Then and Now Celebrity Photos That Will Amaze You

Hollywood has launched the careers of many renowned celebrities, like Drew Barrymore and Brad Pitt. These stars had their start in the industry in various decades and have reached the pinnacle of their colorful careers. Nowadays, stars like Lord of the Rings actor Orlando Bloom have focused less on his acting endeavors since his 2000s stardom. Like him, many actors from that decade now sporadically appear on the silver screen. Meanwhile, some big celebrities in the 1990s, like Jennifer Aniston and Renee Zellweger, are still active in Hollywood.

Today, you may notice changes from these actors’ appearances, as they have transformed over the years. Change is normal and somehow necessary because they’re always required to follow the trend and look good in front of the big and small screens. Sometimes, the transformations they go through are massive to the degree that they look almost unrecognizable from their old photos.

In this article, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a nostalgic look back at the then and now celebrity photos:

Taylor Swift | Born 1989

Taylor Swift is lauded for her narrative songwriting, which is mainly inspired by her personal experiences. For her talents, she has received critical praise and widespread media coverage. In 2004, Swift signed with Sony/ATV to become a songwriter, and the following year, with Big Machine Records to become a country music singer. She released her eponymous debut studio album in 2006, and her hit single Teardrops on My Guitar allowed her to rise to mainstream prominence.

Swift’s following albums became a string of international success, with sales reaching over 200 million records. For this reason, she is regarded as one of the best-selling artists of all time. She also released documentaries Folklore and Miss Americana in 2020. Throughout her career, the 31-year-old musician won countless accolades and credits, such as 11 Grammy Awards and 32 American Music Awards. Swift also landed Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

Mark Wahlberg | Born in 1971

Mark Wahlberg’s remarkable body is the only thing that has remained consistent throughout his career—but that’s about all. He launched his career as a young rapper in the 1990s and has since evolved into one of Hollywood’s finest chameleon actors.

His brother Donnie, who was famous as a member of the boyband New Kids on the Block, assisted him in finding a new course in life. Donnie believed his brother’s appearance, history, and demeanor qualified him to be a rap artist. As a result, he lined up meetings with executives from record labels, and Wahlberg began recording under Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He chose to try his hand at acting and caught the acting bug after spending 20 weeks filming Renaissance Man. Wahlberg has a net worth of $290 million today, credits to his successful movies, projects, burger restaurant, and car dealership.

Robert Downey Jr. | Born 1965

Robert John Downey Jr.’s career has been characterized by widespread and critical success during his youth, followed by a period of personal troubles before a resurgence of movie success during his middle age. In 2008, RDJ was hailed among the world’s 100 most influential people by Time magazine, and from 2013 to 2015, he was Tinseltown’s highest-paid actor as listed by Forbes.

RDJ made his entertainment debut at the age of five, following Robert Downey Sr.’s movie Pound in 1970. He subsequently appeared with the Brat Pack in the teen movies Weird Science and Less Than Zero. In the early 2000s, Mel Gibson helped him with his insurance bond to appear back on the silver screen. From there, he gained global recognition for portraying Tony Stark/Iron Man in a total of 10 movies by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also portrayed the titular character in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.

Sandra Bullock | Born 1964

Miss Congeniality star Sandra Bullock has come a long way since she started out singing in a choir in Germany. After getting her degree in drama, the up-and-coming actress moved to New York to hone her craft and to go in auditions. She even took odd jobs to make ends meet while waiting to get her big break. She appeared in The Six Million Dollar Man as well as in Bionic Woman until she landed the lead female star in Demolition Man with Sylvester Stallone. However, it was her performance in Speed that made the actress a household name.

Bullock was dubbed as” America’s Sweetheart” during the early years of her career, but today, she has proven that she can be more than just the girl-next-door type of actress. She has taken on roles for both drama, action, rom-coms, and more. Bullock has even lent her voice in the animated film Minions. The actress has won her first Oscar for her role in The Blind Side. Bullock is still active in the entertainment industry today.

