There have been 44 U.S. Presidents to date—well, before you count all the stars who have played president onscreen.
Hollywood actors have taken on commander-in-chief roles and we don't blame them. Who wouldn't want to play POTUS without having to take on the huge responsibility of running the country in reality? Some of these stars are very convincing though, President Barack Obama watch out!
From big-screen award winner Lincoln to the popular TV show Scandal to late-night spoofs on Saturday Night Live, many political projects have given actors great success and exposure.
One of the biggest success stories is Daniel Day-Lewis, the lead actor in critically-acclaimed Lincoln. After hitting the big-screen in 2012, the film was nominated for seven Golden Globes and 12 Academy Awards. Day-Lewis won in the Best Actor category for both awards.
Not all of the roles are based on real-life presidents, however. Some characters are totally made up, but still very believable.
Jamie Foxx plays President James Sawyer in the recently released action-thriller-drama White House Down. When the White House is attacked, Capitol policeman John Cale (played by Channing Tatum) comes to the president's aide.
In the popular TV series Scandal, Tony Goldwyn's President Fitzgerald Grant has a romantic affair with former employee Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington). How Scandalous!
Some presidential movies are less historic and less realistic. Bill Pullman plays President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day, a movie about an alien attack on the world. Funnyman Chris Rock is an unexpected presidential candidate after the current one passes away in Head of State.
Even actresses have played the president. Geena Davis is first female president Mackenzie Allen in TV series Commander in Chief and Cherry Jones plays President Allison Taylor in 24. Way to go, ladies!
And last but not least, the famous spoofs on late-night comedy showcase Saturday Night Live. Will Ferrell and Jay Pharoah kept audiences amused with their recurring appearances and impressions of President George W. Bush and President Obama.
Other notable Presidential performances include Kelsey Grammer in Swing Vote, Jack Nicholson in Mars Attacks!, and Morgan Freeman in Deep Impact.