There’s no shortage of famous (and infamous) celebrity headshots. Acting headshots are meant to convey who a person is as a performer and visually explain why they’re the perfect fit for this role.
But even the biggest celebrities have their own headshot horror stories (or photos that just didn’t turn out right). Here’s what to do—and what not to do—when prepping your own portfolio.
1. The Rock
When it comes to meme-worthy famous actors’ headshots, none can compare to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s iconic 1994 example. The look featured a black turtleneck, thick silver chain with matching bracelet and watch, and, of course, the pièce de résistance, that fanny pack. The outfit has been endlessly clowned on since its unearthing, but it still offers some solid advice for anyone taking professional headshots: Be confident!
As The Rock explained to E! News, the fanny pack was a common pro wrestling accessory in the ’90s, so the bag didn’t exactly take a People’s Elbow to the wrestler’s reputation. Johnson is a king at exuding swagger, and this shot is no exception. While the fashion choices may not be to everyone's taste, there’s no denying his headshot is memorable.
2. Chris Pratt
A tale for the books, Pratt’s story of his awkward first celebrity headshots is both hilarious and a lesson in dressing the part. The photos in question feature the actor in a loose-fitting white shirt with cascading, dirty blond curls. They’re perhaps sexier than some actors would prefer; headshots are about showing who you are as a performer, so these shots wouldn’t work well for an actor aiming for more buttoned-up roles.
That said, Pratt’s headshots demonstrate one of the biggest keys to successful headshots—the look should be simple, draw attention to the actor’s face, and never be unprofessional or sloppy. There’s a clean simplicity here that new performers should emulate in their next headshot session.
3. Hugh Jackman
While contemporary audiences know him best as X-Men superhero Wolverine, Jackman didn’t set out to be an action star. Reflective of his early reputation as a musical heartthrob after success in “Oklahoma!” and “The Boy From Oz,” Jackman’s earliest headshots look like an actor trying out for roles in romantic comedies and period dramas—hardly the image we’ve come to expect of him.
Jackman’s career may not have played out the way his headshots would have you think, but they serve as a good reminder that actors should capture the types of roles they’d like to audition for. Outfits, makeup, accessories, lighting, and poses should all convey to a casting director not only that you could play the part, but that you’re the perfect fit.
4. Zendaya
An expert of the modern headshot, Zendaya never fails to look stunning in her professional images. As she’s matured into the performer she is today, her headshots have evolved to feature fashion-forward aesthetics that elevate her looks while keeping a level of authenticity that shows her widespread appeal. Actors trying to improve their headshot game can look to Zendaya for a sense of how to incorporate a stellar fashion sense while maintaining your personal vibe.
5. Meryl Streep
Streep may have some powerfully emotive headshots now, but her first professional images fail to capture the talent she is today. She’s certainly beautiful in them, yet they don’t fully demonstrate her complexity and nuance. Actors can look to these early photos and compare them with later headshots of Streep, seeing the differences that can happen when an actor is authentic and vulnerable. Her more modern headshots still capture her beauty, but they have an emotional intensity that is equally intimidating and inviting.
Takeaways for your next headshot session
As these famous headshot examples show, there are some rules when building and maintaining your portfolio:
- Use a professional: A professional photographer is key, since they understand what will make a person look their best for casting directors.
- Keep them current: Headshots should always be up-to-date—the last thing you want is to be unrecognizable when you walk in for your next audition.
- Experiment: Photo sessions usually don’t include only one picture, so experiment with different types of headshots to get them just right. Keep fashion choices minimalist while still expressing the personality that’s sure to land you your next gig.
- Be yourself: Headshots should capture your authenticity and talent as a performer rather than just being another pretty picture for the mantle. Be authentic and vulnerable in a way that shows not only who you are as a performer, but who you can become on the stage or screen.