenger Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson upped her fitness game drastically. She revamped her diet and worked out. A lot. She did several 90-minute sessions per week. She went almost completely vegan, except for some lean protein. She also did martial arts training for stunt work. Scarlett dedicated herself to the regime, but she did allow treats like chocolate cake occasionally.
As for tips, Johannsson stresses that everything should be done in moderation. When you do that many films with the same character, that radical transformation ends up becoming second nature. Johansson ended up getting the ultimate acknowledgment when she got her own "Black Widow" movie.