These famous faces are so familiar to us, but we don’t often go back to see what they looked like when they first started out. But thanks to the internet, we can see A – listers hanging out with their younger selves. So here are some of those awesome pics to take a look where they started and how far they’ve come!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Nowadays, he’s one of the most wholesome and busiest actors in Hollywood (just take a look at how many movies he’s starring in the next year), but that wasn’t how it all began.
He is also known by his stage name “Rocky Maivia” – a combination of his father’s and grandfather’s wrestling names – and began wrestling in 1996. He helped create and was integral to the success of the World Wrestling Federation, or, to its detractors, WWF. His acting may take center stage but he still competes.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson
Everyone that grew up in the ‘90s and early 2000s learned of Mary-Kate and Ashley when they began playing the adorable Michelle Tanner in Full House. From there, their resumes only got more impressive with time.
Their last role as part of their acting empire, however, was in New York Minute in 2004. Since then, they’ve left the acting world but not the world of glamor — they’ve created a lucrative fashion brand and now spend their time managing it.
James Van Der Beek
Seeing Dawson Leery next to James Van Der Beek is making us remember exactly why we had a huge crush on him back when Dawson’s Creek was airing in 1998, and James was 19.
It also totally shows us why we still love him. Just look at that charming smirk! Of course, he’s still acting; his latest roles include Matt Bromley in Pose and Grant in the comedy horror film Bad Hair.
Beyoncé
It was clear very early on that Beyoncé was going to be a star — from a young age, she participated in (and won) several singing and dancing competitions. Her more serious break came when the singing group she had joined, Girl’s Tyme, morphed into Destiny’s Child.
From there, we all know Beyoncé’s meteoric rise to fame. After all, who can forget such hits as “Survivor”, “Bootylicious”, and”Crazy in Love” (which was also her first number-one single)? Do we really need to explain how Queen Bey is still proving what an immense talent she is to this day?
Haley Joel Osment
Haley Joel Osment was probably the cutest child star of the ‘90s. He first got attention at the age of four when a talent scout signed him and got him in commercials. His first major appearances on the silver screen were as a young Forrest Gump, and, more importantly, as Cole in The Sixth Sense.
From there, the huge roles just kept coming. While his projects since hitting his late teens have slightly dwindled, Osment is still acting both on TV and in films. He’s also been the voice behind the beloved Sora in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise.
Cher
Cherilyn Srakisian’s journey toward becoming the Goddess of Pop began with a cute little number called “I Got You Babe” — which shot Sonny & Cher straight into fame. At the same time, she also established herself as an impressive solo act.
Cher has since become an incredible musical icon, conquering every stage and every entertainment industry she could think of. Even after over 60 years of making music, this powerhouse doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
Paula Abdul
She might be known nowadays as a talented choreographer, actress, singer, and dancer (and as one of the iconic original judges on American Idol), but Paula Abdul actually began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Interestingly, the Jacksons saw her cheering and gave her a chance to choreograph several music videos for them. From there, she slowly transitioned into creating her own music. Her career since then has been filled with music and dance.
Ralph Macchio
Wax on, wax off — polish your eyes and take a look at the original Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio. Macchio began professionally acting at age 16, with his first role being Jeremy Andretti in Eight Is Enough.
Of course, his major break came when he played underdog Daniel in The Karate Kid, a role he has reprised many times over the years — including, most recently, in the sequel series Cobra Kai.
Madonna
At the young age of 20, Madonna dropped out of college and moved to New York City with $35 in her pocket to try to make it big as a modern dancer. For quite a few years, she picked up odd jobs while pursuing her career in music.
In 1982, she released several singles that garnered enough attention to propel her forward, all the way to “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl” stardom. The rest, as they say, is history. The Queen of Pop continues to make headlines and albums to this day.
Dolly Parton
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the sweet smile and immense talent that is Dolly Parton. Before becoming a worldwide sensation, though, Dolly was just a humble songwriter for others. She finally became known for her singing talent with the debut of her first album, Hello, I’m Dolly.
After winning the hearts of every country music lover out there, Dolly branched out to other genres, also becoming a pop sensation. Her latest work includes a rock album, which she started working on after getting nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Kate Moss
Beautiful British model Kate Moss began her career in 1988 when she was just 14. She was spotted by Sarah Doukas at the airport in New York after returning from a holiday in the Bahamas. Moss became known for her “grunge” look.