Drew Barrymore | Born 1975

American actress Drew Barrymore achieved popularity as a child star with her iconic role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She went on to star in a couple of successful movies throughout the 1990s, including Mad Love, Batman Forever, and Poison Ivy. She subsequently starred with comedian Adam Sandler on a few best-selling films, such as 50 First Dates and Blended.

For her long-running movie career and iconic roles in movies like Charlie’s Angels and Never Been Kissed, Barrymore has received many accolades and credits. She also debuted as a director in the film Whip It.  She also founded the production company called Flower Films. Her other business ventures include a clothing line, a range of wines, and a range of cosmetics. Most recently, she appeared in the series Santa Clarita Diet and currently hosts her own talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show.

 

We’re ecstatic that Netflix has made old seasons of Keeping Up with the Kardashians available for streaming. Given that the show first aired in 2007, it should come as no surprise that the cast has changed significantly throughout the years. It is not surprising that the wealthiest Kardashian is also the most well-known and identifiable family member: Kim Kardashian.

Back then, she was Paris Hilton’s best friend and a budding closet organizer. She and her other family members began appearing on the reality television show in 2007 and became a massive hit. She has also sponsored various products and services and is known to be a businesswoman. Kardashian runs several retail and fashion businesses with her sisters, Kourtney and Khloé. The 40-year-old is now a household figure, earning millions of investment money through the show, KKW Beauty, Skims, and other projects. Kardashian takes Kylie’s place as the family’s only billionaire — at least for the time being.

Sarah Jessica Parker | Born 1965

Sarah Jessica Parker, or SJP, is best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw on the hit HBO television series, which ran from 1998 to 2004. For her work in the show, she bagged two Emmy Awards, and three Screen Actors Guilds, among several others. The character she portrayed was widely popular at the time and was later recognized as one of American television’s most significant female characters. She later reprised the same role in its film adaptations.

Parker made her stage debut at age 11 in the 1976 adaptation of The Innocents, before making her way to portray the title role of Annie on Broadway. She made her first major movie appearance in the 1980s and starred in iconic films like Hocus Pocus and The First Wives Club. She also made investments in her own production company called Pretty Matches.

Rihanna | Born 1988

Rihanna is a Barbadian singer and businesswoman who was discovered by record producer Evan Rogers. After signing with the music company Def Jam in 2005, she soon gained popularity upon the release of her first two albums, both of which peaked within the US Billboard charts. Now, with sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna is hailed as one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Aside from music, the Umbrella hitmaker is known for her extensive work in entrepreneurial ventures, humanitarian causes, and the fashion industry. She is the founder of the fashion house Fenty under LVMH, cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty, and nonprofit organization Clara Lionel Foundation. She has also ventured into movies, starring in major roles in Ocean’s 8 and Battleship. In 2018, Rihanna was appointed by the Government of Barbados as an ambassador of tourism, education, and investment.

Mickey Rourke | Born 1952

Mickey Rourke is a former boxer and now a Hollywood star who has appeared as a leading man in action, drama, and thriller films. During the 1980s, he starred in the Charles Bukowski biopic Barfly and received critical praise for his performance. In 1991, he left acting in order to become a professional boxer for a while. After his retirement from boxing three years later, he returned to acting and portrayed a corrupt lawyer in Man on Fire.

In 2005, Rourke joined the mainstream Hollywood circles with a lead role in Sin City, for which he bagged awards from the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Online Film Critics Society. In recent years, he has portrayed roles in a number of commercially successful films, including the 2010 films The Expendables and Iron Man 2. He also has an upcoming movie entitled Warhunt.

Kristie Alley | Born 1951

Kirstie Alley is an American actress and television personality whose breakout role was on the NBC sitcom Cheers as Rebecca Howe. She appeared in various movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Summer School and Drop Dead Gorgeous. She subsequently appeared on the sitcom Veronica’s Closet, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Alley also appeared as a contestant in Dancing with the Stars season 12 in recent years, finishing in second place.

What made her decide to join the entertainment scene, you ask? Back in the late 1970s, she worked as an interior designer and starred on the game show Match Game as a contestant. She won both rounds and appeared in other game shows until she entered the movie industry and debuted in the 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan as Lieutenant Saavik. In the years following, she continued to receive acting credits until she landed Cheers, for which she earned widespread fame.

