The Best Actors Who Have Portrayed Historical Royals in Film and Television

Who are the greatest actors to have portrayed royalty on screen? In Hollywood, playing a royal has often been a path to critical success, with many performers receiving major awards and acclaim for these roles. Actresses such as Olivia Colman, Helen Mirren, and Judi Dench have earned Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys for their portrayals of queens, while actors like Colin Firth have also received significant recognition for playing kings and other royal figures.

Each performer approaches these roles differently. Some immerse themselves in extensive historical research to better understand the monarchs they portray, while others treat them like any other character. However, all face the challenge of bringing well-known historical figures to life in fresh and compelling ways, especially since many of these royals have been portrayed multiple times before.

Audiences are invited to vote for the actors who best captured the essence of historical royalty on screen.

Examples of Notable Royal Portrayals

Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I

Cate Blanchett famously portrayed Queen Elizabeth I twice, in Elizabeth (1998) and Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007). These films depict different stages of Elizabeth’s reign, from her early struggles as a young monarch to her later political strength. Her performance earned her two Academy Award nominations, and she is considered one of many acclaimed actresses to take on this iconic role.

Colin Firth as King George VI

In The King’s Speech (2010), Colin Firth played King George VI, who led Britain during World War II while struggling with a severe stammer. Despite limited access to royal research materials, Firth studied historical recordings to shape his performance. His portrayal was widely praised and earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II

Claire Foy portrayed the young Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown. The series explores Elizabeth’s early reign and personal challenges. Foy’s interpretation focused on portraying the queen as a human being rather than just a symbol of monarchy. Her performance earned her Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards.

Natalie Dormer as Anne Boleyn

Natalie Dormer played Anne Boleyn in The Tudors, portraying the tragic second wife of Henry VIII. She researched the historical figure deeply and aimed to highlight Anne’s dignity and strength. Critics praised her compelling performance, which added depth to the controversial historical figure.

Judi Dench as Queen Victoria

Judi Dench has portrayed Queen Victoria in multiple productions, including Mrs. Brown and Victoria & Abdul. These films focus on Victoria’s relationships later in life. Dench’s performances were praised for showing a more emotional and human side of the monarch, earning her critical acclaim and award nominations.

Matt Smith as Prince Philip

In The Crown, Matt Smith played Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband. His preparation included studying historical footage and biographies to better understand the character. His performance was well received and earned him award nominations.

Rebecca Ferguson as Elizabeth Woodville

Rebecca Ferguson starred as Elizabeth Woodville in The White Queen, a commoner who becomes queen during the Wars of the Roses. Her performance was praised for its emotional depth, even though the series itself received mixed reviews.

Helen Mirren as Catherine the Great

Helen Mirren portrayed Catherine the Great in the 2019 series of the same name. She studied historical letters to better understand the Russian empress, aiming to challenge common misconceptions about her personal life. Her performance was nominated for awards despite mixed reviews of the series.

Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria

In The Young Victoria, Emily Blunt portrayed Queen Victoria in her early years, focusing on her strength, independence, and emotional struggles. Her performance was widely praised and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Jodie Comer as Elizabeth of York

Jodie Comer played Elizabeth of York in The White Princess. With limited historical information available, she created much of the character’s personality herself. Critics praised her strong and engaging performance.

Olivia Colman as Queen Anne

Olivia Colman portrayed Queen Anne in The Favourite, a dramatized account of the monarch’s life and relationships. Her interpretation focused on Anne’s emotional pain and strength. Colman’s performance was highly acclaimed and won her an Academy Award.

Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots

Saoirse Ronan starred as Mary Stuart in Mary Queen of Scots, depicting her struggles as a young ruler in a male-dominated political world. Critics praised her strong and expressive performance.

Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette

Kirsten Dunst played Marie Antoinette in Sofia Coppola’s stylized biopic. The film explores her life at the French court and her detachment from political realities. Dunst’s performance was widely praised despite mixed historical accuracy.

Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great

Elle Fanning portrays a fictionalized version of Catherine the Great in The Great, a comedic and modern take on the Russian empress’s early reign. Her performance has been praised for its energy and humor.

Timothée Chalamet as King Henry V

Timothée Chalamet played Henry V in The King, a Shakespeare-inspired adaptation. His performance received mixed reviews, though some critics praised his intensity and screen presence.

Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn

In The Other Boleyn Girl, Natalie Portman portrayed Anne Boleyn as a complex and ambitious figure within the Tudor court. Her performance was noted for its strength, even if the historical portrayal was debated.

Leonardo DiCaprio as King Louis XIV

Leonardo DiCaprio played King Louis XIV in The Man in the Iron Mask, a fictionalized version of the French monarch. The film was not well received critically, but his performance was noted for its dramatic energy.

Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I

Margot Robbie portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots, showing her as a politically cautious ruler dealing with rivalry and personal isolation. Her performance highlighted the emotional conflict behind her decisions.