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30 actors who played the president of the United States, and how they compare to the real thing

30 actors who played the president of the United States, and how they compare to the real thing
Dennis Quaid (left) portrays President Ronald Reagan in "Reagan."Showbiz Direct ; Hulton Archive/Getty Images
  • Many movies and TV shows have portrayed real US presidents played by Hollywood actors.
  • Daniel Day-Lewis shared a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln in the 2012 film "Lincoln."

Numerous movies and television shows have told presidents' stories, but some actors look the part more than others.

In the latest presidential biopic, "Reagan," Dennis Quaid portrays President Ronald Reagan. The historical drama premieres August 30.

Movies about the lives of US presidents can achieve both critical and commercial success. Steven Spielberg's 2012 film "Lincoln," for example, grossed $275 million worldwide and won two of its 12 Academy Award nominations.

Here are 30 actors who have played US presidents in movies and TV shows, and how they compare to the real-life leaders.

The fullest adaptation of President George Washington's life is the 1984 CBS miniseries "George Washington" with Barry Bostwick in the titular role.

The fullest adaptation of President George Washington
Barry Bostwick as George Washington.      CBS via Getty Images

The series covered his life from age 11 to 51, just before he began his presidency, and is based on James Thomas Flexner's mammoth biography.

He's a bit more rosy-cheeked, with rounder features, in Gilbert Stuart's famous 1796 portrait.

He
A portrait of George Washington.      US National Portrait Gallery

The best image we have of Washington was painted in 1796, where Washington looks pretty different from Bostwick.

For our second president, John Adams, we have Paul Giamatti's portrayal.

For our second president, John Adams, we have Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti in "John Adams."      HBO

He played the American politician in the 2008 HBO miniseries "John Adams."

Portraits of the real-life Adams had an intensity that Giamatti's performance shares.

Portraits of the real-life Adams had an intensity that Giamatti
A portrait of John Adams.      Stock Montage/Getty Images

The facial features don't all match up, but Giamatti channels Adams' demeanor.

Anthony Hopkins played President John Quincy Adams, John Adams' son and America's sixth president, in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad."

Anthony Hopkins played President John Quincy Adams, John Adams
Anthony Hopkins as John Quincy Adams in "Amistad."      Dreamworks

The 1997 movie takes place during Martin van Buren's presidency rather than Adams', though.

The movie nails the facial hair.

The movie nails the facial hair.
John Quincy Adams.      bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images

In his later years, Adams basically had sideburns that went to his chin.

Charlton Heston played President Andrew Jackson twice, in the 1953 biopic "The President's Lady" and 1958 pirate movie "The Buccaneer."

Charlton Heston played President Andrew Jackson twice, in the 1953 biopic "The President
Charlton Heston as Andrew Jackson.      Screen Archives/Getty Images

Kris Kristofferson is also known for playing the seventh president in the 2015 History Channel series "Texas Rising."

The facial features and hair are pretty close.

The facial features and hair are pretty close.
A portrait of Andrew Jackson.      Stock Montage/Stock Montage/Getty Images

Heston's version of the president captures his long face, swept-back hair, and intensity.

President Martin Van Buren was also a character in "Amistad," played by Nigel Hawthorne.

President Martin Van Buren was also a character in "Amistad," played by Nigel Hawthorne.
Nigel Hawthorne as Martin van Buren in "Amistad."      Dreamworks

He oversees the political implications of a slave ship that arrived on American shores.

Once again, the Spielberg movie knows what it's doing when it comes to sideburns.

Once again, the Spielberg movie knows what it
A print of Martin van Buren.      Universal History Archive via Getty Images

However, Martin van Buren's facial hair was a little more untamed in real life.

President Abraham Lincoln has been depicted onscreen more than any other president. One of the most famous portrayals was by Daniel Day-Lewis.

President Abraham Lincoln has been depicted onscreen more than any other president. One of the most famous portrayals was by Daniel Day-Lewis.
Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln."      Disney

For Steven Spielberg's 2012 movie "Lincoln," Day-Lewis was praised for his fidelity to the role, adopting the real-life president's thin, reedy voice.

The real-life Lincoln had strikingly similar facial features.

The real-life Lincoln had strikingly similar facial features.
Abraham Lincoln.      Mathew B. Brady:The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

This photo, taken in 1863, was taken around the same time the movie takes place.

Henry Fonda also portrayed the 16th president in "Young Mr. Lincoln."

Henry Fonda also portrayed the 16th president in "Young Mr. Lincoln."
Henry Fonda as Abraham Lincoln in "Young Mr. Lincoln."      20th Century Fox

Before Day-Lewis' portrayal, the 1939 fictionalized movie about Lincoln's early life by John Ford was considered the gold standard.