Britney Spears | Born 1981

Britney Spears is famous for reviving the teen pop genre during the late 1990s and early 2000s, where she earned the title “Princess of Pop.” She began her career in television series and stage productions and signed with the music company Jive Records at age 15. Her first two albums became certified diamond, which became global successes as well. Spears adopted more mature themes with her following albums and made her movie debut in a starring role in Crossroads.

The singer recently embarked on a concert residency in Las Vegas to promote her recent albums. Regarded as a pop icon to an international degree, she has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and won countless awards. In the U.S., she is the best-selling female artist of the 2000s. She has topped the list of the most searched celebrities, a record since the start of the Internet.

Jennifer Lopez | Born 1969

Jennifer Lopez is an actress, singer, dancer, and businesswoman whose career has spanned over 25 years. She has shown interest in singing and dancing as a young child. In fact, she took lessons at age five. After her decision of not completing her college degree, she pursued show business and had minor roles on screen in the early 1990s. Do you remember her breakout role in Selena?

From there, Lopez transitioned into music and achieved immense fame. She released a total of eight studio albums, and while doing all these, she continues to make lucrative movies. Today, she is one of Tinseltown’s biggest A-list celebrities. Lopez has starred in a string of successful romantic comedies, such as Monster-in-Law, Maid in Manhattan, and The Wedding Planner. She has an upcoming film called Marry Me, acting alongside Owen Wilson, John Bradley, and Sarah Silverman.

Rose McGowan | Born 1973

Rose McGowan is an actress and director who made her film debut in a brief role in Encino Man. She achieved wider recognition for her appearance in the 1995 dark comedy The Doom Generation, receiving an award nomination for Best Debut Performance by Independent Spirit Award. She subsequently headlined the movies Jawbreaker, Scream, and Going All the Way.

After her acting credits in Encino Man and The Doom Generation, McGowan became the cover model for a tribute album for Henry Mancini called Shots in the Dark and was the face of the clothing company Bebe from 1998 to 1999. During the 2000s, the actress became known to TV audiences for her portrayal of Paige Matthews in the hit drama series Charmed and went on to star in the action-thriller series Chosen. Just recently, the 47-year-old actress appeared in the debate program Question Time.

Katy Perry | Born 1984

Katy Perry sang in church as a child and pursued a gospel music career as a teenager. She signed with Red Hill Records in 2001 and released her debut studio album, albeit it was commercially unsuccessful. She then hired a moving company to Los Angeles to venture into secular music and began working with producers Dr. Luke, Glen Ballard, and Max Martin. In 2007, she signed a contract with the recording company Capitol Records and rose to fame the following year.

Her second album, One of the Boys, contained the hit singles I Kissed a Girl and Hot n Cold. Three subsequent albums have also topped the Billboard charts. Today, she has sold more than 143 million records worldwide. Perry has also released a documentary titled Katy Perry: Part of Me in 2012 and began serving as a judge on American Idol in 2018.

Lana Del Rey | Born 1985

Lana Del Rey is noted for her stylized, cinematic quality of music. She is also remarkable for her exploration of themes of tragic romance, glamor, and melancholia, containing references to pop culture, particularly the 1950s and 1960s Americana. Raised in upstate New York, Del Rey called a moving company to New York City to launch her music career in 2005. Following several projects, including her eponymous debut studio album, her breakthrough came in 2011 with the success of her debut single, Video Games.

In 2019, the 36-year-old songstress released the single Don’t Call Me Angel in collaboration with Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande for the soundtrack of the 2019 film Charlie’s Angels. Her follow-up releases contained the poetry collection and spoken word album. Del Rey has an upcoming eighth studio album called Blue Banisters, which is set for release this year.

Ben Affleck | Born 1972

American actor and film director Ben Affleck started his career as a child when he appeared in the educational series The Voyage of the Mimi in the 1980s. He later appeared in the comedy Dazed and Confused and various Kevin Smith movies, including Chasing Amy and Dogma. Affleck gained a higher degree of recognition after winning the Golden Globe and Academy Award for writing Good Will Hunting, a film in which he and childhood friend Matt Damon also starred. He then established his career as a lea ding man in films like Armageddon and Pearl Harbor.