Beyond becoming a renowned model over the years, Moss has also gone into fashion design, creating several collections with Topshop. In 2016, she founded her own agency, KMA (Kate Moss Agency), signing on Rita Ora and Esmé Creed-Miles, among others, as clients.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Looking at a young Leonardo DiCaprio sure takes us back. He first began appearing in commercials at age 14, soon gaining his first role in The Outsiders. We do, of course, have to mention the incredible star status he gained as a teen heartthrob in the late ‘90s with Romeo + Juliet and the massive success of Titanic.
From there, it’s been a pretty steady rise for Leo, as he’s still a huge star. Even so, nowadays, it seems like people are more concerned with his dramatic love life than with his up-and-coming films.
Elton John
With his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour underway, what a time to talk about the incredible career of the amazingly talented and iconic Elton John. John began performing at age 15 at a local pub.
His real career, however, began when he met his longtime musical partner, Bernie Taupin, in 1967. The duo has since created the musical talent that is Elton John together. Of course, it’s impossible to sum up his decades-long career, so, let’s just say that it’s still going strong.
Lionel Richie
He’s once… twice… three times a massively talented singer! It’s Lionel Richie, everyone! And can we just say that this Motown wonder has aged so well? This is one handsome 70-something-year-old that we’d love to be serenaded by.
After all, he was one of the most successful balladeers of the ‘80s — and for good reason. His solo career might have begun in 1982 with his album Lionel Richie, but those sweet dulcet vocals are still going strong today.
Tom Hanks
While we might most fondly think of Tom Hanks (beyond his wholesome self) as a serious dramatic actor, he actually got a start with a series of comedy films that got some pretty good reviews.
While Splash and Big did wonders for his career, his true shot to stardom came with the iconic Forrest Gump. Hanks has since only reached higher with his many amazing films and truly unforgettable roles.
Richard Gere
Although he began his career with a starring role on Days of Heaven, Richard Gere rose to prominence thanks to American Gigolo. This transformed him into one of Hollywood’s favorite heartthrobs.
That’s probably why he got his role in Pretty Woman. He also found himself playing the suave Billy Flynn in Chicago. He’s still acting while also working on his musical talent.
Robbie Williams
Can we just take a moment to swoon over 16-year-old Robbie Williams in his early Take That days? Unfortunately, the young star had quite a few difficulties with illicit substances during those days, and he left the group in 1995.
Lucky for us, he kept making his own music and even made his return to the group in 2006. He has received 18 Brit Awards, alongside tons of other music awards worldwide — he definitely does Take the Crown.
Matt LeBlanc
How you doin’, Matt LeBlanc? ‘Cause you’re looking like you’re doing just fine! He may be older and somewhat rounder these days, but we’re definitely hoping that today’s Matt is a lot wiser than his younger character of Joey Tribbiani.
While Joey might be his most known character, LeBlanc’s career actually started quite a few years before his Friends fame. In fact, his first appearance was in a Heinz Ketchup commercial way back in 1987. Of course, he’s still acting, although he hasn’t yet found a TV role since his show Man With a Plan was canceled in 2020.
Britney Spears
By now, we all know what an incredible struggle and journey Britney Spears has undergone in order to gain back her independence and return to the industry… on her terms. So, we really couldn’t care less that she doesn’t look 20 anymore.
The 41-year-old singer has been spending her time working on her book and on her family with Sam Asghari. We can only hope, however, to soon hear that ‘Oops!… She did it again’ and returned to making music.
Clint Eastwood
He might have been the man with no name in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, but we definitely know Clint Eastwood’s name. This Spaghetti Westerns veteran has, since his time in the Wild West, also graduated to directing many films.
Apparently, his dating history is just as action-filled as his films. Over the years, he’s been connected to many women, eventually fathering at least eight children with six different women. He refuses to confirm exactly how many children he has.
Bruce Springsteen
Thanks to great musicians like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen became interested in creating his own music at a young age. He got his first guitar in 1964 and soon after joined a band and started performing.
From there, it was nearly a decade of playing with different bands, honing his skills and musical taste. In 1972, he formed a new band, which eventually became the E Street Band. The band still plays with Springsteen to this day.
Emma Watson
Who would have thought that the perfectionist and loyal Gryffindor would grow up to be the fierce and impressive Emma Watson? Okay, yeah, basically everyone. Clearly, Hermione Granger was made to be played by Watson.
