7 Actors Overstepping Boundaries in Method Acting

Method acting, the art of truly embodying a character, was made famous by Marlon Brando in the 1951 movie “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Since then, many actors have taken this approach, but some have pushed it to extreme levels, often causing discomfort among their co-stars and engaging in questionable actions.

1. Ashton Kutcher’s Extreme Diet for ‘Jobs’

In his portrayal of Steve Jobs, Ashton Kutcher fully immersed himself into the character, adopting Jobs’s fruitarian diet. This radical diet choice, meant to closely replicate the Apple founder’s lifestyle, resulted in Kutcher being hospitalized with pancreatitis, highlighting the physical sacrifices actors sometimes make for their roles.

2. Shia LaBeouf’s Intense Approach in ‘Fury’

In the WWII film “Fury,” Shia LaBeouf took his method acting to the extreme by refusing to shower and even cutting his own face to maintain realistic injuries. His commitment to realism, while admirable, disturbed his co-stars, including Brad Pitt.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Harsh Realism in ‘The Revenant’

For “The Revenant,” Leonardo DiCaprio endured freezing conditions, slept in animal carcasses, and ate raw bison liver, pushing his physical limits in pursuit of an Oscar-winning performance. His dedication to portraying fur trapper Hugh Glass was both impressive and arduous.