Hollywood's Unseen Stars: The Secret World of Body Doubles Revealed
While stunt doubles often steal the spotlight for daring feats, Hollywood relies on a vast array of body doubles for more subtle tasks—from intimate scenes to specialized skills like piano playing or driving. These unsung heroes blend seamlessly into films, their contributions often unnoticed by audiences. In an exclusive look, six body doubles unveil the fascinating, and sometimes challenging, realities of their secret lives on screen.
Michael B Jordan's Twin: Percy Bell's Breakthrough Role
Percy Bell, a 35-year-old actor from Nashville, Tennessee, found himself thrust into the limelight when he answered a casting call for the film Sinners. His uncanny resemblance to Oscar winner Michael B Jordan landed him the role of doubling for Jordan, who plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Bell, who had never worked as a double before, describes the experience as "a little bit more rigid" than traditional acting, focusing on mirroring Jordan's movements rather than developing his own character.
To prepare, Bell created playlists for each twin, a method that surprisingly aligned with Jordan's own process. "We're very similar in certain aspects," Bell notes, attributing their on-screen chemistry to this synergy. Although his face was digitally replaced with Jordan's in post-production, Bell takes pride in his role, seeing it as facilitating the performance of others. He reflects on the project's success, including Jordan's recent Oscar win, with awe: "Being a part of history is not something that I knew that I would be doing when I signed up for the role."
Julia Roberts' Legs: Shelley Michelle's Iconic Contribution
Shelley Michelle's body became famous when she doubled for Julia Roberts in the 1990 classic Pretty Woman. Not only did she perform the sex scenes for Roberts' character Vivian, but her legs were also used in the iconic poster, blended with Roberts' face. "They wanted her to have curvier legs," Michelle explains, citing director Garry Marshall's vision.
After her role in Pretty Woman became public, Michelle's career took off, doubling for stars like Anne Archer and Candice Bergen. She even insured her legs for a million dollars with Lloyd's of London. However, the work wasn't always glamorous; Michelle recalls uncomfortable moments, such as when crews would gather to watch intimate scenes. She also faced dehumanizing treatment, like being hidden in trailers. In response, she founded her own agency, Body Doubles and Parts, advocating for union recognition and better pay. Now, she's working on a tell-all book and documentary, embracing her unique Hollywood journey.
Michael Douglas' Hands: Philip Fortenberry's Musical Precision
Pianist Philip Fortenberry, based in Las Vegas, seized the opportunity to ensure authenticity in Steven Soderbergh's 2013 biopic Behind the Candelabra. Doubling for Michael Douglas as Liberace, Fortenberry handled all the piano-playing scenes, with his hands and back cut into footage of Douglas. The role required wearing Liberace's oversized rings, glued to his hands to prevent clinking on the keys.
Fortenberry faced the challenge of syncing his playing with pre-recorded tracks, noting the intense pressure to get it right. Despite enjoying the experience, he has no desire to pursue acting further: "I would never be an actor. It's intense, man!" His work highlights the specialized skills that body doubles bring to films, often going unrecognized but crucial for realism.
Rachel Weisz's Hair: Jacqueline Leventhal's Driving Role
In the Netflix series Vladimir, Jacqueline Leventhal doubled for Rachel Weisz in car scenes, as Weisz lacked a valid driving license in Toronto. Shots of Leventhal's hands on the wheel and the back of her head were seamlessly integrated with Weisz's performance. Leventhal's hair was so similar to Weisz's that she was often mistaken for the star on set.
Leventhal views doubling as a unique way to connect with famous actors, having also stood in for Shania Twain in an advert. She enjoys the secrecy of her role, though she recalls one downside: the car lacked air conditioning, making for a hot shoot. Her story underscores the practical reasons behind using doubles, from legal constraints to logistical needs.
Emma Watson's Back: Flick Miles' Childhood in Harry Potter
Flick Miles began her career as a body double at age nine, serving as a "shadow Hermione" in the Harry Potter films. Due to British labor laws limiting child actors' hours, Miles stepped in for Emma Watson in scenes where Watson's face wasn't visible. Her resemblance in hair color and build made her a perfect fit.
Miles even had a moment in the spotlight when her face appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, as Watson was allergic to the cat makeup. She reflects on the experience fondly, noting the lack of pressure compared to Watson's fame. Now a journalist, Miles shares stories from the set via her podcast, Behind the Wand, cherishing the memories without longing for a film career.
Andie MacDowell's Hands: Elizabeth Barbour's Modeling Career
Elizabeth Barbour, a 69-year-old lawyer, worked as a hand model in the 1980s, doubling for Andie MacDowell in L'Oréal ads. This practice is common in advertising, as actors may not have the "hand-model hands" required for close-ups. Barbour also doubled for Isabella Rossellini, maintaining flawless hands by avoiding activities like cooking or gardening.
Barbour describes the proximity to stars as unremarkable—"she's just another human being"—but admits feeling "a little bit eclipsed" by MacDowell's presence. While hand modeling offered good pay, Barbour didn't pursue it long-term, viewing it as a "great ride" that provided financial benefits without the spotlight.
These stories reveal the diverse and often hidden world of body doubles, showcasing their essential role in bringing Hollywood's visions to life. From mechanical precision to personal sacrifices, their contributions are a testament to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, even if they remain unseen by most viewers.
