Actor Matt Damon is one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but he is taking on a whole new challenge for HBO. The "Good Will Hunting" actor is playing one of the lead characters in the upcoming HBO movie "Behind the Candelabra," which tells the story of singing sensation Liberace and companion Scott Thorson. Damon will play Thorson with Michael Douglas playing Liberace, and the movie will focus on their turbulent romance that once included a $113 million lawsuit. For the part, Matt will don a blonde wig and dress himself in flamboyant 1970s attire. Filming is currently underway and the movie is slated to air next year, but fans can already get an idea of the unique new look for both actors. Despite his many memorable characters over the years, Matt isn't known for portraying real people. Here is a look at some of the other real-life people that the actor has played on screen.
Will Grimm - "The Brothers Grimm"
In 2005, Matt joined Heath Ledger in the fantasy movie "The Brothers Grimm." Though his character was based on the German author from the early 1800s, there was really nothing biographical in this movie. Instead, Will and his brother are con-artists that live out the fairy tales that eventually made them famous. It was a fantasy approach that figures to be about as far away from the Liberace movie as possible.
Mark Whitacre - "The Informant!"
In 2009, Matt earned rave reviews for his portrayal of Whitacre, the whistle-blower of a 1990s price-fixing scheme. Though the material in the film is very real, the actor takes a comedic approach to the character. He narrates the film with random thoughts and sports a goofy mustache, but that ends up fitting the character nicely. "The case fell apart because ultimately he was an unreliable witness," said the actor when talking about Whitacre. "But I really empathize with him. He is both the protagonist and the antagonist of this movie.
Francois Pienaar - "Invictus"
In this 2009 sports drama directed by Clint Eastwood, Matt plays a South African rugby hero that helps lead his country to the 1995 World Cup. The movie focuses on the relationship between Pienaar and then-president Nelson Mandela as they try to unify a nation divided by race. Matt, who trained extensively for the role, fondly recalls working with the real Francois in order to nail the character. "I was constantly asking him questions," he recalled. "Everything from what color is your mouth piece to what's your philosophy on the captaincy and on leading a team and life in general. He just was incredibly available and a very articulate guy, and he was incredibly helpful to me."
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