It is a common practice in Hollywood for actors who are well into their 20s and even their 30s to play teenage characters in movies and TV shows. While it can sometimes be difficult to suspend disbelief, some actors manage to pull off portraying teenagers despite being older than their characters. Here are some actors who were too old to play teens but still managed to convincingly bring their characters to life.
Ben Platt – Dear Evan Hansen
One of the most notable instances of an actor being too old to play a teen is Ben Platt in the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” Platt originated the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway when he was 23 years old, but he was playing a high school senior. Despite being significantly older than a high school student, Platt’s performance earned him rave reviews and a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Rachel McAdams – Mean Girls
Rachel McAdams was 26 years old when she played the evil queen bee Regina George in the iconic teen comedy “Mean Girls.” While McAdams was well past her teenage years, her portrayal of the manipulative and popular Regina was so convincing that she became one of the most memorable characters in the film.
Ashleigh Murray – Riverdale
Ashleigh Murray was 28 years old when she was cast as high school student Josie McCoy in the hit TV series “Riverdale.” Despite being almost a decade older than her character, Murray’s portrayal of the ambitious and talented singer helped her become a fan-favorite on the show.
Landon Liboiron – Hemlock Grove
Landon Liboiron was 23 years old when he was cast as teenager Peter Rumancek in the horror series “Hemlock Grove.” Despite being older than his character, Liboiron’s performance as the mysterious and brooding werewolf garnered praise from critics and audiences alike.
Troian Bellisario – Pretty Little Liars
Troian Bellisario was 25 years old when she began playing high school student Spencer Hastings in the teen drama series “Pretty Little Liars.” Bellisario’s portrayal of the intelligent and competitive Spencer helped establish her as one of the standout characters on the show, despite being older than her teenage peers.
In summary, age is just a number when it comes to acting, and these actors prove that talent and dedication can make up for being older than the characters they portray. Despite not being actual teenagers, these actors were able to convincingly bring their teenage characters to life and make a lasting impact on audiences. Whether on stage or on screen, these actors demonstrated their ability to transcend age and deliver compelling performances that resonate with viewers of all ages.
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