The gorgeous Felicity Huffman turns 51 today–and she’s never been afraid to commit to difficult roles, even if it means playing down her good looks. Huffman and these other actors and actresses have transformed themselves into plain Janes and ugly ducklings, winning critical acclaim and awards on the way.

Christina Ricci’s career may be coming full circle with her brand-new ABC drama Pan Am. Two decades ago she got her start on another ABC series, the little-known emergency services drama H.E.L.P. In the 20 years in between, her career has taken her far and wide, and now Snakkle takes a walk down memory lane.