In her brand-new video, Katy Perry becomes “Katy-Patra,” Queen of Egypt, mistress of dance and devourer of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
In many ways, it was the role she was seemingly born to play (and not just because, like the queen, KP loves Flamin’ Hot Cheetos too) … then again, over the course of her career, Katy’s continued to prove that there’s no character she can’t channel … in a lot of ways, she’s sort of the Daniel Day-Lewis of pop.
So, in celebration of her latest on-screen achievement, we’re taking a look back at all the roles Katy has tackled. Consider it “Inside the Actors Studio,” only with way more sparkles.
A Rock Chick
Katy first grabbed our attention with a supporting turn in P.O.D.’s “Goodbye For Now,” where she played an angsty rocker who belts out a few lines (and wears a single, fingerless glove). Like the bros in the band, she’s really feeling it, and though her time on screen is limited, her star quality is readily apparent.
A Girl in a Hoodie
Katy stole the spotlight with her starring role in Gym Class Heroes’ “Cupid’s Chokehold/Breakfast in America” clip, playing frontman Travie McCoy’s girlfriend (in a hoodie). Why was she so convincing? Probably because, at the time, she actually was McCoy’s GF … though, as you are probably aware, that didn’t end so well.
The Bride
Her role as a jilted bride in “Hot n Cold” garnered rave reviews (“We liked it,” her parents probably enthused, since they make a cameo), and served notice that she is definitely not one to be trifled with. You’ve been warned, John Mayer.
The Pin-Up
Katy went Varga-Girl glam in “Thinking Of You,” the video that marked her first “dramatic” turn as the woman at the center of a love triangle. Set in the 1940s. Just because.
The California Gurl
In her best-known role, Katy celebrates her native California by donning a now-iconic blue wig, cavorting on a cotton-candy cloud and, in a scene that would earn her acclaim from teenage boys everywhere, firing whipped cream from her boob-mounted cannons. They should really release this one in a deluxe Criterion Collection edition.
An Extra Terrestrial
Katy’s an alien in this big-budget, sci-fi epic (inexplicably co-starring Kanye West), but it was the special effects that truly shone brightest. Don’t worry KP, all the greats eventually find themselves working against a green screen.
Kathy Beth Terry
Katy was so committed to her role as the orthodontically-enhanced Terry that she created a Facebook page in her honor, one that dove deep into the character’s psyche: “I’m 13 and in the 8th grade. I like Sudoku puzzles, the solar system, high-school science fairs,Skip-It, Weenie Babies,” she wrote, before adding “and LOVE JTT!” The girl is a true chameleon.
An Old Lady
Okay, they can’t all be winners. In “The One That Got Away,” Katy portrayed a heartbroken old woman, but her performance couldn’t overcome a truly awful makeup job, one that looks like it came from an after-Halloween sale at Ricky’s. Definitely not one that’ll be played when she accepts her Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award one day.
G.I. Jane
Katy redeemed herself with a tour-de-force turn as a woman who joins the army after being jilted by her BF (that’ll show him). Not only did she train with actual troops for the role, but she bound her breasts, too. We’re not sure which ended up hurting more.
Alice in Wonderland
Katy went through the looking glass in this trippy (and autobiographical) clip, which turned her whirlwind rise to superstardom into a fantastic, Lewis Carroll tale. As an extra bonus, she managed to get a little revenge on ex-husband Russell Brand, by decking a would-be suitor square in the kisser.
Queen of the Jungle
Katy paid homage to Sheena, Queen of the Jungle in this 2013 blockbuster that saw her do her own stunts and share the screen with a variety of wild beasts. Like all her greatest roles, this one seemed to be a natural fit … maybe she spends a lot of time with monkeys?
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