Naomi Watts plays one of the most recognizable faces in the world in her role as Princess Diana in a new film called Caught In Flight, scheduled for a 2013 release.
The film follows the two-year secret love affair with Dr. Hasnat Kahn, a London heart and lung surgeon, months before her tragic death in 1997.
Watts – who first shot to fame in David Lynch’s psychological thriller Mulholland Drive – is no stranger playing demanding roles. Her notable film credits include 21 Grams, I Heart Huckabees, and the 2005 remake of King Kong.
Caught In Flight also stars Naveen Andrews of Lost fame, and is directed by Oliver Hirshbiegel.
With Watts playing an iconic role, Global News takes a look at 10 other actresses and actors who made dramatic transformations to play real-life roles within the past 50 years:
The Queen: 2006
Helen Mirren won a best actress Oscar for portraying another British royalty, Queen Elizabeth II.
I’m Not There: 2007
Cate Blanchett lowers her voice and dons a wig in her Oscar-nominated role playing Bob Dylan circa 1966.
Gandhi: 1982
Sir Ben Kingsley depicts peace activist and Nobel prize winner Mahatma Gandhi. He took home the best actor Oscar statuette that same year.
Boys Don’t Cry: 1999
Hilary Swank picks up her first Academy Award with her lead role as the transsexual man Brandon Teena, whose murder made national headlines in the U.S. and put a focus on LGBT issues.
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Ali: 2001
Will Smith, in one of the biggest roles in his life, took up boxing training to tell the story of boxing’s iconic athlete Muhammad Ali.
Coal Miner’s Daughter: 1980
Sissy Spacek won an Oscar for best actress in the film adaptation of country music legend Loretta Lynn.
The Miracle Worker: 1962
Patty Duke – who stars as the poignant blind and deaf activist Helen Keller – and her teacher actress Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan won double acting Academy Award honours that same year.
Ray: 2004
Jamie Foxx sealed his Oscar win for his performance as soul music pioneer Ray Charles as the film received rave reviews, after its debut in the Toronto International Film Festival.
Monster: 2003
Charlize Theron netted an Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos, convicted of killing several men in the ’80s and ’90s. Film critic Roger Ebert dubbed her performance as one of the greatest in cinematic history.
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