Stars Who Packed On The Pounds For Movie Roles

Stars Who Packed On The Pounds For Movie Roles

When you're an actor, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to nab that dream role -- including dropping and gaining weight to portray a character.

And that's exactly what some of Hollywood's biggest stars have done.

From George Clooney and Matt Damon to Charlize Theron and Renee Zellweger, celebrities have packed on the pounds (and we're talking serious, serious pounds) for films they are truly invested in.

But a little cellulite never hurt anyone, especially when all those cupcakes and donuts put you in the running for an Academy Award.

Check out 15 stars who've chowed down for movie roles:

• George Clooney

  George Clooney gained 30 pounds to play former CIA agent Robert Baer in 2005's "Syriana." Thankfully, the weight gain paid off -- he won an Oscar!

• Matt Damon

  Damon gained 30 pounds for his role in "The Informant!" in 2009, but the actor says packing on the weight was "fun." “It was very, very easy to gain the weight. Very, very fun,” he <a href="http://www.accesshollywood.com/matt-damon-talks-gaining-weight-for-the-informant-it-was-very-very-easy_article_22621">confessed</a>. “I just basically ate everything I could see for a few months.”

• Renee Zellweger

  Zellweger gained 28 pounds (twice!) for her lead role in "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason." Reportedly, she'll be reprising her famous character for another installment of the franchise, "Bridget Jones's Baby." Another round of weight gain?

• Charlize Theron

  Theron gained 30 pounds to play serial killer Aileen Wuornos in "Monster." She also gained something else along the way -- an Academy Award for Best Actress!

• Jared Leto

  Leto put on 67 pounds to play John Lennon's assassin, Mark David Chapman, in "Chapter 27." The movie didn't get the best reviews, and Leto's body took a beating. Let's just say he probably won't do it again.

• Gwyneth Paltrow

  Paltrow added 20 pounds to her thin frame for her role as a washed out country star in "Country Strong." <a href="http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20316530_20440520,00.html">With the help of her personal trainer</a>, Tracy Anderson, she dropped the pounds in two weeks!

• Ryan Gosling

  Ryan Gosling and his "Blue Valentine" co-star Michelle Williams each gained 15 pounds for the movie, in which they played a couple stuck in a troubled marriage.

• Julia Roberts

  Roberts gained 10 pounds to accurately portray Elizabeth Gilbert in "Eat, Pray, Love," which is based on a true story. Gilbert gained 30 pounds in real-life, so Roberts figured she needed to pack on some pounds to be authentic.

• Christian Bale

  Not only did Bale lose over 60 pounds for his leading role in "The Machinist," he also gained tons of muscle weight to play Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman, in Christopher Nolan's epic trilogy.

• Russell Crowe

  Russell Crowe gained 63 pounds for his role in 2008's "Body of Lies." He did it <a href="http://socialitelife.com/russell_crowe_explains_weight_gain-09-2008">with a little help from his food friends</a> -- cupcakes and cheeseburgers.

• Hilary Swank

  Swank didn't just have to gain weight for her role in "Million Dollar Baby," she had to bulk up! The actress put on 19 pounds of pure muscle and walked away with an Oscar.

• Eric Bana

  In 2000, the normally buff Bana put on 28 pounds to play a murderer in "Chopper." But, no worries. Bana was allegedly back in tip-top shape within months.

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt

  The former "Third Rock From the Sun" actor turned into an action star for the final Batman flick, "Dark Knight Rises." Just like his co-star Christian Bale, Gordon-Levitt packed on the muscle (and it shows).

• Robert De Niro

  How could we forget De Niro, who made gaining weight for a role cool thanks to "Raging Bull"? He famously gained 60 pounds for the movie and paved the way for Hollywood body transformations.

• Chris Pratt

  The funny guys is currently eating up a storm while his wife, Anna Faris, tries to shed her baby weight. He has already gained 40 pounds since June in preparation for his role as a lawyer in the upcoming comedy "Starbuck."

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Ann Brenoff: 7 Things Boomers Need To Know About The VP Debate

Ann Brenoff: 7 Things Boomers Need To Know About The VP Debate

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin shake hands after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin shake hands after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin gesture after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin gesture after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Joe Biden, Paul Ryan

Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, shake hands following their the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Joe Biden, Paul Ryan

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin shake hands after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Joe Biden, Jill Biden

Vice President Joe Biden kisses his wife, Jill Biden, following the vice presidential debate with Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Vice President Joe Biden talks to Janna Ryan, wife of Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin after the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Paul Ryan, Janna Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, kisses his wife Janna following the vice presidential debate with Vice President Joe Biden at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan's wife Janna, left, shakes hands with Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, following the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Joe Biden

Vice President Joe Biden listens to Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Paul Ryan, Joe Biden

