Conspiracy theorists have long claimed that famous figures have been replaced by lookalikes. Even US President Donald Trump shared a theory that Joe Biden died in 2020 and was replaced by a clone. Here are some of the most enduring body double myths and our verdicts.
Paul McCartney: The Beatles' 'Paul Is Dead' Hoax
The cover of the Beatles' 1969 album Abbey Road supposedly contains clues that Paul McCartney died in 1966. He is barefoot, out of step, and the VW Beetle's numberplate reads '28 IF'—though McCartney would have been 27. The rumour started on US college campuses. McCartney parodied it with his 1993 album Paul Is Live and quipped: 'People may have taken too many drugs?' Verdict: MYTH
Avril Lavigne: A Canadian Pop Star's Double
In 2011, a Brazilian fan site claimed Avril Lavigne hired a body double named Melissa Vandella after 'dying' in 2003. 'Evidence' includes appearance changes and subliminal messages. Lavigne responded: 'Obviously I am me, it's so dumb.' Verdict: MYTH
Melania Trump: The 'Russian Robot' Theory
Rumours of a Melania Trump double resurfaced at Pope Francis's funeral in 2025, citing her black veil. In 2017, claims went viral about facial differences. Donald Trump called it 'fake news,' and body language experts disagree. Verdict: MYTH
Saddam Hussein: Body Doubles for a Dictator
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was said to use up to 10 body doubles. In 2002, German pathologist Dr. Dieter Buhmann identified at least three lookalikes. A man named Latif Yahia claimed to have doubled for Saddam's son Uday. Verdict: POSSIBLY
Vladimir Putin: A Slimmer Double in Kursk
In March 2025, critics claimed Putin sent a double to the Kursk region, appearing slimmer and 'less Botoxed.' Evidence includes differences in earlobes and chin. In 2024, allegations emerged that a Belarusian carpenter doubling for Putin fell ill after an assassination attempt. Verdict: PROBABLY
Joseph Stalin: A Dancer's KGB Role
In 2008, 88-year-old Felix claimed he was recruited by the KGB as a Stalin lookalike. He said: 'By the time my make-up and training were complete, I was like him in every way, except perhaps my ears.' Verdict: POSSIBLY
Kim Jong Un: Weight Loss or a Double?
Rumours of a Kim Jong Un double emerged after he lost weight. In 2021, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said he naturally lost about 44lbs and had no serious conditions. Verdict: MYTH
General Montgomery: A Successful Wartime Double
During WWII, MI5 recruited actor ME Clifton James to impersonate General Bernard Montgomery. He toured the Mediterranean, fooling Hitler into thinking the D-Day attack wouldn't come via the English Channel. Clifton James later starred in the 1958 film I Was Monty's Double. Verdict: HIT