In earlier photos, it's true he didn't have his famous beard.

In earlier photos, it
A portrait of a younger Abraham Lincoln.      Historical/Getty Images

Lincoln had a more clean-shaven look earlier in his career, so the Ford depiction got that right.

Van Heflin played Lincoln's vice president, Andrew Johnson, who took on the presidency when his predecessor was assassinated, in 1942's "Tennessee Johnson."

Van Heflin played Lincoln
Van Helfin in "Tennessee Johnson."      MGM

The movie was accused of whitewashing Andrew Johnson's racism, but Helfin's career didn't suffer — the same year, he won a supporting actor Oscar for "Johnny Eager."

It's pretty close. The real-life Johnson had similarly deep-set eyes.

It
A photo of Andrew Johnson from before 1875.      Library of Congress

Johnson was the first US president to be impeached.

Joseph Crehan played President Ulysses S. Grant nine times. Here he is in 1939's "Union Pacific."

Joseph Crehan played President Ulysses S. Grant nine times. Here he is in 1939
Joseph Cehan as Ulysses Grant in "Union Pacific."      Paramount Pictures

He also played Grant in "Geronimo" in 1939, "Colorado" in 1940, "The Adventures of Mark Twain" in 1944, "Silver River" in 1948, "Red Desert" in 1949, "San Antone" in 1953, and an episode of "Jane Wyman Presents" in 1958.

The real-life Grant had a very similar beard.

The real-life Grant had a very similar beard.
Ulysses Grant.      Stock Montage/Getty Images

From Union general to US president, Grant kept his famous beard throughout his career.

The little-known actor Roy Gordon played President Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, in "Stars and Stripes Forever."

The little-known actor Roy Gordon played President Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, in "Stars and Stripes Forever."
Roy Gordon as Benjamin Harrison in "Stars and Stripes Forever."      20th Century Fox

The 1952 movie was a biopic of John Philip Sousa, the composer of the titular military march.

He's a dead ringer for the president.

He
An 1896 photo of Benjamin Harrison.      Library of Congress

The actor has the same face shape and groomed facial hair as the former president.

President William McKinley, played by Frank Conroy, tried to stop some bank robbers in the 1937 movie "This Is My Affair."

President William McKinley, played by Frank Conroy, tried to stop some bank robbers in the 1937 movie "This Is My Affair."
Frank Conroy as William McKinley in "This Is My Affair."      20th Century Fox

It's a fictionalized role in which the 25th president is involved in fighting bank robbers for some reason.

It's a pretty good depiction. The real McKinley also had a serious, buttoned-up look.

It
William McKinley in his presidential portrait.      Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Come to think of it, he kind of looks like a police chief who'd clamp down on robberies.

Robin Williams played a statue of President Theodore Roosevelt that comes to life in the "Night at the Museum" movies.

Robin Williams played a statue of President Theodore Roosevelt that comes to life in the "Night at the Museum" movies.
Robin Williams as Theodore Roosevelt in "Night at the Museum."      20th Century Fox

In addition to the first, 2006 movie, he also played the role in the "Night at the Museum" sequels "Battle of the Smithsonian" and "Secret of the Tomb." Williams also played President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 2013 movie "The Butler."

The movies got the real-life Rough Rider's moustache just right.

The movies got the real-life Rough Rider
Theodore Roosevelt pictured in the White House in 1908.      AP Photo

The 26th president is a towering figure in American history, and Williams captured his larger-than-life persona.

Alexander Knox played President Woodrow Wilson in 1944's "Wilson," one of the first Oscar-baiting presidential biopics.

Alexander Knox played President Woodrow Wilson in 1944
Alexander Knox as Woodrow Wilson in "Wilson."      20th Century Fox

The movie won five out of 10 Oscar nominations but missed out on a best actor win for Knox.

There are some similarities, although Wilson looks older and has a narrower face in this photo.

There are some similarities, although Wilson looks older and has a narrower face in this photo.
Woodrow Wilson.      Tony Essex/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The movie captures Wilson's professorial air, and it gets details like his glasses and hair right.

Malachy Cleary played the 29th president, Warren G. Harding, in an episode of "Boardwalk Empire."

Malachy Cleary played the 29th president, Warren G. Harding, in an episode of "Boardwalk Empire."
Malachy Cleary as Warren G. Harding in "Boardwalk Empire."      HBO

He appeared in the episode "Hold Me in Paradise," which took place during the 1920 Republican National Convention.

The real Harding had sharper features.

The real Harding had sharper features.
A photo of Warren G. Harding taken around 1920.      Library of Congress

While "Boardwalk Empire" gets points for period costumes and set design, Cleary doesn't precisely capture the corruption-plagued president.