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, right, listens to Vice President Joe Biden during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Paul Ryan, Joe Biden

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, right, and Vice President Joe Biden discuss a point during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Paul Ryan, Joe Biden, Martha Raddatz

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, right, and Vice President Joe Biden, center, listen to moderator Martha Raddatz during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

A combination picture of the vice presidential debate between US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 11, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Vice President Joe Biden answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, makes a point to Vice President Joe Biden during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Joe Biden, Paul Ryan

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin answer a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden participates in the vice presidential debate with Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (out of frame) at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, speaks during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the vice presidential debate with Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Jill Biden, Beau Biden, Hunter Biden

Jill Biden, center, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, sits with her sons Beau Biden, left, and Hunter Biden, right, before the start of the vice presidential debate, at Centre College in Danville, Ky., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Paul Ryan

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participate in the vice presidential debate at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (C) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

Vice President Joe Biden answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Joe Biden

Vice President Joe Biden reacts to a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Joe Biden, Paul Ryan

Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, challenge each other during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin watches as Vice President Joe Biden answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Vice President Joe Biden and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin participate in the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking)

Joe Biden

Vice President Joe Biden answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Joe Biden, Paul Ryan

Vice President Joe Biden, left, and Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, respond to moderator Martha Raddatz during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Janna Ryan, Ted Olson, Lady Booth Olson, Betty Douglas

Janna Ryan, second from right, wife of Republican vice presidential candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., his mother Betty Douglas, Ted Olson, second from left, former solicitor-general of the U.S. and his wife Lady Booth Olson sit in the audience before he start of the vice presidential debate, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, at Centre College in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

US Vice President Joe Biden participates in the vice presidential debate with Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (out of frame) at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participates in the vice presidential debate with US Vice President Joe Biden (out of frame) at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (L) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-DEBATE

Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan (R) participates in the vice presidential debate with US Vice President Joe Biden (out of frame) at the Norton Center at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, October 10, 2012, moderated by Martha Raddatz (L) of ABC News. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages)

Vice President Joe Biden answers a question during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/Pool-Michael Reynolds)

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

WATCH: The Cornerstone To Keeping Yourself Fit, From Terri Walsh

WATCH: The Cornerstone To Keeping Yourself Fit, From Terri Walsh

Celebrity fitness trainer and lifestyle expert Terri Walsh spoke about why walking is underestimated when she met with me on Mondays With Marlo. Walking is a cornerstone of keeping yourself fit and the more you walk, the better you will feel.

For more tips on getting fit and staying in shape, see Terri Walsh's Tips For Fitness And Beauty:

• Glamorous Glow

  Got five minutes before stepping out? Jog in place for five minutes. Your increased heart rate will give your face and skin a beautiful, healthy glow while providing a mini cardio workout and energy boost.

• Instant Tummy De-Bloater

  Ditch starchy carbs three days before going to a special occasion. You’ll have a flatter stomach and won't look or feel bloated for your big night out.

• Skintastic

  Take a teaspoon of extra virgin olive or coconut oil mixed with fresh lemon juice every night before bed. It’s a terrific way of making your skin and hair look radiant while promoting digestion.

• Sleep Your Way Thin

  Did you know that being sleep deprived can make you pack on the pounds? Your body needs rest to be able to function correctly. Get a minimum of six hours a night, but aim for eight.

• Stretching Burns Calories (When Done Correctly)

  Make sure you dedicate a "workout day" to your flexibility. Maintaining your mobility takes a lot more than a five-minute post-workout stretch. Aim to improve your flexibility, not just maintain what exists.

• Walk Taller

  Pay attention to your body's posture and alignment (feet, navel, ribs and shoulders) when walking can help you lengthen your spine and burn extra calories just walking around.

• Sweet Makes You Sassy

  Raw, organic and unprocessed honey is packed with beneficial nutrients and enzymes that are missing from pasteurized honey. Take one teaspoon a day to set your metabolism up to work its best.

• Meal Exchange Program

  Here’s a fat burning secret -- treat breakfast like lunch, treat lunch like dinner and treat dinner like breakfast. Eating your smallest meal at night means you'll burn off your largest meals when you are most active.

• Protein Powder

  Protein is the building block of muscle! Muscle is what burns fat. Replenish your protein daily. Women should aim for a minimum of 30g of protein if they work out regularly.

• Weight Gain

  Women shouldn't be afraid of lifting weights. Using weights doesn't make you look bulky. On the contrary nothing makes a woman look younger than toned, strong muscle that you can only achieve by using weights.

• Be Versatile

  Don’t stick to a routine. When it comes to movement and working out, learn as many things as possible. The more you learn and try different things, the better your results, the more you'll understand your body and how it moves, and the more fun you’ll have staying fit and fabulous.

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Source: www.huffingtonpost.com