In an industry often governed by conventions, some actors have chosen a path of raw authenticity—shedding not just their characters’ facades but also any artificial barriers like prosthetics when it comes to nudity. From blockbuster stars to stage legends, these 20 performers have defied norms, embracing vulnerability in pursuit of deeper, more truthful storytelling. Their fearless choices have sparked conversations about body positivity, artistic integrity, and the evolving portrayal of human intimacy in film and television.

Join us as we explore the stories behind these compelling performances and the actors who dared to let it all hang out on screen.

1. Chris Pine: Challenging Double Standards in Outlaw King

Chris Pine made waves with his bold refusal to use prosthetics in Outlaw King, where he portrayed 14th-century Scottish king Robert the Bruce. Pine’s decision was not just about realism but also a pointed critique of the entertainment industry’s gender biases. He highlighted how male nudity often provokes controversy while female nudity is normalized, questioning why vulnerability is acceptable for women but stigmatized for men.

His candid reflections sparked broader conversations about body image and cultural taboos, challenging audiences to reconsider their perceptions of masculinity and nudity. Pine’s unapologetic stance is a call for authenticity, underscoring that vulnerability transcends gender norms.

Chris Pine opens up about the “double standard” surrounding his nude scene in Outlaw King — hear his candid take on body image and equality in Hollywood on E!’s Red Carpet & Award Shows.

2. Bradley Cooper: Emotional and Physical Exposure in Nightmare Alley

In Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley, Bradley Cooper took vulnerability to a new level, baring himself physically and emotionally. His intimate bathtub scene alongside Toni Collette was filmed without prosthetics, emphasizing raw honesty. Cooper described the experience as intense and deeply affecting, highlighting the emotional weight behind the nudity.

His willingness to be exposed for the sake of storytelling transformed a potentially awkward moment into a powerful narrative device. The scene’s authenticity drew praise for elevating the film’s exploration of identity and human fragility, proving that true artistry often requires shedding protective layers both metaphorically and literally.

3. Kit Harington: Personal Choice and Authenticity in Industry and Theater

Kit Harington, famed for Game of Thrones, has embraced full nudity in both television and theater, notably in HBO’s Industry and the play Doctor Faustus. Rejecting prosthetics, Harington believes nudity should always be a personal choice aligned with narrative truth. He views the recent shift towards more male nudity as a healthy move towards balance, but emphasizes no actor should feel pressured.

His openness about these decisions promotes respect for boundaries and highlights the role of nudity as a storytelling tool rather than a mere spectacle. Harington’s thoughtful approach encourages a more nuanced dialogue about on-screen vulnerability and consent.

4. Angelina Jolie: Bold Vulnerability Post-Mastectomy in By the Sea

Angelina Jolie’s topless scenes in By the Sea carry profound significance as she performed them following a preventive double mastectomy. Jolie’s refusal to edit out these vulnerable moments underscores her commitment to honesty and challenges Hollywood’s beauty standards. She faced the decision to cut scenes but chose to embrace her body’s reality, redefining cinematic vulnerability.

This choice not only enriches the film’s emotional landscape but also empowers survivors by normalizing post-surgery bodies on screen. Jolie’s courage to show her true self stands as a testament to resilience, challenging audiences to rethink narratives around femininity and strength.

Go inside Angelina Jolie’s courageous decision to undergo a double mastectomy — a deeply personal story of strength, health advocacy, and empowerment.

5. Barry Keoghan: Expressing Freedom and Authenticity in Saltburn

Barry Keoghan’s nude dance scene in Saltburn is a celebration of uninhibited freedom and personal authenticity. Refusing prosthetics, Keoghan portrayed his character’s raw, unfiltered joy by dancing alone in a private space, highlighting the power of vulnerability in solitude. His candid reflection on the scene’s relatability resonates deeply, capturing the essence of shedding societal expectations.

This unguarded moment became a symbol of human spontaneity and liberation, reminding viewers that true authenticity often comes in the absence of an audience. Keoghan’s performance celebrates the body as an instrument of honest expression, unafraid and unapologetic.

6. Jennifer Lawrence: Breaking Barriers with Confidence in No Hard Feelings

Jennifer Lawrence took a monumental step with her first full-frontal nude scene in the comedy No Hard Feelings. Her decision was met with surprise by her team but embraced wholeheartedly by Lawrence, who found humor and professionalism throughout filming. The actress emphasized the importance of trust and comfort with her co-star, which allowed the scene to unfold naturally.

Her openness helps dismantle stigmas around female nudity, proving that such scenes can be approached with respect and levity. Lawrence’s fearless choice adds another layer to her reputation as an actress unafraid to push boundaries in pursuit of authentic storytelling.

