Look-alike

For the concept in fiction and folklore, see Doppelgänger.
A selfie of American politician Chris Coons (left) and German politician Olaf Scholz, who have been noted to resemble each other[1]

A look-alike, double, or doppelgänger is a person who bears a strong physical resemblance to another person, excluding cases like twins and other instances of family resemblance.

Some look-alikes have been notable individuals in their own right. Other notable look-alikes have been notable solely for resembling well-known individuals, such as Clifton James, who acted as a double for British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery during World War II.

Some look-alikes who have resembled celebrities have worked as entertainers, impersonating them on stage and screen, or at venues like parties and corporate functions. Professional look-alikes have often been represented by talent agencies specializing in celebrity impersonators.[2]

Close physical resemblance between two or more individuals is also a common plot point in works of fiction.

  1. ^ Drenon, Brandon (2024-02-09). "US Senator Chris Coons finds doppelganger in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz". Retrieved 2024-04-01.
  2. ^ Kent, Simon (2002-05-01). Odd Jobs: Unusual Ways to Earn a Living. Kogan Page Ltd. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-7494-3705-3. Retrieved 2018-02-07.