Actors Who Portrayed Real People in Movies and TV Shows

Art imitating life. Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Sarah Paulson and more stars made their marks playing real people in movies and TV shows.
Many won awards for their onscreen depictions of both beloved and controversial figures throughout history.
The American Horror Story actress earned an Emmy for her portrayal of famous prosecutor Marcia Clark in September 2016. Paulson won Best Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie for her role on The People v O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.