Bill Murray played President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in "Hyde Park on Hudson" in 2012.

Bill Murray played President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in "Hyde Park on Hudson" in 2012.
Bill Murray in "Hyde Park on Hudson."      Focus Features

Along with Lincoln and his distant cousin, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR is one of the most-portrayed presidents.

While the movie got anemic reviews, Bill Murray's portrayal is spot-on.

While the movie got anemic reviews, Bill Murray
Franklin D. Roosevelt at Hyde Park.      George R. Skadding/AP

FDR did love putting around his Hyde Park estate in his car.

Gary Sinise wore a prosthetic nose to play President Harry S. Truman in the 1995 HBO film "Truman."

Gary Sinise wore a prosthetic nose to play President Harry S. Truman in the 1995 HBO film "Truman."
Gary Sinise as Harry S. Truman in "Truman."      HBO

The movie was based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of the 33rd president.

It's pretty accurate.

It
Harry S. Truman.      Bettmann/Getty Images

Sinise was cast perfectly and won a Golden Globe for the role.

Bruce Greenwood played President John F. Kennedy in "Thirteen Days."

Bruce Greenwood played President John F. Kennedy in "Thirteen Days."
Bruce Greenwood as John F. Kennedy in "Thirteen Days."      New Line Cinema

"Thirteen Days" dramatized the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The real Kennedy's natural charisma is tough to imitate.

The real Kennedy
John F. Kennedy.      William J. Smith/AP

He portrayed Kennedy well as a political strategist.

William Devane also starred as JFK in the 1874 TV docudrama "The Missiles of October."

William Devane also starred as JFK in the 1874 TV docudrama "The Missiles of October."
William Devane in "The Missiles of October."      CBS Television

The film chronicles the Cuban Missile Crisis and was inspired by Robert F. Kennedy's posthumously published 1969 book, "Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis."

It's actually a pretty close representation.

It
John F. Kennedy.      Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Devane nailed the way Kennedy crinkled his forehead when he was listening. The wardrobe department also got his tortoiseshell frames right.

Bryan Cranston took a turn at playing President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the 2016 HBO biopic "All the Way."

Bryan Cranston took a turn at playing President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the 2016 HBO biopic "All the Way."
Bryan Cranston as Lyndon Baines Johnson in "All the Way."      HBO

Johnson has been depicted in several movies. Liev Schreiber played him as an arch-politician in 2013's "The Butler," Tom Wilkinson highlighted his racism in 2014's "Selma," John Caroll Lynch played him in 2016's "Jackie," and Woody Harrelson had a biopic of his own with 2017's "LBJ."

There are some similarities.

There are some similarities.
Lyndon Baines Johnson.      AP

Cranston was nominated for numerous awards for the role. The biggest difference, physically, is that the real-life Johnson had slightly less hair and was more jowly than Cranston himself.

Frank Langella played the disgraced 37th president, Richard Nixon, in "Frost/Nixon."

Frank Langella played the disgraced 37th president, Richard Nixon, in "Frost/Nixon."
Frank Langella as Richard Nixon in "Frost/Nixon."      Universal Pictures

The 2008 movie dramatizes Nixon's post-White House interviews with journalist David Frost.

Langella's performance was praised.

Langella
Richard Nixon in the 1977 Frost interviews.      AP

Langella earned an Oscar nomination for his performance.

"The Butler" had a parade of actors playing presidents, and Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan was the highlight.

"The Butler" had a parade of actors playing presidents, and Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan was the highlight.
Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan in "The Butler."      The Weinstein Company

It was a brief role, but Rickman's unique voice and on-screen energy made him stand out from everyone else.

Rickman looks a little younger in the role, but it's pretty close.

Rickman looks a little younger in the role, but it
Ronald Reagan.      UniversalImagesGroup/Getty Images

Rickman's slightly more rosy-cheeked than the real Reagan. But for a British actor, he made it work.

Dennis Quaid portrayed Reagan in the 2024 biopic "Reagan."

Dennis Quaid portrayed Reagan in the 2024 biopic "Reagan."
Dennis Quaid in "Reagan."      Showbiz Direct

Directed by Sean McNamara, the film chronicles Reagan's life story from his childhood to his ascent to the presidency.

The film recreated Reagan's presidential debate against President Jimmy Carter in 1980.

The film recreated Reagan
Ronald Reagan in 1980.      Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In the debate, Reagan famously responded to attacks from Carter by saying, "There you go again."

James Cromwell played the elder President George H.W. Bush in the Oliver Stone biopic "W."

