Actors Who Played Characters Far from Their Real Age

Sometimes an actor lands a role that perfectly matches their actual age. Other times, they portray a character whose age is miles away from their own. Here are 19 examples of actors who took on a role that was far from the age they really were.

Tobey Maguire – Spider-Man (2002)

Role: Peter Parker, around 17-18 years old
Real age during filming: 26-27 years old
Age difference: Approximately 9-10 years

Jennifer Grey – Dirty Dancing (1987)

Role: Frances “Baby” Houseman, 17 years old
Real age during filming: 26-27 years old
Age difference: Approximately 9-10 years

Ben Platt – Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

Role: Evan Hansen, 17 years old
Real age during filming: 27 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10 years

Sissy Spacek – Carrie (1976)

Role: Carrie White, about 16 years old
Real age during filming: 26 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10 years

Keiko Agena – Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)

Role: Lane Kim, about 16 years old when the series starts
Real age during filming: 26 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10 years

Andrew Garfield – The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Role: Peter Parker, around 17-18 years old
Real age during filming: 28-29 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10-11 years

Mark Salling – Glee (2009-2015)

Role: Noah “Puck” Puckerman, about 16-17 years old
Real age during filming: 26-27 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10-11 years

Cory Monteith – Glee (2009-2015)

Role: Finn Hudson, around 16 years old when the show starts
Real age during filming: 27 years old
Age difference: Approximately 11 years

Stacey Dash – Clueless (1995)

Role: Dionne Davenport, about 16-17 years old
Real age during filming: 28 years old
Age difference: Approximately 11-12 years

Alan Ruck – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Role: Cameron Frye, about 17-18 years old
Real age during filming: 29 years old
Age difference: Approximately 11-12 years

Audrey Hepburn – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Role: Holly Golightly, described as early 20s (sometimes as young as 19)
Real age during filming: 31-32 years old
Age difference: Approximately 10-13 years, depending on the character’s exact age

Darren Barnet – Never Have I Ever (2020- )

Role: Paxton Hall-Yoshida, around 16-17 years old
Real age during filming: 29 years old
Age difference: Approximately 12-13 years

Jason Earles – Hannah Montana (2006-2011)

Role: Jackson Stewart, portrayed as a teenager (16-17 years old)
Real age during filming: 29-30 years old
Age difference: Approximately 13 years

Gabrielle Carteris – Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-1995)

Role: Andrea Zuckerman, 16 years old when the series begins
Real age during the first season: 29 years old
Age difference: Approximately 13 years

Bianca Lawson – Multiple Roles

Notable example: Played high-school-aged characters (16-17) in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Pretty Little Liars
Real age: For instance, 31 years old when portraying a 17-year-old in Pretty Little Liars
Age difference: Around 14 years (and sometimes even more)

Stockard Channing – Grease (1978)

Role: Betty Rizzo, a high school student (17-18 years old)
Real age during filming: 33 years old
Age difference: Approximately 15-16 years

Estelle Getty – The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

Role: Sophia Petrillo, the elderly mother of Dorothy (Bea Arthur)
Real age during series start: 62 years old
Character’s implied age: Mid-to-late 70s or older
Age difference: Often estimated around 15-20 years

Barbra Streisand – Yentl (1983)

Role: Yentl, a young woman likely under 20
Real age during filming: 41 years old
Age difference: At least 20-21 years

Shirley Henderson – Harry Potter (2002-2005)

Role: Moaning Myrtle, around 14 years old
Real age during Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: 37 years old
Age difference: Approximately 23 years