Criminals will always capture the public’s attention which is why their exploits make for great movies. It’s not unusual for male actors to take on the roles of nefarious figures – frankly, it’s a large chunk of what’s offered to film-lovers – but it’s not as often for a female actor to tackle (or even get a chance at) an intriguing criminal part. That’s what makes the women on this list and the roles they play that much more enticing. Here are 8 female stars who have played infamous criminals.
8. Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Heidi Fleiss
The true story of “The Hollywood Madam” spread across the tabloids like wildfire back in 1993 when the illegal escort business of Heidi Fleiss was broken up by Los Angeles police and countless celebrity names were implicated. Sex, money, and famous clients made for the perfect film fodder and The Sopranos actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler stepped into the role of the Madam mogul who rode high and then came crashing down as hard as they come in the 2004 TV movie Call Me: The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss. It’s interesting to note though, that Ms. Fleiss did end up in prison, just like in the movie, but not for her escort business, but instead for income-tax evasion.
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