[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]s avid movie fans, whenever we talk about variety in acting skills, we never forget to mention the chameleonic antics of Johnny Depp, or the drastic physical changes that Christian Bale had to undergo for his various roles (from an anorexic insomniac to a buff crimefighter), but never, ever, ever do we talk about the variety that their female counterparts have brought to the silver screen. The most we remember about female characters in a movie is how hot they were or if they went nude or not.
As a perpetrator of gender equality in all spheres of life, I think it is highly unfair judging actresses so superficially. We have to recognize that more often than not, actresses are capable of carrying the entire plot on their own shoulder and are ready to adapt to the requirements of their respective roles, and not just add the sex appeal to a story. I am not talking about scream-queens from slasher flicks or gun-tottting tamales in James Bond movies. I am talking about serious, hardworking and dedicated actresses that take up gritty and out-of-their-comfort-zone roles, and rock them.
So here are presented the top 6 most versatile actresses in Hollywood.
Perhaps the greatest living actress of our time, Meryl Streep has been nominated 19 times for the Academy Award for the Best Actress and has won thrice. The longest streak she has for Oscar nomination is five years, between Postcards from the Edge (1990) and The Bridges of Madison County (1995). She has played characters ranging from a highly enthusiastic cook Julia Child, to a deeply troubled drug addict mother despised by all her children, Violet Weston. Meryl on screen has brought to life the Iron Lady as well as a mother who survived the Nazi Holocaust and had to make a terrible, terrible choice (Sophie’s Choice). Her voice talents are well showcased, both as a singer in Mamma Mia! and voice-over acting in Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Ant Bully. Streep is no doubt one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.
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Charlize Theron, after her recent performance in Mad Max:Fury Road as Furiosa has beyond all doubt proved herself worthy of a place on our list. In spite of her devilish beauty and charm, that she has exhibited in movies like “Snow White and The Huntsman” and “The Italian Job“, her roles always had a shade of pretense in them. She was just a dame quietly packing a punch; but in Mad Max, she went all-out action hero, shedding her beautiful hair and delicate looks for a battle beaten, war painted facade, Charlize is an example for other actresses to look up to.
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Kate Winslet
The unforgettable Kate Winslet from Titanic, one would imagine that an iconic role like Rose DeWitt Bukater would tag along with her personality forever, but boy did she prove everybody wrong; with the sophisticated, yet simple Clementine in “The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind” to a distraught suburban wife in “Revolutionary Road“, Kate’s talent of creating a memorable characters is unmatched.
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Sandra Bullock
Action hero, desperate but pushy boss, distraught astronaut; this beauty has played them all. Most recognized for her role in “Gravity“and “The Proposal“, Sandra has some quite emotionally deep roles in her portfolio as well. She played the strong-headed football coach in “The Blind Side” and a lover beyond time in “The Lake House“, which guarantee a mention of her name every time versatility in Hollywood is talked about. I am not mentioning “Miss Congeniality” on purpose… Oh damn, I just did!
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Rooney Mara
Probably not the most recognized name on the list; her work truly needs no introduction. With a role like Lisbeth Salander (which is included in the Forbes Fictional 15), which requires intense physical and mental alteration, Mara truly proved the strength of her resolution to be the best at what she does; but talking of versatility, we can’t simply stop at one memorable role. She is best known for “Youth in Revolt” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street“.
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