Horror movies rely on practical effects, prosthetics, and heavy makeup to bring their most memorable characters to life. But behind every terrifying face is an actor who looks entirely different when the mask comes off. Here’s a look at ten famous horror movie stars and the performers who played them without makeup, showing just how much transformation goes into creating cinema’s most unsettling figures.

1 Pennywise from It (2017)

Pennywise’s sharp smile and unsettling eyes made the 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s It a visually striking film. The character’s look was created through a mix of prosthetics and Skarsgård’s naturally expressive features, who appears clean-cut and youthful in real life, looks nothing like the ancient shape-shifting entity he portrays. His ability to perform the “lazy eye” trick and exaggerated grin made the performance distinctive even without relying solely on visual effects.

2 Pinhead from the Hellraiser series

Pinhead’s grid-patterned face and the iconic metal pins are some of the most recognizable images in horror. The character, central to Clive Barker’s Hellraiser franchise, was brought to life by actor Doug Bradley. Without the elaborate prosthetic appliances and stark makeup, Bradley has a calm and approachable appearance—far removed from the cold, authoritative presence of the Hell Priest. His deep, deliberate vocal delivery added to the character’s impact as much as the makeup did.

3 Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist (1973)

Regan’s transformation—from a shy 12-year-old girl to the possessed figure at the center of The Exorcist—was brought to life under the direction of legendary makeup artist Dick Smith, whose work shaped the film’s most memorable scenes. Played by Linda Blair, the character’s demonic appearance relied on detailed facial prosthetics, hand-painted wounds, and specialized contact lenses that pushed the limits of 1970s makeup techniques. In real life, Blair resembled any other young actress of the time, which contrasted even more strikingly with her natural appearance and Smith’s on-screen creation.

4 Ghostface from Scream (1996)

Unlike other horror villains, Ghostface is defined by the mask more than any specific supernatural trait. In Scream, stuntman Dane Farwell was the performer behind many of the masked sequences. Without the flowing black robe and elongated white mask, Farwell appears nothing like the anonymous killer that became a symbol of 1990s slasher films.

5 The Bride in Black from Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

The Bride in Black, one of the more disturbing figures in the Insidious universe, was portrayed by Tom Fitzpatrick. The character’s ghostly wedding gown, pale skin, and sunken features were built through heavy makeup and costume design. Fitzpatrick, who has a grounded and gentle appearance outside the role, looks completely different without the stylized makeup that defined the film’s paranormal antagonist.

6 Samara from The Ring (2002)

Samara’s long, soaked hair and washed-out skin created an image that stayed with audiences long after the film. Actress Daveigh Chase played the cursed child in the 2002 American remake. While Samara’s on-screen look is eerie and almost inhuman, Chase in real life appears bright, expressive, and warm—an immediate contrast to the character’s unsettling stillness and rigid movement.

7 Kayako from The Grudge (2004)

The unnervingly slow crawl, the blank stare, and the instantly recognizable throat sound made Kayako one of the most iconic characters in J-horror. Japanese actress Takako Fuji portrayed the role across multiple versions of the franchise. Fuji’s natural appearance—smiling and animated—differs completely from Kayako’s stark white makeup and dark, matted hair.

8 The Leprechaun from Leprechaun (1993)

The mischievous yet malevolent creature in Leprechaun required hours of prosthetic application to create the exaggerated features and greenish tint. Warwick Davis, already known for genre roles, brought humor and physical agility to the character. Without the elaborate makeup, Davis’s appearance is warm and instantly familiar, making the contrast between actor and character particularly noticeable.

9 The Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

The Pale Man is one of Guillermo del Toro’s most distinctive creations—a creature with sagging skin, an elongated frame, and eyes embedded in his hands. Actor Doug Jones, known for his ability to perform in heavy prosthetics, played the role. Jones’s tall, slender build helped shape the character’s silhouette, but in everyday life, he appears approachable and expressive, nothing like the unnerving figure that sat silently at the banquet table.

10 Valak from The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Valak’s stark nun makeup, sharp features, and yellow eyes became a defining image of modern supernatural horror. Actress Bonnie Aarons, who has worked in several genre roles, brought intensity to the character through stillness and facial control. Without the makeup, Aarons looks entirely different, with a distinct but natural presence that contrasts sharply with the demonic form seen on screen.