Although she hasn’t acted as much in recent years (with the notable exceptions of Beauty and the Beast and Greta Gerwig’s Little Women), Emma is just as outspoken, nowadays taking her activism into board meetings instead of the red carpet.
Mel Gibson
This international star was often compared to the likes of Steve McQueen, Clark Gable, and Humphrey Bogart in his early years, and we can totally see why. Although his citizenship only included the US and Ireland, thanks to a move in his teen years to Australia, that was where he began his career.
His initial movies (like the Mad Max films), cemented Mel Gibson as an action star. However, as he built his skill, people soon learned that he had a talent in other genres as well. In recent years, due to certain statements made by the actor, he hasn’t been as much in the limelight.
Harrison Ford
When it comes to movie roles, Harrison Ford certainly has a type (and we absolutely love it) — a wise-cracking, heart-of-gold criminal. Because how else do you explain the fact that Indiana Jones and Han Solo are so much alike?! Seriously, it took us a moment to recognize which one he was dressed up as in this pic.
Beyond his acting career, which is still thriving (with Indiana Jones 5 out this year), Ford also has quite a few other interests. This includes a pilot’s license, which he’s even used to help the local authorities in Wyoming with a rescue! Now, that’s a true action hero!
Jerry Seinfeld
Like many comedians, Jerry Seinfeld began his career appearing in open-mic nights at different improv clubs. Only, he got really lucky when in 1976, he appeared in an open mic at Catch a Rising Star — which led to him appearing on a televised comedy special!
After becoming a late show favorite guest, Jerry finally created Seinfeld in 1988 alongside Larry David. Amazingly, for a show about nothing, it quickly became the most-watched sitcom on TV and Jerry has been a household name ever since.
Will Smith
Everybody, put your hands together for the one, the only Fresh Prince! But before we saw him on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Smith was using the same nickname to create his musical career as an MC and rapper.
He’s since proven that beyond musical and comedic talent, Will Smith could also move us to tears or make us hold our breath in anticipation in his more action-oriented films. Unfortunately, due to his televised slap, his career seems to have been put on a bit of a hold recently.
Sylvester Stallone
“Yo, Adrian!” shouts Rocky Balboa, but we want to give a shout-out to the great actor behind the hit franchise — Sylvester Stallone! Under the stage name Mike Stallone, Sylvester began his career in 1969. He changed his stage name again just a year later, finally going back to his real name only a few years into his career.
Did you know that his first starring role was actually in a soft adult film? This was obviously before the success of Rocky when he was strapped for cash. Of course, nowadays, he’s far from destitute and is enjoying his hard-earned career success.
Tom Selleck
Say hello to this glorious mustache. The young Tom Selleck definitely stole our hearts in 1980 when he starred as the clever private eye in Magnum, P.I. But, his career didn’t stop there.
He’s been winning us over again and again. Since 2010, he’s been doing so as the head of a family of police officers in the long-running Blue Bloods. In recent years he’s also begun singing — appearing on Nicolas King’s album Act One.
Phil Collins
We “Can’t Stop Loving You”, Phil Collins! From the moment he began sharing his musical talent with the world, we were hooked. Genesis was his big break, but did you know that he actually had a bit of an acting career before getting into music? That clearly didn’t take.
Of course, many of us in the younger generations first got to know him through his incredible work on the Tarzan soundtrack (which he also recorded himself in several other languages). You’ll always be in our hearts, Phil!
Jennifer Aniston
She’s made such a name for herself over the years that it’s hard to consider her a nepo baby, but Jennifer Aniston actually is the daughter of two actors. Of course, over the course of her amazing career, she’s created her own legacy.
Her big break, as we all know, came as Rachel Green in Friends when she inspired a generation of young women. She’s since only grown, honing her dramatic acting chops alongside her comedic timing.
Lady Gaga
Mother Monster is in the house! With this pic, it’s basically impossible to tell which is the younger version of Lady Gaga. In any case, we know for a fact that the bullies who used to tell Stefani Joanne Angelia Germanotta that she’ll never be famous have been eating their words for years.
Lady Gaga isn’t just an incredibly talented musician and singer (though she most definitely is that); she’s proven in recent years that she’s just as great at acting. She now moves back and forth between her two passions, and we can’t wait to see her blend them in the new Joker film.
Christina Applegate
Let’s come clean — we all had a crush on Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy on Married… With Children. There was just something about the beautiful and ditzy character, played by this talented actress, that had us hooked.
