Famous Men In Their Prime Vs What They Look Like Today
In the strange world of Hollywood and celebrity, aging is one of those things people try to freeze, reverse, and otherwise try to run away from. But no matter what, even some of the biggest stars are still susceptible to wrinkles, grey hairs, and hair loss.
But just because Robert De Niro is no longer sporting a mohawk, it doesn’t mean he isn’t still making critically acclaimed films. And Jack Nicholson proves that some fashion statements never go out of style. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, you’re going to have to read on! Did these then-and-now photos stir up any memories for you?
Tom Hanks Still Has Kind Eyes
Tom Hanks is the golden boy of Hollywood, making his big Splash in Hollywood in 1984 and keeping a steading trend of amazing films throughout his career. Young, curly-haired Hanks gave us films such as Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Toy Story, and even Catch Me If You Can.
Of course, the makeup department thought it best to gel down his hair for more than one of those films, to make him look a tad bit older. Now that he is older, we get to see the cultural icon in all of his grey-haired and controlled hair glory. He still has one of the kindest faces in the industry.
James Earl Jones’ Smile Melted Hearts
Actor James Earl Jones arguably had one of the most recognizable voices in Hollywood. From The Lion King to Star Wars, Jones’ deep basso profondo was used in both live-action movies, voice-overs, and even on the stage, making him one of the most versatile actors in history.
Considered “one of the greatest actors in American history,” Jones went one on to win three Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Grammy for his contributions to the entertainment industry. One such contribution being his friendly face and smile that didn’t change through the years.
Robert De Niro Still Has One Of The Best Mean-Mug Faces
Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s favorite mobsters, once had long hair, if you can remember. The two-time Academy Award-winner made his major Hollywood debut in 1968 in the film Greetings. From there, it was nothing but up as he gained recognition for role after role, starting with Bang the Drum Slowly.
Eventually, De Niro cut away his long locks in favor of a mohawk for his role in Taxi Driver, a performance that earned him an Academy Award two years after he won one for Best Supporting Actor in Godfather Part II. Today, De Niro sports silver hair with his legendary straight-lipped smirk and cheek mole.
Christopher Plummer Rocked The White Hair
Honestly, Christopher Plummer was very good-looking during the early days of his career. Known for portraying Captain Georg von Trapp opposite Julie Andrews Maria in the 1965 movie The Sound of Music, Plummer soon found his niche for playing historical figures in film, including Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington in the 1970 film Waterloo.
Of course, Plummer grew up, becoming a handsome older man who was honored with more than one accolade for his successful career. He was one of the few performers and the only Canadian to receive The Triple Crown of Acting, winning a Tony Award, an Academy Award, and an Emmy Award.
Jack Nicholson Still Rocks Orange-Lensed Glasses
With a career spanning more than 60 years, actor Jack Nicholson’s appearance was bound to change drastically. Of course, while the Academy Award winner has gained a bit of weight and added facial hair to his everyday look, he still sports the same hairline and orange-lensed glasses he did back in the ’60s.
Known for playing the sarcastic antihero, Nicholson has been in more than one critically acclaimed film during his successful career. From the drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to the thriller The Shinning to the crime film The Departed, Nicholson has proved why he has been honored with 12 Academy Award nominations.
Anthony Hopkins’ Looks Have Changed A Lot
It’s safe to say a lot has changed in the looks department for actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, but not in a bad way. The Silence of the Lambs star went from looking like the attractive guy next door to the cute aging grandpa with tufts of white hair who tells stories of his crazy time in Hollywood.
Of course, while his looks might not be what they used to, his acting certainly is. Richard Attenborough has even called the Academy Award-winning actor the greatest of his generation.
Denzel Washington Lost The Facial Hair
Honestly, Denzel Washington is always going to be a good looking guy, no matter how old he is! That being said, it’s obvious his looks have changed a little bit since the 80s, including the removal of that solid-looking mustache! But unlike a lot of other stars, Washington was lucky enough to keep his hair through the years.
Tack on those laugh lines around his mouth and the Training Day actor proves that stars can come out on top of Hollywood without plastic surgery. The two-time Academy Award-winning actor has since been honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mick Jagger’s Face Now Sports A Line Or Two
With a rock career spanning over five decades, it’s amazing Mick Jagger was able to keep a full head of hair through the years! Rising to fame in the 60s as the lead singer of the British pop rock band Rolling Stones, Jagger’s distinctive voice and energetic performances soon became must-see entertainment.
Something must be in the water with the musicians, because Jagger is still rocking a full head of hair and a pretty clear complexion, minus one or two wrinkles throughout his face! Jagger is considered to be one of the most influential and popular frontmen in rock and roll history.
Harrison Ford Went All In With His Grey Hair
Starting his acting career in Hollywood with supporting roles, Harrison Ford has since grown to become the fourth highest-grossing domestic box office star with his films totaling over $5.1 billion. Considering Ford has played Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise, Indiana Jones in the Indiana Jones franchise, and Rick Deckard in the Blade Runner franchise, the sum isn’t all that surprising.
While the Academy Award-nominated actor was a looker back in the day with all of his bad-boy charms, he has since accepted his age, growing into his white hair and facial lines. Still, he has that smoldering gaze that cuts right through you!
