This article was originally published on JustStarz
Some celebrities were born into Hollywood royalty which made breaking into the world of acting pretty easy. Not all celebrities had it easy though, and many of them grew up in normal families all over the world before getting their big break in Tinseltown. Join us as we take a surprising walk down memory land and see what some of the most recognizable stars of today looked like long before Hollywood found them.
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta Also Known As Lady Gaga
Many actors and actresses adopt stage names that help them stand out from their fellow aspiring stars, and for Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta she decided Lada Gaga would be hers. Lady Gaga grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and was fortunate to be a part of an affluent family. It was Gaga's mother who first pushed her into music when she decided her daughter would start taking piano lessons.
Since then, Gaga has been heavily involved in the music industry and now has a major fan following known as Little Monsters. She also has a successful acting career and has starred in the movies " A Star is Born" and "House of Gucci."
Miley Cyrus Looked A Lot More Innocent Two Decades Ago
All children look innocent when they are young, and that is something that should be fostered. Kids don't need to grow up to quickly and be exposed to the realities of the world. Little Miley Cyrus doesn't look like she knew she would one day be known as a pop and rock superstar, who plays the kind of music that was created in the 1980s. Here she looks like she is ready for her next class photo.
We love Cyrus and her music, and can't wait to see what she cooks up for 2022. Her next album is going to be amazing.
Baby Jennifer Aniston And Her King Of The World Moment
James Cameron's "Titanic" is one of those movies that is iconic, especially the scene which features Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet at the bow of the Titanic, where he shouts, "I'm the king of the world!" While "Titanic" had not been shot yet, baby Jennifer Aniston appears to have pioneered that move at her family home. Maybe Aniston had a flair for the dramatic arts at a young age if this photo is anything to go by.
Both of Aniston's parents were actors, but they did not want her to embark on a similar career path, and even tried to keep her from watching television in her youth.
Toddler Angelina Jolie In Her Flower Crown Is Almost Unrecognizable
Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous women in the world, and it is not just for her acting career these days. Jolie was born into an acting family, with her father, Jon Voight quite well known for his own acting chops. It seems only natural that little toddler Jolie, pictured here in a flower crown would want to follow in his steps. Even as a child, you can see the woman she would become.
Now, Jolie spends less of her time on acting, even though she did star in Marvel's "The Eternals" in 2021, and is now focused on humanitarian work for the United Nations.
Chloë Grace Moretz And Her Famous Hosiery Family Roots
Many actors and actresses come from nothing and work their way up the Hollywood food chain. For Chloë Grace Moretz though, she comes from a rather illustrious background. She was born and raised in the state of Georgia, to a mother who is a nurse practitioner and a father who is a plastic surgeon. However, the Moretz name is actually quite well-known as it used to own a hosiery empire.
That hosiery empire was bought out for a whopping $350 million. Little Chloë was a pretty adorable kid, and it seems she likes to make this fish face even as an adult.
George Clooney And His Family Members Full Of Acting Talent
George Clooney is a household name at this point in his career. He has cemented himself as a leading man, as well as the face of many top brands like Nespresso. Before Clooney was famous though, he was just a little boy that was born to a family in Lexington, Kentucky. Growing up though, he was surrounded by family members involved in show business, and his aunt was quite well-known.
Clooney's aunt was Rosemary Clooney, who starred in the classic musical holiday film, "White Christmas" which families love to watch today.
Comedian Amy Schumer Had A Great Sense Of Humor As A Kid
Kids in general are pretty funny. They always say the most random things, and love to ask questions that are totally out there. Judging by this photo of a young Amy Schumer, it looks like she was sharing zingers at a young age. She definitely has a twinkle in her eye and a sassy tilt to her head. That great sense of humor must have helped her break into the world of stand-up comedy.
Schumer is now known for her stand-up routines and for her comedic chops in films like "Trainwreck" and "The Humans."
Blake Lively Was Full Of Life And Loved A Good Bow
American actress Blake Lively is known for two things. The first is being one of the main characters in the original "Gossip Girl," Serena van der Woodsen. The second is being married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds who seems to have a thumb in every industry from Welsh football to spirits. Lively didn't know she was going to end up with Reynolds though and spent a nice childhood in California with a family heavily embedded in Hollywood.
