10 Times One Actor Played an Entire Family

Some actors push their craft to the limit by taking on multiple roles in a single film, but playing an entire family? That’s a whole new level of talent. It takes serious skill to create distinct characters that feel related yet unique, all while keeping the audience immersed in the story.

From comedies to dramas, these 10 stars stepped into the shoes of whole families, using makeup, accents, and sheer acting prowess to pull it off. I was amazed by how seamlessly they brought these households to life, often making me forget it was one person playing every part.

Eddie Murphy in ‘The Nutty Professor’ (1996)

In ‘The Nutty Professor’, Eddie Murphy plays Sherman Klump, a shy scientist, plus his entire family: his parents, brother, and grandma. The film follows Sherman’s wild transformation after testing a weight-loss formula.

Murphy’s comedic genius shines as he gives each Klump a unique personality, from Grandma’s sass to Dad’s grumpiness. Hours in the makeup chair and clever editing made the dinner scenes hilarious and believable. I didn’t realize it was all him until the credits rolled.

Alec Guinness in ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’ (1949)

Alec Guinness takes on eight roles in ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’, a dark comedy about a man plotting to inherit a dukedom by killing off his relatives. Guinness plays every member of the D’Ascoyne family, from a banker to a suffragette.

His ability to switch between characters using just makeup and mannerisms is jaw-dropping. Each family member feels distinct, and I was so caught up in the story that I missed it was one actor pulling off this feat.

Jerry Lewis in ‘The Family Jewels’ (1965)

In ‘The Family Jewels’, Jerry Lewis plays seven roles, including a young heiress’s six uncles and her chauffeur. The comedy centers on the girl choosing which uncle will raise her.

Lewis leans into his slapstick style, making each uncle wildly different, from a goofy pilot to a grumpy gangster. The film’s old-school charm and Lewis’s energy kept me hooked, and I barely noticed one guy was playing the whole family.

Eddie Murphy in ‘Nutty Professor II: The Klumps’ (2000)

Eddie Murphy returns as the Klump family in ‘Nutty Professor II: The Klumps’, again playing Sherman, his parents, brother, and grandma, plus a few others. The sequel dives into Sherman’s chaotic love life and experiments.

Murphy’s performance is even bolder here, with over-the-top family banter stealing the show. The makeup and editing are so slick that I forgot it was just him, especially during the wild family dinner scenes.

Peter Sellers in ‘The Mouse That Roared’ (1959)

In ‘The Mouse That Roared’, a satire about a tiny country declaring war on the U.S., Peter Sellers plays three roles: a duchess, a prime minister, and a soldier, all related in the ruling family.

Sellers’ knack for accents and physical comedy makes each character pop. I was so busy laughing at the absurdity that I didn’t catch it was one actor playing the whole royal lineage until later.

Norman Wisdom in ‘Press for Time’ (1966)

Norman Wisdom stars in ‘Press for Time’ as Norman Shields, a bumbling salesman, his mother, and his grandfather, who’s also the prime minister. The comedy follows Norman’s misadventures in a small town.

Wisdom’s charm and physical gags make each family member distinct, especially his drag role as the mom. I was too wrapped up in the laughs to notice one actor was carrying the whole family dynamic.

Mike Myers in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ (2002)

In ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’, Mike Myers plays four roles, including Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, and Fat Bastard, who are revealed as family members. The spy spoof dives into Austin’s past with absurd humor.

Myers’ wild energy and accents make each character unforgettable. The film’s chaotic pace and prosthetics hid the fact that one guy was playing this dysfunctional family. I was too busy quoting lines to notice.

Denis O’Hare in ‘The Normal Heart’ (2014)

In ‘The Normal Heart’, a drama about the AIDS crisis, Denis O’Hare plays multiple roles, including family members tied to the main characters. The film tracks activists fighting for awareness in 1980s New York.

O’Hare’s subtle shifts in tone and posture make each role feel real, blending into the emotional story. I was so gripped by the film’s intensity that I didn’t realize one actor was juggling multiple family parts.

Adam Sandler in ‘Jack and Jill’ (2011)

Adam Sandler stars as both Jack and his twin sister Jill in ‘Jack and Jill’, a comedy about a man dealing with his overbearing sibling during a holiday visit.

Sandler’s drag performance as Jill is the highlight, with exaggerated quirks that contrast Jack’s frustration. The makeup and editing sell the twin dynamic, and I didn’t clock it was Sandler in both roles until the gags piled up.

Vanessa Hudgens in ‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’ (2020)

In ‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’, Vanessa Hudgens plays three roles: a baker, a duchess, and their scheming cousin, all part of the same royal family. The Netflix rom-com follows their identity-swapping antics.

Hudgens nails the different accents and vibes, making each character distinct. I was so caught up in the holiday fluff that I didn’t notice one actress was playing the entire trio.

Which actor’s family performance impressed you most, or did I miss a great one? Share your thoughts in the comments!