After a career downturn in 2003 when he experienced box-office failures in Daredevil and Gigli, the renowned actor was able to get back on his feet and launch a career as a director. Affleck is also the co-founder of an advocacy-based nonprofit organization called The Eastern Congo Initiative.

Scarlett Johansson | Born 1984

Scarlett Johansson was 2018’s and 2019’s highest-paid actress in the world, and she has also been featured multiple times on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list. Her movies have grossed more than $14.3 billion worldwide, making her a high-grossing box office star.

Born and raised in Manhattan, Johansson aspired to become a Hollywood star at a young age. She appeared on stage as a child actress as well. In 1994, she landed an acting credit in the fantasy comedy North and gained early recognition for starring in Manny & Lo. The actress shifted to adult roles in the early 2000s when she appeared in Lost in Translation, winning a BAFTA Award for Best Actress. Nowadays, she receives global recognition for portraying Black Widow in the many films by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She recently starred in the movie Black Widow, which was released last month.

Mariah Carey | Born in 1969

And then a hero comes along! Mariah Carey became one of the most acclaimed and best-selling singers since she began her career in music.

The Huntington native grew up surrounded by music as the daughter of an opera singer and voice instructor. Carey began singing when she was three years old, and by the time she was in high school, she was frequently writing songs. One of her demos landed up in the hands of Tommy Mottola, a Columbia Records executive, in 1988. Soon after, Mottola signed Carey to his label and launched her self-titled debut album in 1990. Carey continued to release albums after winning Best New Artist at the 1991 Grammy Awards, including Music Box in 1993 and Daydream in 1995. Carey has released fifty recordings over the years, and her career has stood the test of time. She is now living her best years in her investment residency in Las Vegas.

Johnny Depp | Born in 1963

From the sea-leg pirate Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to an array of eccentrics in Edward Scissorhands, Johnny Depp has received widespread praise for his ability to transform. The actor has progressed from an adolescent idol to a leading man throughout the years.

Born in Kentucky but raised in Florida, the eccentric actor clawed his way to a superstar degree with his debut role as a fated teen in 1984’s Nightmare on Elm Street. However, that scary film was only the start. Depp’s performance in director Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands earned him further critical praise in 1990, demonstrating his ability to capture darker personas. He continued to work with Burton again, but his most famous on-screen role, though, would undoubtedly be at sea. Depp appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean, and he returned to reprise his role as the film’s alcoholic pirate in four (yes, four) sequels. It’s one of the top 13 highest-grossing series of all time, and the actor was once among Hollywood’s highest-paid performers.

Renee Zellweger | Born in 1969

Since she charmed viewers in 1996’s Jerry Maguire, there’s little doubt that Renée Zellweger has been blowing fans away. Since then, the legendary actress has wowed audiences with her tremendous talent and natural beauty. She has evolved into any part she has been asked to play throughout the years.

Zellweger is one of those celebrities that embodies the American ideal perfectly. She was born in Katy, Texas, and spent her childhood in small-town America. She finally caught the acting bug after a few minor roles in Texas-filmed films. Reality Bites and 8 Seconds launched her acting career, but Jerry Maguire propelled her fame. Zellweger reaffirmed her success with a role in the adaptation of Bridget Jones’s Diary. Moreover, her outstanding success had earned her a place on multiple ballots, credits to the popularity of her early-to-mid-2000s films. She made Forbes’ The Richest 20 Women In Entertainment list in 2007.

George Clooney | Born in 1961

George Clooney’s attractiveness is indeed undeniable. The actor began his career on television on The Facts of Life and, more popularly, on ER but moved quickly to Hollywood aristocracy. He now moves as easily between his investment home in Lake Como as he does between acting and directing critical darlings and commercial blockbusters.

