10 Movies in Which the Actual Protagonist of the True Story Also Appeared

Adapting a true story to become a film or series is a challenge. Keeping the essence of the real story, while maintaining it interesting and entertaining, can lead to some confusion between real life and fiction. Fortunately, there are some productions in which the real people were so involved that they didn’t want to miss out being in the movie about their lives.

Today, Bright Side wants to talk about some movies in which the real person portrayed in the film decided to have a small appearance.

1. Erin Brockovich in Erin Brockovich

Julia Roberts gave us such a compelling and captivating performance as Erin Brockovich, that it even earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Her performance was so good, that even the activist herself dared to briefly appear for a moment during the film as a waitress tending to her own character and her children.

2. Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can is a very entertaining movie, in which Steven Spielberg had Tom Hanks chase the elusive Frank Abagnale Jr., played by Leonardo DiCaprio. During the main character’s arrest, Frank himself appeared on the scene as a cop who, ironically, somehow gets arrested himself.

3. Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness

Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar for his moving performance in The Pursuit of Happyness. In the remembered final scene of the movie, we can see how Smith, while walking with his son, turns around and observes a man walking; said man is none other than the real man he played, Chris Gardner himself.

4. Phillip Morris in I Love You Philip Morris

The story of I Love You Philip Morris is so far-fetched that it seems to be fiction, but, unbelievably, it is based on a true story. As proof of that, the real Phillip Morris, who is played in the film by Ewan McGregor, has a brief appearance in the film alongside Jim Carrey.

5. Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street

Leonardo DiCaprio’s incredible and commanding performance during The Wolf of Wall Street is still remembered to this day. Interestingly, the presenter who gives him entrance in the final scene of the film, is none other than the real person the actor has been playing throughout the film, Jordan Belfort himself.

6. David Packouz in War Dogs

Before the success of Joker, Todd Phillips stepped out of his comfort zone a bit with War Dogs, dealing with the true story of David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill). Interestingly, Packouz himself appears briefly, singing a song during a scene in the film about his life.

7. Larry Flynt in Larry Flint

Woody Harrelson played in his own way the controversial Larry Flynt. The funny thing is though that the person playing the judge, who is in charge of imprisoning the character, is Larry himself, this time putting himself in the shoes of those who judged him.

8. Margaret Keane in Big Eyes

Tim Burton portrayed the story of Margaret Keane and her artwork in the film Big Eyes. During the film, Keane herself has a very brief appearance sitting on a bench reading quietly, while Amy Adams, who plays her in the film, paints one of her works.

9. Jim Lovell in Apollo 13

Tom Hanks plays astronaut Jim Lovell in the portrayal of the mythical Apollo 13 mission. During the film, Lovell himself appears in the movie as a captain who dismisses the crew members prior to the spacecraft’s lift-off.

10. Cleve Jones in Milk

Sean Penn won his second Oscar thanks to his great performance as the activist Harvey Milk. Curiously, who makes a cameo during the film is Cleve Jones, a great companion of the protagonist in his cause, played in the film by actor Emile Hirsch.

If they made a movie about your life, which actor or actress would play you best?

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s bond is a testament to enduring Hollywood friendships. Their camaraderie began on the set of “Titanic” in 1996, where DiCaprio supported Winslet through her struggles with self-esteem. Their relationship has only grown stronger over the years, with DiCaprio even walking Winslet down the aisle at her wedding in 2012. Despite facing numerous challenges, their friendship remains unshaken, proving that true connections can withstand the test of time.