Her mother was a talent scout, and her father Ernie Lively was an actor. The two also taught acting classes which Lively began attending as a little girl.
A Very Wide Eyed Baby John Travolta Looked Completely Different
John Travolta made his mark on Hollywood with films like "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever" and his career has never slowed down. Who could have known that baby Travolta, with his gigantic eyes, would end up being one of the most sought-after actors in the 1970s? Travolta came from a family that was used to being in a bit of the spotlight. His father was a semi-professional American football player.
His mother was an actress and singer, and her love of theater is what inspired Travolta and his siblings to follow in her footsteps.
The Only Thing That Has Changed About Justin Timberlake Is His Fashion Sense
Many singers start acting, and Justin Timberlake is no different. Initially, Timberlake was a Gospel singer as a young child and eventually made his way onto the Disney lot as a Mousketeer. Looking at baby Timberlake here, we can all see that he had a bit of star power just waiting to come out. His face itself hasn't changed much since he was a kid, and that telltale grin is almost always present.
Timberlake's fashion choices have definitely changed. We can't remember seeing him in a blue onesie since this baby photo was taken.
Anne Hathaway Just Clowning About As A Young Girl
Academy award-winning American actress Anne Hathaway has come a long way since her "Princess Diaries" movie franchise days. As a child, Hathaway spent most of her time in Brooklyn and New Jersey, where her father practiced as a lawyer and her mother as an actress. In one memorable moment, Hathaway's mom played Fantine in Les Miserables, which might have provided some inspiration for Hathaway to play the same role in the 2012 remake.
Young Hathaway can be seen her clowning around in her overalls, which shows that she had a flair for comedy even in her youth.
Supermodel Gigi Hadid Was Ready For Her Close-Up As A Toddler
It's not easy to become a supermodel, but if you have a former model mama who passes on those genes and industry tips it does make it a bit easier. For Gigi Hadid, her mother Yolanda Hadid worked hard to prepare her for her time in the spotlight. Even as a child, Gigi knew just how to pose and find the light. This portrait of her as a toddler is picture-perfect.
Now, Gigi walks the runways for all of the major fashion houses, as does her sister Bella who has become a supermodel in her own right.
Baby Meryl Streep Loved Dogs Judging By This Candid Photo
One of the best parts of growing up is having a family pet. Kids love playing with dogs and cats out in the yard as they are part of the family. In this childhood photo, baby Meryl Streep can be seen getting very excited over a puppy. She is almost unrecognizable as a little girl. Unlike many of the actors and actresses on this list, Streep did not grow up in a show business family.
Instead, she grew up with a father who worked in the pharmaceutical sector and a mother who was an artist. Her two younger brothers followed in her footsteps and became actors though.
Taylor Swift During Those Awkward Teen Years Looks Like All Of Us
Social media makes all of the influencers and celebrities who have accounts look perfect. There is never a hair out of place, or an outfit that doesn't fit just right, but all of these images are vastly different than reality. Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is one of the best pop singers of our generation, but even she went through that awkward teen phase where partial corn rows seemed like a good idea.
Anyone who has had these knows that it takes some serious time to unravel all of those braids, but it was the fashion of the early 2000s.
Lily Collins Is The Mirror Image Of Her Mother
Actress Lily Collins has been in the show business world since she was a baby. Her father is Phil Collins, the singer and her mother is Jill Tavelman. Growing up, Collins had the best of everything as her father is a musical legend. However, when it comes to appearances, Collins largely resembles her mother, right down to the tip of her nose. She was also pretty styling as a baby.
That bright style has followed Collins into her acting career, and her character Emily in Netflix's "Emily in Paris" is always wearing flamboyant outfits.
Scarlett Johansson Always Knew She Wanted To Be An Actress
Most young kids dream of being astronauts or scientists, but not Scarlett Johansson. She came from a very artistic family, with her father being an architect and her grandfather being a playwright. Her mother also worked as a producer in New York City, which gave Johansson the exposure she needed to the industry. It was at a very young age that Johansson decided she wanted to star in "Meet Me in St. Louis."
