When an actress shaves her head for a role, it’s more than just a bold look, it is a statement! From pushing boundaries to dramatic transformations, these actresses go all the way to portray characters like no one else. Florence Pugh took the plunge for her role in We Live in Time
, and while the act was emotionally intense, it added layers of depth to her character. But Pugh is far from the only one to do so! Throughout the years, several Hollywood actresses have shaved their heads for their roles, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
These transformations are not just a shock factor but symbolize commitment, courage, and dedication toward the telling of a story. Keep reading to find out which other actresses shaved their locks off in bold moves.
Demi Moore
Way back in 1997, Demi Moore starred in the challenging role of Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil in G.I. Jane
, a film that explores the intense world of Navy SEAL training. To authentically portray a woman striving to break barriers in a male-dominated field, Moore took the bold decision to shave off her head.
The decision to go bald was not without its challenges, but despite the challenges, Moore proved to be devoted to the part. She even had to go through heavy physical training to include martial arts and combat maneuvers in order to play convincingly as a Navy SEAL candidate.
Natalie Portman
Back in 2005 the Black Swan
actress, Natalie Portman with many best movies
now had taken quite a bold step while playing Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta
, by having her hair shaved off on camera for the role to show Evey’s transformation. This pivotal scene, where Evey is forcibly shaved, was executed in a single take, adding raw intensity to the moment. Portman’s commitment to portraying Evey’s resilience and growth in the movie struck a chord in the audience, making her performance in V for Vendetta
unforgettable and influential to date.
Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron in preparation for the role of Imperator Furiosa in George Miller’s post-apocalyptic action movie Mad Max: Fury Road
completely shaved off her hair to commit to the role. Her commitment to playing the role so authentically made her role very impressive and highly applauded in a movie that eventually became one of the finest action movies in Hollywood history.
Charlize Theron in MAD MAX: FURY ROAD pic.twitter.com/eC4JlzonhZ
— Cinema Connoisseur (@MovieEndorser) November 11, 2024
Anne Hathaway
When Anne Hathaway starred in Les Misérables
as Fantine a character whose journey went from a hopeful factory worker to a destitute mother. Hathaway made a significant personal sacrifice herself when she agreed to have her hair cut off for the role. Though not fully shaved off, this was quite an emotional moment for Hathaway.
Cate Blanchett
Cate Blanchett delivers the role of Philippa, an English teacher taking matters into her hands following a tragic loss in the 2002 film Heaven
. To convey the deep intensity of Philippa’s transformation, Blanchett herself made an obvious change by shaving her head. It was a choice not only for the camera but also for personal reasons, allowing her to connect with her character. Her acting in Heaven
is remembered as one that was compelling with full of emotions and vulnerability.
Cate Blanchett with a shaved head for the film Heaven 2002 pic.twitter.com/fS0dJYbnaQ
— B e ll e 🏳️🌈 (@Miss_blanchett) June 16, 2017
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan, who was famous for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who
had to transform into Nebula for the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy
. And, she did this bravely, embracing the character’s fierce and menacing persona by shaving her head entirely. Her commitment to the role went even beyond her hair to being involved in extensive makeup sessions for the application of Nebula’s prosthetics in order to achieve the character’s distinctive look.
Karen Gillan as Nebula behind the scenes of Guardians of The Galaxy 💫 pic.twitter.com/HtMaV8emUH
— Daily Marvel Ladies (@mcugirls) March 25, 2018
Natalie Dormer
Natalie Dormer known for her role as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones
, went through a dramatic transformation to play Cressida in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.
In the movie, Cressida is described as a fearless war correspondent and she sports a shaved head with green tattoos. To truly portray the character, Dormer agreed to shave one half of her head, leaving it all intact in the other portion.
Natalie Dormer behind the scenes of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (via @VeNeill) pic.twitter.com/VWwe0QzowS
— Daily Natalie Dormer (@dailydormer) June 14, 2016
Sigourney Weaver
In Alien 3
, Sigourney Weaver takes the portrayal of Ellen Ripley to another level. Weaver appears this time around with a shaved head, as she navigates through this journey of the Alien
franchise in a prison. Weaver’s commitment to the role, including the head-shaving, added depth to Ripley’s character as she transitioned from a survivor to a leader in the harsh environment.
Sigourney Weaver on the set of ALIEN 3. #AlienDay426 pic.twitter.com/iE6nlmLidJ
— Peter Avellino (@PeterAPeel) April 26, 2016
These actresses prove that shaving their heads is not only a physical change but also an immersion into their characters. Be it for emotional depth, bold character choice, or creative leap, each one of them made an unforgettable impact on the screen. Their courage and commitment remind fans of how far actors can go to bring a story to life.
Which of these actors’ roles stood out to you the most? Let us know in the comments below!