James Cromwell played the elder President George H.W. Bush in the Oliver Stone biopic "W."
James Cromwell as President George H.W. Bush.      Lionsgate

George H.W. Bush became the 41st president after the end of Reagan's second term.

The two men do not look alike.

The two men do not look alike.
George H.W. Bush.      Charlie Riedel/AP

If you squint, the shapes of their mouths look kind of alike.

Dennis Quaid played President Bill Clinton in the HBO drama "The Special Relationship."

Dennis Quaid played President Bill Clinton in the HBO drama "The Special Relationship."
Dennis Quaid as Bill Clinton in "The Special Relationship."      HBO

The movie has nothing to do with Clinton's extramarital affair — it's about his relationship with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Quaid may have the right hairline and face shape, but that's where the similarities end.

Quaid may have the right hairline and face shape, but that
Bill Clinton.      WP/RCS via Reuters

He doesn't otherwise resemble the 42nd president.

Clive Owen portrays Clinton in the FX limited series "Impeachment: American Crime Story."

Clive Owen portrays Clinton in the FX limited series "Impeachment: American Crime Story."
Clive Owen as Bill Clinton in "Impeachment: American Crime Story."      FX

The FX true crime series chronicles the events surrounding Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky and his subsequent impeachment in the 1990s.

Owen wore prosthetics and hid his English accent to look and sound more like Clinton.

Owen wore prosthetics and hid his English accent to look and sound more like Clinton.
Former president Bill Clinton in 2020.      Alyssa Pointer-Pool/Getty Images

Owen told Vanity Fair in 2021 that he wore a prosthetic forehead and nose for the role.

"I didn't want to be buried in prosthetics because I find that super distracting," he said. "So we were able to find something that was sort of in the middle that was a gesture of him, and not be totally drowned and hidden behind a sort of false face."

Josh Brolin played President George W. Bush in "W."

Josh Brolin played President George W. Bush in "W."
Josh Brolin as George W. Bush in "W."      Lionsgate

Oliver Stone's critical biopic, released during Bush's presidency, cast Josh Brolin as a third choice after Harrison Ford and Christian Bale dropped the project.

There are similarities between the two men.

There are similarities between the two men.
George W. Bush.      Stewart F. House/Getty Images

Brolin nails Bush's facial expressions and does well with the accent, but he doesn't quite have the same features.

Parker Sawyers played a young President Barack Obama in "Southside With You."

Parker Sawyers played a young President Barack Obama in "Southside With You."
Parker Sawyers as Barack Obama in "Southside With You."      Miramax Films

The 2016 movie is about the first date between Barack and Michelle Obama while the two worked at the same law firm in Chicago.

He shares a resemblance with the 44th president.

He shares a resemblance with the 44th president.
A young Barack Obama.      Seth Perlman/AP

Sawyers captured his self-assuredness and charisma.

Devon Terrell played a young Obama in his junior year at Columbia University for the film "Barry."

Devon Terrell played a young Obama in his junior year at Columbia University for the film "Barry."
Devon Terrell as Barack Obama.      Netflix

Netflix's 2016 movie explores the social and cultural events that influenced a young Barack Obama during his time at Columbia University in the 1980s.

He nailed the president's speaking style in the movie.

He nailed the president
A young Barack Obama.      Steve Liss/Getty Images

Terrell got everything right from his hair to his facial expressions.

Brendan Gleeson played President Donald Trump in Showtime's 2020 four-episode political drama "The Comey Rule."

Brendan Gleeson played President Donald Trump in Showtime
Brendan Gleeson as Donald Trump.      Showtime

Bill Ray's Showtime mini-series explores the relationship between former FBI director James Comey and Trump in the early months of his presidency. It's based on Comey's book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership."

It's pretty close.

It
Donald Trump in 2020.      REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Gleeson's got Trump's iconic head of hair right and mimics the former president's facial expressions well.

Greg Kinnear played then-Senator Joe Biden in the 2016 HBO film "Confirmation."

Greg Kinnear played then-Senator Joe Biden in the 2016 HBO film "Confirmation."
Greg Kinnear as Joe Biden in "Confirmation."      HBO

The film follows the Senate hearings in 1991 corresponding with Clarence Thomas' nomination to the Supreme Court. The film features Kinnear prominently as then-Senator Biden questioning Anita Hill about allegations that Thomas sexually harassed her.

There are some similarities, but Biden looks older in this picture.

There are some similarities, but Biden looks older in this picture.
Then-Senator Joe Biden during the Senate hearings for Clarence Thomas.      Mark Reinstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Kinnear without a doubt nailed the intensity with which Biden questioned Hill. But the real Biden's face looks fuller and his hair is thinning more than his on-screen adaptation.


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