7. Daniel Radcliffe: Vulnerability and Strength on Broadway in Equus

Daniel Radcliffe’s naked performance in Equus broke theatrical boundaries, showcasing his bravery in portraying psychological torment. Although initially self-conscious, Radcliffe embraced full nudity to embody his character’s raw emotional state. His commitment not only enhanced the production’s intensity but also opened discussions about vulnerability in performance art. The nakedness stripped away pretenses, compelling audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. Radcliffe’s choice underlines the transformative power of vulnerability and the unique intimacy that theater can offer when actors dare to bare both body and soul.

8. Jason Segel: Humor and Freedom in Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Jason Segel’s nude scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a pioneering moment in male nudity in comedy. Rejecting prosthetics, Segel found the scene hilariously freeing and historically significant for its boldness in 2007. His willingness to expose himself physically underlined the character’s humiliating breakup, adding comedic weight to the moment.

The scene’s success challenged norms about male vulnerability in film, proving that nudity can be employed effectively beyond shock value. Segel’s approach paved the way for more honest, humorous, and human portrayals of male nakedness on screen.

9. Cooper Koch: Courageous Authenticity in Monsters

In the crime drama Monsters, Cooper Koch played Erik Menéndez and chose to perform full-frontal nude scenes without prosthetics. His openness about the experience reflected a mature, professional acceptance of nudity as part of storytelling, even when intertwined with difficult subject matter like sexual abuse.

Koch’s comfort with his body and willingness to present it honestly on screen challenged taboos and helped normalize depictions of nudity linked to real-life trauma. His performance serves as a reminder that embracing naturalness can deepen emotional resonance and viewer empathy.

10. Michael Fassbender: Professionalism and Rawness in Shame

Michael Fassbender’s nude scenes in Shame were executed with remarkable professionalism and urgency, as the film’s tight shooting schedule left little room for hesitation. His decision to forego prosthetics and move quickly through the demanding scenes heightened the film’s raw emotional tone.

Fassbender’s willingness to immerse himself fully speaks to his dedication to authentic storytelling, where physical exposure mirrors internal turmoil. The film remains a powerful exploration of addiction and vulnerability, amplified by Fassbender’s fearless performance.

11. Sydney Sweeney: Challenging Double Standards in Euphoria

Sydney Sweeney’s multiple topless scenes in Euphoria highlighted ongoing gender disparities regarding nudity in entertainment. While proud of her acting, Sweeney expressed frustration that her body often overshadowed her performance. She noted that male actors receive praise for similar scenes, exposing a systemic bias.

Sweeney’s candidness advocates for a shift in focus from body to talent, pushing audiences and the industry to reassess how female nudity is perceived and discussed. Her stance empowers actresses to demand respect beyond physical exposure.

12. Sebastian Stan: Trust and Truth in Monday

Sebastian Stan’s nude scenes in Monday were approached with great trust between cast and crew. Choosing to perform without prosthetics, Stan emphasized the importance of honesty in depicting intimate relationships. His commitment to truthfulness elevated the film’s realism and emotional depth. Stan’s reflections highlight how thoughtful collaboration and mutual respect enable actors to navigate challenging scenes with integrity. His approach exemplifies how nudity, when contextually justified, can enrich narrative authenticity.

13. Jesse Williams: Confidence and Freedom on Stage in Take Me Out

Tony-nominated Jesse Williams embraced full nudity on Broadway in Take Me Out, viewing it as an expression of confidence and naturalness. His belief that a body is simply a body dismantles societal insecurities around nudity. Williams encourages audiences and fellow actors to see beyond physical exposure, recognizing the vulnerability and strength it takes to perform bare. His fearless portrayal contributes to redefining theater’s relationship with the human form, celebrating authenticity over shame.

Jesse Williams opens up about the bold shower scenes in Broadway’s Take Me Out — hear his honest take on vulnerability, artistry, and breaking boundaries on stage.

14. Lukas Gage: European Openness and Truthfulness in You and White Lotus

Lukas Gage’s comfort with nudity reflects a European sensibility that embraces the body as natural. Refusing prosthetics for intimate scenes, Gage advocates for truthfulness, emphasizing that clothed sex scenes often feel contrived. His candid approach challenges Hollywood norms, promoting a more realistic portrayal of intimacy on screen. Gage’s perspective encourages greater authenticity in storytelling, balancing professionalism with personal comfort.