Judy Garland had played the role originally, but Johansson very much wanted to reprise her role when she was old enough and would practice different expressions in the mirror.
Toddler Harrison Ford Looks Like He Belongs At An English Manor
Harrison Ford may not be at the height of his career anymore, but he has certainly had an illustrious one with major franchises like "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" under his belt. In this childhood photo, he has a pretty classic outfit on of short overalls and a little striped shirt. This outfit would probably be worn by influencers today, which shows just how fashion-forward baby Ford was, or his mother.
Ford does have some ties to the acting world, as his mother was a radio actress in the 1940s. Her name was Dorothy Ford.
Zooey Deschanel Looks Like She Belongs In "Little House On The Prairie"
As far as sitcom actresses go, Zooey Deschanel has to be one of the most recognizable. Her thick bangs and great comedic timing in the show "New Girl" made her an instant success. Everyone loved seeing what the character Jess got up to with her three male roommates. As a little girl, Deschanel also liked to play dress up but here she looks like she is ready to audition for a role in "Little House on the Prairie."
Maybe she just really loved the show and wanted to imagine what it would be like to grow up on the land.
Toddler Selena Gomez Sure Has Grown Up A Lot
Selena Gomez is a pop star and actress that fans can't seem to get enough of. Gomez's parents had her when they were only 16 years old, which meant growing up was not the easiest of times. Both of her parents had to finish high school, which meant that Gomez was primarily raised by her grandparents until her parents were finished with school. While life wasn't easy, that big grin on toddler Gomez's face would make you think otherwise.
Now, Gomez is one of the biggest names in the industry and now has successful acting, singing, and makeup careers.
Pigtails Are Not Exactly Jennifer Lopez's Go To Hairstyle Now
For many of us, pigtails are the hairstyle that our parents or caregivers often opted for on school days. Not only is braiding hair relatively easy, but it also keeps long hair out of your face when you need to focus on school work. This photo of a very young Jennifer Lopez looks like it was taken out of a yearbook. She has a cute little plaid outfit on, and pigtails that have been wound into circles.
Lopez's style has definitely changed, and now she is a whole lot more comfortable in evening gowns at big awards shows and sequined jumpsuits for concerts.
Little Natalie Portman Was Always Meant To Play Black Swan
An ear of good corn on the cob isn't something any child wants to turn down. Each bite is deliciously sweet and juicy, and little Natalie Portman looks like she is enjoying it immensely. Portman was born in Israel and mainly grew up in the United States. As she grew up, she realized she had a love for all things dance-related and began taking ballet lessons from the American Theater Dance Workshop.
All of those lessons helped her land one of her most notable roles, that of the main character in the film "Black Swan."
A Very Blonde Kate Winslet Looks A Tad Different Now
British actress Kate Winslet came from very humble means, but that only helped her to hone her craft. Her father was a struggling actor who did not manage to get the kind of accolades that Winslet did, but that never stopped her family from supporting her. As a wee little girl in this photo, you can see that Winslet was once white blonde, which is quite different from her reddish-blonde locks now.
After finding commercial success in Hollywood with the film "Titanic," Winslet's career really took off, and she eventually won an Oscar for "the Reader" in 2008.
Teenage Ben Stiller Looks Like He's Ready For A School Play
There aren't many actors in Hollywood that can make audiences laugh the way that Ben Stiller does. He comes by his comedic skills very honestly though, with both of his parents being comedic actors themselves. Stiller would travel with his actor parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara whenever they needed to be on set, and all of that show business eventually rubbed off on him. As a teenager, he was already practicing his jokes.
Pictured here, Stiller can be seen with his dad leaving the theater. Being exposed to show business at a young age makes it much easier to break into.
Kiwi Actor Russell Crowe And His Film Industry Roots In Australia
Many people assume that Russell Crowe is an Australian actor, which is a fair assumption since he has lived most of his life in the island nation. However, Crowe was actually born in New Zealand and spent the first ten years of his life there. In this photo, he is pictured holding a cricket bat because his family has strong roots in the cricket world as well as the film industry.
Crowe's parents worked in the film set catering business, which gave him some insight into the world of acting. A few of his cousins were also prominent in the New Zealand cricket world.
