13 Actors Who Were Really Going Through It While Filming Iconic Roles

Bless their little-engine-that-could hearts, they chugged their battered, bruised, and sickly bodies up that hill to deliver stellar performances. Normally, you would think, “Ugh, acting is so cushy. Try a real job like construction or Alaskan crab fishing.” But these actors pushed through some life-threatening obstacles, and some of them didn’t make it. A heartfelt R.I.P to those who did what they loved till the bitter end. That kind of passion for the craft is commendable. We just hope that 60 years from now, we’ll keel over at the keyboard (or some futurist writing tool) while banging out one of these lists.
That’s the dream anyway, and the folks who really endured while pumping out world-class work have inspired us. Whether they got to the finish line, or sadly had to be replaced, or almost made it, so their faces were digitally imposed on a body double, these actors were really going through some shit while filming these 13 now-iconic roles.
Tom… Take a shower or you’ll die!

A now legendary story of endurance.

Shrek

Rocky IV

From waterboarding to green make-up, the CIA can train you to endure it all.

Daniel… You can stay in character in a warmer coat!

Norm Macdonald

We usually have that secret bucket ‘cus of a hangover.

Steve Jobs

A generational talent kept working through despair.

A ton of acting work with a little cancer treatment on the side.

We all clench a little, but this was next-level.

Ow, it burns. For years!