Elton John Has Always Been On Top Of High Fashion
One of the things we admire about Sir Elton John is he is 100 percent himself, in personality and fashion sense. And neither of those things has wavered since he stepped onto the music scene with his first album Empty Sky in 1969. From there, John’s popularity was on an upward projection.
Having sold more than 300 million records through his career, John is one of the best-selling artists of all time. During his musical journey, he’s also been honored with five Grammys, two Academy Awards, a Tony, two Golden Globes, five Brit Awards, a Disney Legends Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor.
Marlon Brando Went From Bad Boy To Mob Boss
With a career spanning over 60 years, actor Marlon Brando went from a gorgeous-looking rebellious motorcycle gang leader to the salt and pepper-haired man giving people offers they couldn’t refuse. Winning two Academy Awards for Best Actor, Brando is considered to be one of the biggest cultural influences of 20th-century film.
From the 1951 Tennessee Williams adaptation of A Streetcar Named Daisy to the critically acclaimed film The Godfather, Brando made a name for himself as being one of the best male actors of all time. In 1999, Time even gave the actor the prestigious honor of being named “The Actor of the Century.”
Bryan Cranston Is No Longer Innocent Looking
In terms of looks, Bryan Cranston went from being the dad next door to someone you don’t want to mess with. Well, maybe it’s less the looks and more the character he picked up in 2008, considering he looks very much the same, just with shorter hair and facial lines.
Even though a lot of people couldn’t believe Malcolm’s dad was playing a drug dealer, Cranston’s performance as Walter White in Breaking Bad is wildly considered to be the best in television history. The role earned Cranston the Primetime Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series four times, as well as one Golden Globe.
Ozzy Osbourne Still Rocks The Long Locks
If there is one thing women are jealous of when it comes to the on-again-off-again lead singer of Black Sabbath, it’s his gorgeous long hair. Whether you call him “The Prince of Darkness,” “The Godfather of Metal,” or Ozzy, let’s agree that the frontman really doesn’t look all that different from his heyday, aside from some wrinkles, he’s still rocking the full hair.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Osbourne went on to completely change the way people looked at heavy metal. Through his long and successful career, the singer has released over 100 million albums, from both his solo ventures as well as Black Sabbath.
Jeff Goldblum Embraced The Silver
Once upon a time, Jeff Goldblum starred in some of the highest-grossing films of the era, including Independence Day and Jurassic Park. His sarcastic, dry humor and curly hair made him instantly recognizable in the ’80s and ’90s.
Now, Goldblum has embraced an eccentric and quirky style that matches his roles in Wes Anderson film projects and offbeat characters in films like Marvel’s Thor: Ragnorak.
Paul Rudd Is The Master Of Not Aging
Honestly, Paul Rudd has found the Fountain of Youth, mastering the art of not aging and looking fairly similar to his 90s self, curly hair and all. Making his film debut in the 1995 film Clueless, Rudd went on to be known as the cute comedian with stunning green eyes.
While he is probably the youngest star on this list, Rudd isn’t without his own accolades. In 2019, the Ant-Man actor received a Golden Globe nomination for his dual role as Miles Elliot and Miles Elliot Clone in the Netflix comedy Living With Yourself.
Steven Tyler Still Looks Like Steven Tyler
In the 1970s, Steven Tyler rose to fame as the frontman for the rock band Aerosmith. Tyler’s long hair and distinct mouth were prominent through the 70s and early 80s until some personal issues waned the band’s popularity. But Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith weren’t out of favor for long, coming back in the spotlight in 1986 wth the Run-DMC remix of their hit song “Walk This Way.”
Somehow, Tyler still rocks his long luscious locks, albeit with streaks of grey. He’s also given it to his facial hair, opting to keep it a bit on the grey side to compliment his “grey highlighted hair.”
Will Smith Will Always Be The Fresh Prince
Born in Philadelphia, Will Smith became a household name in the late 1980s when he began rapping under the name The Fresh Prince. His stardom increased a few years later when he became the star of the late-night comedy The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which ran for six seasons.
Since his breakout in the late ’80s, the actor and rapper has had a very successful career, winning an Oscar, receiving multiple Golden Globe nominations, and winning four Grammys. And, as you can see, Hollywood hasn’t aged Smith in the slightest, aside from a bit of a receding hairline and a whole lot of laugh lines!
Alec Baldwin Filled Out
Alec Baldwin started his acting career in the early-to-mid 90s, taking roles in both TV and film. Baldwin is a versatile actor and has proven to be animated off-camera, too. He’s been known to go to court over parking incidents, run-ins with photographers, and even refusing to turn off his electronic device on the airplane runway while playing Words With Friends.
The eldest Baldwin brother has proved his acting chops time and time again, winning three Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, all but one for his performance in 30 Rock.
Michael Keaton Might Have Lost A Bit Of Hair
Michael Keaton went from sporting a curly mullet to having virtually no hair. But we’re not going to hold that against him, considering he’s still making terrific movies. First rising to fame on the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Hour and All’s Fair, Keaton soon moved to comedic films, proving he belongs on the silver screen.
Moving from comedic roles to dramas, Keaton was able to prove his range in Tim Burton’s Batman, a title role many didn’t think would go over well, considering his background.