Jimmy Fallon's Smile Hasn't Changed Since He Was In Diapers
No late-night television program is complete without a charismatic host, and to date, there are only a handful that stands out. Conan O'Brien and David Letterman are two of them, but Jimmy Fallon continues to be one of the legends. Fallon and his live band always manage to think up funny skits for their guests to go along with, and he never shies away from belting out a good song.
His signature laugh and smile are two of the things audiences remember about him, and that smile is one he has had since he was a child.
Before David Beckham Was A Professional Footballer He Was Winning Junior Championships
Most professional athletes pick a sport when they are kids and practice and practice until they either make it to the pro level or have to give it up and pursue another profession. For David Beckham, it seems like it was his destiny to make it in the competitive world of European football or soccer as it is called in North America. Beckham's parents were Manchester United fans who did their best to never miss a game.
This love of the sport was instilled in Beckham, and he began playing himself when he was young. It took a while for Beckham to reach his full height, but when he did, he was unstoppable.
Queen's Lead Singer, Freddie Mercury Didn't Always Know He Would Sing
British singer-songwriter, Freddie Mercury became one of the most famous singers of all time when he began collaborating with the other members of Queen. Growing up though, Mercury showed that he had a penchant for music. He was born in Zanzibar, which is now an island that is part of Tanzania, and eventually moved to India where he began to learn how to play the piano. That early love for music was apparent.
In the 1960s, Mercury went to college in London for graphic art and design, and during that time began to sing in a number of bands. Eventually, he would meet what would become his bandmates in Queen and rise to international fame.
Baby Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter Must Have Had Some Serious Baby Gurgles
Everyone knows who Beyoncé is, and in a lot of places, everyone knows her husband Jay-Z as well. Beyoncé, like many on this list, started out as a singer and then got into the world of acting as well. Many of her album releases are accompanied by cinematic short films that tie together all of her songs, like HBO's "Lemonade." As a little girl, we would think that Beyoncé might have been able to belt out some on-key baby gurgles.
She had some pretty stylish baby clothes, and maybe her mom could tell that she was going to be a star even at a young age.
Maybe Elton John Should Be Called The Piano Man, Not Billy Joel
At the age of 74, Elton John has firmly cemented himself as the King of Pop. He has been singing songs and playing piano since he was a young boy, and it would appear that he has always loved the instrument. Playing the piano takes some real skill and a whole lot of practice. John loved music, but his father had wanted him to pursue a more traditional profession like banking.
Banking was not the life John envisioned though, and he pursued a career in music with gusto, which obviously paid off in the end.
Gwyneth Paltrow Was Born Into The Hollywood Scene
Being born in Los Angeles, especially to a mother who is an actress and a father who is a producer-director pretty much guarantees that you will end up in the business. Gwyneth Paltrow was no exception. Her mother is actress Blythe Danner and her father is Bruce Paltrow. She definitely grew up in a privileged household and was exposed to the ins and outs of Hollywood when she was old enough to start visiting sets.
Known for her bright blonde hair as an actress, and excellent Shakespearean acting skills, Paltrow continues to act and run a wellness brand called Goop.
Avril Lavigne Looks More Like Her Childhood Self These Days
Many singers and actors change their 'look' to fit into the aesthetic of the year. This might mean getting a shag haircut, or if you were in a boy band in the early 2000s, frosted tips. For Canadian singer Avril Lavigne, she adopted that punk rock girl look that was popular at the time, but her music was pure pop. While she is not as active in the music industry these days, her look has definitely evolved.
Instead of dying her hair with chunky highlights, she has gone back to her natural blonde locks, which looks just like her childhood hair.
Reality Television Personality And DJ Paris Hilton Has Stayed The Same
Paris Hilton is one of those celebs that always manages to pop up. Sometimes it is a reality show, like Netflix's "Cooking With Paris" or it is at a music festival where she is headlining a DJ set. You literally never know what she is going to do next in her career, and that is what keeps it interesting. Growing up, Hilton spent time around the hotelier family of the same name to which she belongs.
If you have stayed at a Hilton, then you have stayed at one of her family's hotels. Paris herself has not changed at all since she was a child, she just grew a few feet.
