Can celebrities really manifest their dream roles through style choices?
Some actors nabbed their most successful roles later in life, so it's only natural that we remember them at a certain age. While many of these film and TV stars have a long career under their belt, many of us associate them with specific characters, and never really had the chance to see how they looked when they were younger. In this gallery, you'll have the chance to see what some of your favorite Hollywood stars looked like decades ago.
Curious? Browse through and see if you can recognize them!
The British actress has played numerous iconic roles, including her Oscar-winning turn as Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Queen' (2006). Would you recognize her in 1970?
Could you recognize the 'Taken' star back in 1983? It looks like he has more hair now!
You probably recognize the actor from the shows 'Malcolm in the Middle' (2000–2006), or 'Breaking Bad' (2008–2013). But would you recognize him in 1984?
The English actress has had a long and successful career. More recently, you probably remember her from movies such as 'Skyfall' (2012). Here she is as a young actress.
In addition to being a highly successful actor, Freeman also has one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. Here he is back in 1978.
The award-winning English actor is known for numerous successful roles, including the 'Bridget Jones's Diary' films and 'The King's Speech' (2010). Here is Firth in the late 1980s.
Can you recognize the 'Murder, She Wrote' actress in this picture? Angela Lansbury passed away in October, 2022.
Here's how Captain Jean-Luc Picard from 'Star Trek' looked in 1970. Look at the pronounced chin dimple!
Gandalf from 'The Lord of The Rings' movies has had a career spanning over half a century. Here is Sir Ian Murray McKellen in 1974.
From 'Harry Potter' to 'Downton Abbey,' the English actress has starred in numerous successful productions. The picture on the right was taken in 1962. Maggie Smith passed away in September, 2024.
You probably recognize the rugged actor from movies such as 'A Star is Born' (2018) and 'Road House' (1989). But have you ever seen him without a mustache?
The British comedian and star of 'The Office' looked very different in the early '80s as a member of the new wave group Seona Dancing.
The famous actress and singer looks very different these days. The photo on the right was taken about 50 years ago, circa 1970.
The actor, who voiced Darth Vader, starred in 'Coming 2 America' in 2021. This is how he looked in 1960. James Earl Jones passed away in September, 2024.
Hopkins has numerous iconic roles under his belt, including the famous Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991). Here is the actor in 1970.
Often considered the greatest living actress, Streep needs no introduction. If you don't remember her at the beginning of her career, here is how she looked then.
Daniel Day-Lewis has a long career behind him, and long hair. And case closed: he's always been attractive!
With numerous accolades under his belt, including an Oscar for his performance in 'The Deer Hunter' (1978), Walken is a household name in Hollywood. The pic on the right was taken sometime in the 1970s.
Bassett has had a successful career on both the big screen and TV. The 'Black Panther' actress looked like this in the early 1990s.
The Oscar-winning actor is known for movies such as 'The Big Lebowski' (1998). But would you recognize him in the 1974 film 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot?'
With a successful career spanning more than 60 years, it's natural that you don't remember the actor as a young man. The photo on the right is from circa 1955.
The star from 'The Sound of Music' (1965) looked pretty different back in the 1950s.
The respected film star is known for his distinctive voice and facial features. This is how he looked like in 1987. He hasn't changed all that much, has he?
Yes, Dr. House was once a young actor! Here he is in a sketch from the TV show 'The Cambridge Footlights Review' in 1982.
The actress was in showbiz for over 70 years, so it's normal if you don't remember her when she was younger. Here she is circa 1955. Betty White passed away in December 2021.
The English actor is yet another example of someone who made it later in life. Here's the 'Luther' star in the soap opera 'Family Affairs' in 1997.
Bill Murray first saw fame in 1977 with 'SNL,' and later made it big in the '80s with his comedy films. Here he is in the late 1970s.
The 'Sister Act' actress enjoyed great success in the 1990s, but she looked pretty cool in the '80s too!
The comedian who co-created 'Seinfeld' looked like this in 1981. So, a lot more hair, but already balding.
When Fiennes' name is mentioned, movies such as 'The English Patient' (1996) and 'Schindler's List' (1993) usually come to mind. Do you think he's changed all that much?
Sources: (DeMilked) (BuzzFeed)
Iconic actors you've likely never seen young
See these famous faces at their most youthful
CELEBRITY Curiosities
Some actors nabbed their most successful roles later in life, so it's only natural that we remember them at a certain age. While many of these film and TV stars have a long career under their belt, many of us associate them with specific characters, and never really had the chance to see how they looked when they were younger. In this gallery, you'll have the chance to see what some of your favorite Hollywood stars looked like decades ago.
Curious? Browse through and see if you can recognize them!