In ‘The King’s Speech,’ which hits select theaters today, an unconventional speech therapist helps King George VI overcome a stuttering defect in what has been deemed an excellent, surprisingly funny historical drama.
Colin Firth plays Prince Albert who, when his brother Edward VIII abdicates to marry Wallis Simpson, ascends as King George VI. While Firth has received a couple of Oscar nods, this role seems to position him as the man to beat in this year’s race to win a little gold statue. Why? Simply put — actors who play the role of historical figures have an excellent record of running away with Hollywood’s most prestigious award.
Here are eleven of the most well-known historical figures who have been reincarnated by big stars in Hollywood:
