Since 1996, the number of movies and TV series based on real-life events or people has been on the rise.
Perhaps viewers are drawn to these stories because they're already familiar with them and are eager to see them come to life on the big screen. Every year, studios churn out content that brings these real-life tales to our screens. Let's delve into the real individuals behind some of these iconic on-screen characters.
1. Tommy Wiseau
Wiseau, an actor and filmmaker, is infamous for his film "The Room," often dubbed one of the worst movies ever. The mystery surrounding the film's $6 million budget is as intriguing as the film itself. "The Disaster Artist" (2017) brings Wiseau's journey to the silver screen, with James Franco both directing and starring.
2. Samantha Barbash
Starting in adult entertainment, Barbash later became a hostess at a club frequented by Wall Street brokers. She has since reinvented herself, now running a spa offering cosmetic procedures. The 2019 film "Hustlers" is based on her life and her colleagues at the club, with Jennifer Lopez in the lead role.
3. Deborah Feldman
Feldman's story became widely known after her 2012 autobiography detailing her escape from a strict religious community. Netflix's 2020 series "Unorthodox" is based on her life, with Shira Haas playing the lead.
4. Jonathan Larson
Jonathan Larson, a playwright and composer, is celebrated for his musicals "Rent" and "Tick, tick... Boom!". Initially facing challenges in the theater world, he eventually found success on Broadway with "Rent." Tragically, he passed away on the very day of his play's Off-Broadway preview. In 2021, "Tick, tick... Boom!" was adapted into a film, with Andrew Garfield playing Larson. The film chronicles the early stages of Larson's career and his struggles in the arts.
5. Elizabeth Holmes
Holmes, a former biotech entrepreneur, founded Theranos in 2003, claiming to have developed technology for blood tests using minimal blood samples. This assertion attracted numerous investors, and she was once hailed as America's youngest billionaire. However, it was later revealed that her claims were baseless. Hulu adapted her story into the mini-series "The Dropout" in 2022, with Amanda Seyfried portraying Holmes.
6. Madam C. J. Walker
Recognized as America's first self-made female millionaire, Walker built a cosmetics and haircare empire catering to black women. Her journey from door-to-door sales to employing thousands is depicted in Netflix's 2020 mini-series "Self Made," with Octavia Spencer in the titular role.
7. Tammy Faye Bakker
Tammy Faye Messner, previously known as Bakker, was a renowned TV presenter and singer. She gained immense popularity through her religious TV show, which she co-hosted with her then-husband, Jim Bakker. Recognized for her distinctive makeup and quirky personality, she was also a staunch supporter of the LGBT community. In 2021, their story was adapted into the film "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," with Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield in the lead roles. Chastain's portrayal was so captivating that she clinched her first Academy Award.
8. Patrizia Reggiani
An Italian socialite, Reggiani rose to fame after marrying Maurizio Gucci of the renowned Gucci family. Her social ascent in New York was rapid, even befriending the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. However, her life took a dark turn when Maurizio expressed his desire for a divorce. She was later convicted of orchestrating his murder. The 2021 film "House of Gucci" chronicles their relationship, with Lady Gaga delivering a praised performance as Reggiani.
9. Marcia Clark
Clark, the lead prosecutor in the high-profile O.J. Simpson trial, became a media sensation. The intense media scrutiny even led her to change her appearance. The 2016 FX mini-series "Inside Look: The People v. O.J. Simpson – American Crime Story" delves into the trial, with Sarah Paulson portraying Clark.
10. Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson
11. Ma Rainey
Dubbed "The Mother of the Blues," Rainey was a trailblazing blues singer known for her unique style and energy. Viola Davis brought her to life in Netflix's 2020 film "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
Have you watched any other captivating movies or TV series recently that shed light on real people and their incredible stories?
Preview photo credit The Dropout / Hulu, Max Morse for TechCrunch / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photos Courtesy: Bright Side