Applegate has only gotten better since, taking on more complex roles that really showcase her incredible talent. Seriously, her latest role in Dead to Me is absolutely incredible! Sadly, due to her diagnosis of MS, it looks like she’ll be putting her acting career on pause.
Henry Winkler
His father might have sold wood, but the “only wood” Henry Winkler “was interested in was Hollywood,” according to the cheeky comedian and actor. He began his career straight out of the Yale School of Drama as a stage actor.
His breakthrough came when he got the role of Fonzie on Happy Days. Apparently, he was told he got the job on his birthday! While “The Fonz” might be timeless, younger audiences probably know him better from his roles on Arrested Development or Barry.
Steven Spielberg
You might be tempted to think that Steven Spielberg’s glorious career began with the masterpiece Jaws in 1975, but he actually spent years before that trying to break into the world of directing.
Of course, nowadays, he’s known for his genius directing, having been responsible for some of the most enjoyable and profitable films of all time. His most personal work, semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans, recently hit theaters to rave reviews.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp actually began his rise to fame as a musician when he left school at 16 to pursue his rock dreams. It was only at 20, after meeting Nicolas Cage, that he decided to give acting a shot. He became a teen heartthrob when he landed his first big role on 21 Jump Street.
However, he didn’t love the commercial aspect of the role and sought more independent and interesting projects. His role in Edward Scissorhands began a lifelong collaboration with Tim Burton, which is still going strong.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro worked in Hollywood for a decade in all sorts of small roles before he got his big break in 1973, when he played a mobster in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets. His nuanced acting was apparently perfect for criminal roles, as he was soon cast as Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II.
Thanks to his many collaborations with Scorsese, De Niro rose quickly from there, marked as an impressively diverse actor. He might not be super handsome, but there’s quite a bit of charm in every character that De Niro plays.
Courteney Cox
Did you know that before beginning her illustrious acting career, Courteney Cox actually worked for the video game company Bethesda Softworks? Well, soon after that, she began acting in all sorts of projects. She finally landed her breakout role in Friends.
While we definitely associate her with Monica Geller, Cox was also recognized at the time as one of the biggest horror actresses with her role in the Scream franchise. Of course, she’s still acting, even returning to set to film the sixth Scream film recently.
Rob Lowe
We might think of him nowadays as the suave and funny aged actor that he is, but Rob Lowe was actually technically a child actor, beginning his career at age 12. His breakout role was in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders.
He later gained even more fame as Sam Seaborn on the fan-favorite The West Wing. Lowe’s career has only risen to new heights since, and we have to say, he’s just as crush-worthy now as he was in his younger years.
George Clooney
Mr. Silver Fox himself, George Clooney, has only gotten better with age — although he’s always been a heartthrob. His career first began in 1978 when he played an extra on Centennial. But, it wasn’t until 1994 that he landed his first real break in ER.
During his time on the show, he also began appearing in films — showcasing his versatility by starring in comedy, action, and romantic movies. He’s still enjoying that same diversity of roles nowadays as he jumps from project to project, leaving his foxy mark on all of them.
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney met John Lennon when he was only 15 years old, and was soon invited to join his band, the Quarrymen. They quickly invited McCartney’s school friend George Harrison to also play with them, and soon after, they became The Beatles.
Look, we’re not going to get into Beatlemania, but McCartney was right in the thick of it. Of course, after the band broke up, McCartney created his own solo career, where he’s done extremely well for himself to this day.
Julia Roberts
Then and now, it doesn’t matter — Julia Roberts will forever be our Pretty Woman. But she’s not just an incredibly beautiful person; she’s also an amazingly talented actress that has made us laugh and cry many times over the years.
With Mystic Pizza, Steel Magnolias, and Pretty Woman, Roberts quickly established herself as an A-list leading lady, and she’s kept up that level of success since. She keeps appearing in endlessly diverse roles that make us fall in love with her over and over again.
Drew Barrymore
Let’s take a look at one of our favorite child-actors-turned-acting-adults ever — the fabulous and charming Drew Barrymore. Her breakout role was, of course, as Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Due to her fame, though, her teenhood was quite complicated.
However, she managed to make it out the other side with her career fairly intact as she became a favorite rom-com and chick-flick actress. Her latest venture has been her talk show, which has quickly become a wholesome must-watch.
