Jeffrey Dean Morgan Looked ‘Like a Snail’ After Losing 40 Pounds For This Role
How far would an actor go for a role? How about a one-can-of-tuna diet?
Many of us remember Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Denny Duquette from Grey's Anatomy or as the menacing but charismatic Negan from The Walking Dead. However, it was another role that was most challenging for the actor.
Morgan took on a role in a 2015 History Channel’s Texas Rising, a miniseries about the Texas revolution in the 1830s. To authentically portray Erastus Deaf Smith, a character diagnosed with tuberculosis, Morgan underwent a drastic weight loss.
While producers suggested he shed around 10 pounds to fit the character's sickly profile, Morgan went above and beyond. He revealed during his appearance on Today that he lived on a strict diet of just one can of tuna per day.
This extreme approach saw him drop from around 175 pounds to a staggering 130 pounds.
Speaking about his experience, Morgan mentioned, "I did it in the most unhealthy way possible... I didn't consult with a doctor or anything." He humorously added that by the end of the filming, he was moving "like a snail."
You could tell Morgan was really committed to his part in Texas Rising. He played Erastus Smith so well, and his physical transformation really made the character feel real and genuine.
The series aired on the History Channel and managed to captivate a whopping 4.1 million viewers during its premiere.
It's not uncommon for actors to undergo significant physical changes for their roles. Stars like Matthew McConaughey, Christian Bale, and Jake Gyllenhaal have all taken on roles that required them to either shed or gain weight.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan later became a household name with his impeccable portrayal of Negan in The Walking Dead. He showed his commendable commitment to his craft in the Walking Dead as well. Some fans were always curious how Negan’s hair is always perfectly cut and gelled up.
The actor found a unique way to really get into character and do right by the fans. He used a sharp knife to cut his hair, and yeah, he ended up nicking himself a few times while doing it, but he said it was “a possible thing.”
Sources: Today, Cinemablend