Captain Hook’s Actor Reveals Surprising Truth About His Iconic Eyeliner!

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Colin O’Donoghue portrayed the role of Captain Hook in the popular TV series “Once Upon a Time,” which offered a grittier take on timeless fairy tales. O’Donoghue’s charismatic performance as Hook instantly made him a heartthrob, and he developed a romantic connection with Emma Swan (played by Jennifer Morrison). The dynamic between these two characters was pivotal in “Once Upon a Time,” generating tension and mystery as they were torn apart by circumstances, each striving to better themselves for the other. As an actor, O’Donoghue undergoes numerous changes to embody Captain Hook effectively.

In the captivating series “Once Upon a Time,” Captain Hook was not merely the charming rogue he initially appeared to be; rather, he revealed layers of complexity over time. Like other memorable characters in this show, Hook underwent an extraordinary transformation, demonstrating depth that viewers hadn’t anticipated. The villains in “Once Upon a Time” were all richly developed with emotional histories, allowing the audience to empathize with their motivations. Yet, it wasn’t just character development that made Hook stand out; his captivating persona also played a significant role.

Once Upon A Time’s Colin O’Donoghue Didn’t Expect Captain Hook’s Heavy Eyeliner

The Actor Wasn’t Aware This Would Be A Large Part Of The Character

Acting in a fantasy series like ‘Once Upon a Time’ often requires a unique look, which may include wearing makeup and developing a signature style. However, when the makeup becomes more elaborate and ventures beyond an actor’s usual comfort zone, it can be particularly striking. For instance, O’Donoghue found himself applying a significant amount of eyeliner in ‘Once Upon a Time’, a practice that was not common in many of his previous or subsequent roles. Yet, this aspect of the character resonates strongly with fans, as it adds an intriguing and distinctive touch to the overall portrayal. In an interview with TV Line, O’Donoghue himself acknowledged this point.

O’Donoghue expressed that he hadn’t anticipated the extensive use of ‘eyeliner’, which later turned out to be quite a significant aspect. He added that people seem to be let down when they encounter him or see his images without any eyeliner, as it has become such an integral part of his appearance. In Disney+’s The Right Stuf, he appears without a beard and sports a youthful haircut reminiscent of a 12-year-old boy, thus giving him a noticeably different look.

As I sat down to watch the latest episode of “Once Upon a Time,” I couldn’t help but notice the striking eyeliner adorning Captain Hook’s eyes once again. It’s become almost synonymous with his portrayal, standing out so vividly against the backdrop of this enchanting series.

I found it intriguing that the show chose to stick with this bold makeup choice over the long run, given that such dramatic touches are usually reserved for antagonists. Yet, “Once Upon a Time” managed to twist the usual narrative by allowing Hook to retain his eyeliner even as he transformed into one of the most heroic characters in the show. This small detail became a testament to his enduring identity and personal growth throughout the series.

The “Guyliner” Became An Iconic Part Of Captain Hook’s Character On The ABC Show

Seeing O’Donoghue Without This Styling Is Somewhat Shocking For Fans Of OUAT

Without much surprise, the choice of wearing eyeliner became a defining aspect of Captain Hook’s character in the show, symbolizing his unique twist on the typical heroic characters often found in fairy tales. Although O’Donoghue could have conveyed the various transformations of Hook throughout the series without the eyeliner, this consistent and recognizable look helped keep viewers’ expectations about the character intact. It’s challenging to envision how the show would have portrayed Hook without the support of the makeup team and their iconic design.

In the beloved series “Once Upon a Time,” one character who gained notoriety was Regina, particularly when she portrayed The Wicked Queen in flashbacks set in the Enchanted Forest. Portrayed by Lana Parrilla, Regina donned extravagant and awe-inspiring costumes that perfectly encapsulated her intense, flamboyant character. Although Hook’s wardrobe didn’t quite match this level of grandeur, it did share some similarities. Just like other characters who were given villainous storylines in “Once Upon a Time,” Hook had the opportunity to relish his role.

Title Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
Once Upon a Time (2011–2018) 78% 78%

What The Once Upon A Time Star Originally Had In Mind For The Role

He Saw Hook As A More Dramatic Character Before Transforming Into The Character

In various portrayals of Captain Hook, Dustin Hoffman’s depiction in “Hook” and Jason Isaacs’ in the 2003 “Peter Pan” stand out as particularly notable and impactful. However, Colin O’Donoghue’s Captain Hook differed significantly from these previous versions of the infamous antagonist. In an interview with TV Line, O’Donoghue mentioned considering using Hoffman’s prop hook for his costume, but ultimately rejected the idea because it didn’t align with the style of “Once Upon a Time.

Despite the boldness of his eyeliner, the portrayal of Hook on Once Upon a Time was an unconventional and grounded interpretation of a flamboyant role. This approach made it simpler for viewers to imagine him as a regular cast member and eventually embrace him as part of more authentic plotlines that the show focused on. He retained his “bad boy” image and stood out among the rest, yet Once Upon a Time skillfully blended these elements of his character in a way that left us enamored with this rendition of Hook.

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2025-05-25 00:28