Lucille Ball Looked Exactly Like A Porcelain Baby Doll
The actress famous for bringing the character of Lucy in "I Love Lucy" to life was none other than wonderful Lucille Ball. Ball grew up in New York state and spent her formative years under the supervision of various family members. As you can see in this childhood photo, Ball looked like a china doll which was very in fashion in the 1910s and 1920s when she was a child.
As Ball grew up, she was encouraged to try out for a chorus role as a teen, and eventually enrolled in acting classes at the age of 14.
Tom Cruise's Bowl Cut Is A Blast From The Past
Taking little boys to the barber is not always an easy task. They squirm and whine about having to get their hair cut, and a lot of parents decide to just grab some clippers or scissors and do the job themselves. A front porch and a stool are all that is needed for a DIY haircut. Young Tom Cruise looks like he might have fallen prey to his mom's scissors in this school photo.
The bowl cut is a classic kid's hairstyle, but we bet he wouldn't be caught rocking that hairdo in this day and age.
Canadian Songstress Celine Dion Does Not Need Hats Anymore
We're not sure why, but for some reason, parents love to stick hats on their kids, even when they are indoors or it's not cold out. Sure, hats are pretty cute, and some of them are downright funny, like the ones with animal ears on them, but they still need to have a function. Celine Dion must have either really loved weird hats, or one of her parents liked them.
Since becoming one of the most famous Canadian singers of all time, next to Justin Bieber, Drake, and The Weeknd, Dion has gone from wearing these hats as a little girl to a fashion icon.
When Young Cameron Diaz Trialed There's Something About Mary's Hairstyle
For Millenials, there are a lot of movies that fall under the cult classic category. The 1998 rom-com, "There's Something About Mary" is one of the films that fall under this category, and that's because it is both quirky and cute. A young Cameron Diaz stars in the film as Mary, who actor Ben Stiller's character is absolutely obsessed with. His mishaps lead to a rather interesting hairdo, which teen Diaz tried to rock earlier.
Anyone who has seen the film knows that it's not hair gel that makes her hair stand up like that, and we really hope as a teen she used gel and not the other substance.
Emma Roberts Grew Up Around A Very Famous Actress Aunt
The last name should give this one away. Emma Roberts is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts, and her aunt is movie superstar Julia Roberts. Emma herself has carved out a piece of the acting pie though and judging by her dance photo here, she was ready for a life in the spotlight. That leotard is pretty cute, and her stance has a whole lot of attitude in it, just like her character in "Scream Queens."
2020 and 2021 have been quieter years for Roberts acting-wise, as she and fellow actor Garrett Hedlund became parents this year.
A Candid Shot Of Lea Michele Could Be Any Child
Babies and small kids do have a tendency to look pretty similar. That's because their bone structure and faces haven't fully elongated, or their features aren't quite as proportional as they will be once they grow up. Everyone has those awkward teen years. Actress Lea Michele was a pretty cute kid though, and this candid photo of her makes her hard to recognize. She did a whole lot of growing up.
Her crowning achievements were her starring roles in the long-running series "Glee" and on Broadway in the musical "Spring Awakening." Maybe she got a bit of singing practice as a kid.
That Suave Russell Brand Smile Has Helped Him Land Parts
Every actor or actress needs a signature look or move that makes them unforgettable. Many actors emulate the acting style of past famous actors like Marlon Brando or Paul Newman. Not Russell Brand though, he has his own unique acting style and way of delivering lines. He always had a cheeky smile, which you can see from his school days, and that smile has certainly followed him onto the big screen.
Brand has spent a lot of time in the limelight and even had a very high-profile marriage to singer Katy Perry. The pair are now divorced,
Barack Obama Enjoying Some Waves In Hawaii With His Family
As the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama is one of the most recognizable world leaders on the planet. However, before he rose to fame as a celebrity-esque President, he led a far simpler life. He was born on August 4th, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and eventually made his way to Columbia University for his undergrad, and then on to Harvard Law School. This education would eventually help him with his political career.
Looking at this photo of Obama, he appears to have been a kid that enjoyed spending long days at the beach.