The Hairy Truth: Celebrities and Their Notable Wigs

Have you ever seen a movie star wearing a wig, only to wonder why it's a notable accessory? It turns out, wigs in the film industry are as common as missing pants, especially when considering the stars themselves might not have much to hide.

Mark Wahlberg: The Baldness Debate

Mark Wahlberg is a perfect example. He stars in two of my favorite films that highlight hard work: “The Perfect Storm” and “Deepwater Horizon.” However, when it comes to his hair, the truth is a bit different. At 50, Wahlberg sports a mane that often rivals the Bavarian Black Forest after a particularly wet winter.

But even this 50-year-old actor has cooler hair than most. Recently, out of necessity for his upcoming role as a boxer-turned-priest in “Father Stu,” Wahlberg shaved his head after a substantial weight gain. It might be a dramatic look, but it shows that Wahlberg can handle it when his hair is gone.

Sean Connery: The Legacy of Bond Wigs

Sean Connery, the original James Bond, faced a unique challenge. He started losing his hair at age 21, and by his 30s, his hairline was noticeably receding in his early James Bond films like “Dr. No.” Producers knew they couldn’t have a bald Bond, so the iconic wigs were born.

Surprisingly, despite these necessary wigs, Connery managed to turn in some impressive performances. For example, in Sidney Lumet’s 1973 neo-noir film “The Offense,” he didn’t wear a wig at all, showing that a good actor can carry the day without wigs.

Al Pacino: The Wigs Must Go On

Now let’s talk about one of the most notorious wig-wearers in Hollywood: Al Pacino. At 80, Pacino’s commitment to wearing a wig is akin to a British barrister. In fact, his wigs often distract from his performances in films such as “88 Minutes,” “Righteous Kill,” and “You Don’t Know Jack.”

It is a testament to Pacino's acting skills that he can pull off these roles despite the questionable wigs. His latest efforts, such as his role in “Ken,” further highlight his dedication to his craft, even if it means doubling down on what might be the worst wigs in the business.

Jane Mansfield: Classic Wigs and Hairstyles

Another notable example is the late, great Jayne Mansfield. In her film “Single Room Furnished,” released in 1966, she played the same character in three different acts. In one of the earlier acts, her wig looked so awful it reminded viewers of a fright wig.

However, it wasn’t all bad. The wig was a product of its time. The 1940s and 1950s featured hairstyles known as “victory rolls” or “victory curls,” which were popular during World War II. If you watch more films from that era, you’ll see these hairstyles quite often.

Jamie Lee Curtis and Tom Hulce: Uncomfortable Wigs

Jamie Lee Curtis appeared in “Trading Places” wearing a rather tacky wig. It wasn’t until she got home that she removed it, suggesting even she found it a bit uncomfortable. Similarly, Tom Hulce wore several uncomfortable wigs in his role in “Amadeus.” While these wigs weren’t necessarily awful, they can be quite distracting.

And then there are the wigs of Queen Elizabeth I, worn by actresses like Bette Davis. These wigs are generally considered unattractive by modern standards, suggesting that even historical costumes can be challenged by modern interpretations.

The Verdict

Wigs in the film industry are a fascinating part of the craft. While some actors can pull off sporting these hairpieces, others find them a hindrance to their performances. The key takeaway is that a good actor can still shine, even with the help of a wig. So, next time you see a movie star with an questionable wig, remember, it might just be part of the character.