8 Times Famous Actors Played Characters That Were Way Out Of Their Age Range

It turns out that more than just one or two actors have portrayed people who are much younger than they actually are

Maryjane

• Published in Film & TV
• February 17, 2023

Actors have reportedly traveled the equivalent of an entire lunar distance to land the role of their dreams. But what if they have to take the adage "age is just a number" far too seriously in order to achieve fame?

You know, it turns out that more than just one or two actors have portrayed people who are much younger than they actually are. There may be one or more valid explanations for why adult actors really perform so many teenage parts.

First off, children are only permitted to work for short periods of time at time in accordance with child labor legislation. But then, film and television productions often work on their sets for 10 to 12 hours per day.

A remedy for avoiding extra costs would be to cast performers who are just a little bit older. Additionally, as their aging becomes more apparent, the young actor may outgrow the age of their characters.

Also, the bulk of actors in the industry are over the age of twenty, so when compared to performers who are teenagers or younger, they always have more performing experience and talent. 

We thought it would be amusing to present to you the potential appearances of some of our favorite characters from films and television series in which the actors portraying them were not the same age as the characters they represented. 

1. Patrick Swayze As Johnny Castle In “Dirty Dancing”

The protagonist, who captured the hearts of numerous young women, was described in the script as being 25 years old. Patrick Swayze, a legendary dancer, was ten years older.

2. Carey Mulligan As Edith Pretty In “The Dig”

The heroine in the movie 2021, who was considerably older than herself, was portrayed by Carey Mulligan, who was 35 years old at the time it was produced.

3. Matt Damon As Scott Thorson In “Behind the Candelabra”

Actor Matt Damon has always stood out for his capacity to fully inhabit his roles. This time, though, he seemed to have surprised even himself since despite being 43 years old, he played Scott as if he were 18 years old.

4. Emma Stone As Cruella In “Cruella”

Early on in the movie, Cruella is first portrayed by a different actor or actress. She is a student and between the ages of 10 and 12.

Then there is a ten-year gap. Estella is a young woman who is between the ages of 20 and 22. The lady that played this villain was 33 years old.

5. Zendaya As Chani In “Dune”

The main character of the story, Paul, is 15 years old, and Chani is a girl his same age. In the literature, Dune takes place in 10191, while Chani was born in 10178.

As a result, Chani was most likely approximately 13 years old by the end of the first novel.

6. Saoirse Ronan As Jo March In “Little Women”

In 2019, a new film on the devoted March family was produced. One of the key characters, Jo, has a temper and is steadfast in her convictions.

The actress who played Josephine was ten years older than her role.

7. Mia Wasikowska As Alice In “Alice in Wonderland”

Alice, a small child who was just seven years old when Lewis Carroll wrote his first novel, followed the white rabbit. Mia Wasikowska, who was 21 at the time, was cast since the protagonist in the movie adaption was made older.

8. Lily Collins As Rosie Dunne In “Love, Rosie”

The protagonist of the movie is between the ages of 16 and 18 because, at the beginning of the movie, she just finished high school. Lily Collins, who played Rosie, was 25 years old when she took on the role.

The ability to play a range of characters is essential for actors and actresses. Additionally, the physical characteristics of the actors might not always match how their characters appear on film.

The difference can sometimes be barely noticeable, but other times it is clearly visible to the naked eye. What do you think?

Maryjane