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Portrayals of Queen Elizabeth in films, TV

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest reigning monarch, died Thursday at 96. She lived nearly her entire life in the public eye, creating plenty of material for films and television.

Three actors have taken the role on "The Crown" - Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Vera Staunton - while Helen Mirren won an Oscar for "The Queen."

Others to have portrayed Elizabeth at various ages include: Freya Wilson ("The King's Speech"), Sarah Gadon ("A Royal Night Out"), Dana Wynter ("The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana"), Emma Thompson ("Walking the Dogs"), Jane Alexander ("William & Catherine: A Royal Romance") and Stella Gonet ("Spencer").

Actor Jeannette Charles made a career out of playing the queen, with more than 25 credits including spoofs in "National Lampoon's European Vacation," "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" and "Austin Powers in Goldmember."

Even male comedians have tried on the crown, notably Fred Armisen on "Saturday Night Live," while Trey Parker voiced a cartoon version on "South Park."

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Olivia Colman took over "The Crown" for seasons 3 and 4. Netflix
Imelda Staunton will wear "The Crown" when the show returns for its fifth season on Netflix in November. Netflix
Helen Mirren won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in "The Queen," a 2006 film directed by Stephen Frears. Miramax Films
Sarah Gadon played a young Elizabeth in 2015's "A Royal Night Out," in which the future queen and sister Margaret (Bel Powley, left) leave Buckingham Palace to enjoy VE Day celebrations. Atlas Distribution Company/Ketchup Entertainment
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