15. Ewan Mitchell: Embodying Character Truth Through Nudity in House of the Dragon

Ewan Mitchell’s choice to perform nude scenes in House of the Dragon was far from casual—it was deeply rooted in his commitment to portraying his character, Aemond Targaryen, authentically. Working closely with director Geeta Vasant Patel, Mitchell ensured that nudity served the story rather than detracted from it. He emphasized that shedding clothes was an extension of his character’s bold, unrestrained personality, enhancing the narrative’s emotional impact.

This collaboration exemplifies how thoughtful dialogue between actor and director can transform potentially uncomfortable moments into integral, truthful expressions of character. Mitchell’s approach highlights nudity as a powerful storytelling tool when handled with respect, intention, and artistic integrity.

16. Alex Hassell: Raw Realism in Rivals—A Commitment to Authenticity

For Alex Hassell, performing nude without prosthetics in the Disney+ drama Rivals was a deliberate artistic decision. While embracing certain cosmetic enhancements like hair dye and fake tans, Hassell chose to keep his body fully natural on screen. This refusal to use prosthetics stems from his belief in portraying humanity in its most unfiltered form. Hassell’s transparency about his choice reflects a growing movement among actors who prioritize authenticity over artificial concealment.

His performance brings a heightened sense of realism to intimate scenes, breaking down barriers between actor and audience. Hassell’s courage to present himself honestly underscores the evolving landscape of modern acting where vulnerability is increasingly celebrated.

17. Alison Brie: Finding Joy and Humor in Vulnerability with Somebody I Used to Know

Alison Brie’s memorable streaking scene in the rom-com Somebody I Used to Know offers a refreshing blend of humor, vulnerability, and personal authenticity. Drawing from her own youthful experiences, Brie embraced nudity not as a source of embarrassment but as an expression of joy and liberation.

She openly shares how the scene’s lightheartedness helped demystify on-screen nakedness, inviting audiences to view it as playful rather than taboo. Brie’s candidness breaks down stigmas surrounding female nudity in film, encouraging a more relaxed and positive perspective. Her performance reminds us that vulnerability can be empowering, entertaining, and deeply human—all at once.

18. James McAvoy: The Unique Power of Stage Nudity in The Last King of Scotland

James McAvoy’s reflections on nudity reveal a profound distinction between stage and screen performances. On stage, he finds nudity to be not only freeing but also an intense form of vulnerability—there’s nowhere to hide from the audience’s gaze. His role in The Last King of Scotland offered an opportunity to explore this raw exposure fully.

McAvoy appreciates how live theater demands complete honesty and presence, making nudity a potent tool for connecting with viewers on a visceral level. He contrasts this with film, where multiple takes and camera angles can diffuse that immediacy. McAvoy’s insights illuminate how theatrical nudity can amplify emotional resonance, making the performance unforgettable and deeply authentic.

19. Halle Berry: Embracing Equality and Emotional Truth in Monster’s Ball

Halle Berry’s decision to appear topless in Monster’s Ball was a bold statement of equality and artistic integrity. Matching her co-star Billy Bob Thornton’s commitment to on-screen nudity, Berry refused to be the only one exposed, transforming the scene into a genuine expression of intimacy.

Her openness challenged Hollywood’s gender norms around vulnerability and nudity, insisting that emotional truth transcends physical exposure. Berry’s performance earned critical acclaim, demonstrating how shared vulnerability between actors can deepen character connection and audience engagement. Her courage continues to inspire conversations about fairness and authenticity in portrayals of intimacy on screen.

Relive Halle Berry’s historic Best Actress win at the 74th Oscars in 2002 — an emotional and groundbreaking moment that forever changed Hollywood.

20. Oscar Isaac: Navigating Surprise and Professionalism in Scenes From a Marriage

Oscar Isaac’s full-frontal nudity in Scenes From a Marriage came with an unexpected twist—he was unaware initially that the scene would remain in the final cut. His candid admission about the surprise highlights the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the trust actors must place in directors and editors.

Despite the initial shock, Isaac embraced the exposure professionally, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the industry. His experience sheds light on the complexities actors face when navigating intimate scenes, from preparation to post-production. Isaac’s grace in handling the situation exemplifies the balance between vulnerability and professionalism crucial to delivering authentic performances under unexpected circumstances.

Conclusion: Celebrating Courage and Authenticity in Performance

The courageous choices of these 20 actors to forgo prosthetics and embrace genuine nudity redefine how vulnerability is portrayed on screen and stage. Their stories challenge cultural taboos and advocate for honest storytelling that respects the human body and experience. As audiences increasingly demand authenticity, these performers illuminate a path toward more truthful, respectful, and compelling art.