Clooney, who was born in Kentucky on May 6, 1961, has showbiz in his blood. He got bitten by the acting bug after his cousin Miguel Ferrer helped him obtain his first feature film in 1982. Following a series of walk-on roles in sitcoms, most notably Roseanne, he got his big break in 1994 when he starred as the commitment-phobic Dr. Doug Ross in a medical drama. A star was born, and George has become one of Hollywood’s hottest A-list leading men. Despite his fortune, he has never lost sight of the world’s disadvantaged. He uses his celebrity to promote LGBT rights and assist individuals in political and environmental disasters.

Tom Cruise | Born in 1962

Tom Cruise has done it all for decades, from his teen idol days in the early 1980s to his current status as a marquee-lighting leading man. He has completed impossible missions, driven the highway to the danger zone in Top Gun, and done wonders for Bob Seger’s royalty statements in Risky Business.

The actor wanted to be a priest as a child and even enrolled at a Franciscan seminary. However, once there, the acting bug bit. Cruise scored his first job in a Franco Zeffirelli film, Endless Love, and was at the top of every director’s wish list within five years. On the other hand, he has a reputation for wanting to be involved in whatever he does. He’s always wanted to do more than act. With box office credits like Mission Impossible, Cruise increased his remuneration to about $15 million for each film, making him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. He became one of the few celebrities who could ask for and receive a cut of the revenues.

Nicole Kidman | Born in 1967

Nicole Kidman is stunning and hilarious, not to mention highly skilled. When it comes to the actress, there isn’t a single wrong term to use. Kidman has been wowing the world on screen for decades and continues to soar to new heights, taking on new, challenging roles that remind us why we like her so much.

The actress was born in the Hawaiian city of Honolulu in 1967 and raised in Sydney, Australia. Her father was a biochemist. Therefore, she focused on academics when she was younger. Kidman has known since she was a child that a career in the arts is her destiny, so she kept working hard and was eventually discovered at Sydney’s Phillip Street Theatre. When she starred in the psychological film Dead Calm in 1989, her fortunes began to change. She’s now a regular on the A-list, having starred in several critically praised credits and television series.

Brad Pitt | Born in 1963

We understand if you’ve been a fan of Brad Pitt for a long time. Why not? The actor has been in the limelight following his breakout role in Thelma & Louise in 1991 and appeared in blockbusters like Ocean’s Eleven, Troy, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It’s reasonable to say that Pitt has had a significant impact on the film business, which continues today.

He worked several occupations to supplement his income before deciding to pursue acting full-time. He drove limos, moved refrigerators, and even dressed up as a giant chicken for a local restaurant. He began his acting career with Roy London, and his early performances confirmed his remarkable degree of talent as an actor at the time. His breakthrough came in Thelma and Louise, in which he received 14 minutes of screen time while portraying a cowboy. He has stated that he will be focusing on some roles shortly, but he is focused on film production and keeping behind the scenes for the time being.

Chris Hemsworth | Born in 1983

It didn’t take long for Hollywood to understand Chris Hemsworth was a star in the making, but Australia clung to him for years. From humble beginnings to a lead with massive investments, he indeed has come a long way.

Hemsworth desired to carve out a niche for himself in the film and television industries. He made his acting debut in Star Trek. Hemsworth starred in the thriller A Perfect Getaway and the indie feature Ca$h after appearing in this box office triumph. Continuing on that path, he got the highly sought-after role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2011. Since then, Hemsworth has reprised his role as Thor Odinson, playing in some of the highest-grossing films of all time. The actor has amassed massive financial worth, terrific acting chops, unbelievably good looks, a stunning family, and an utterly dreamy lifestyle.

Kristen Stewart | Born in 1990

By the time Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga hit theaters in 2008, readers had already fallen in love with bookish Bella Swan on the page. Kristen Stewart has changed dramatically during her time in the spotlight. She’s starred in several independent films, directed a blockbuster trilogy, and established herself as a fashion icon.

Stewart’s career took off after she co-starred in the film Panic Room. She grew up in the entertainment world and was excited to pursue her dream of being a performer. The actress also starred in Catch That Kid, Zathura: A Space Adventure, and Into The Wild. However, it was in 2008 that she landed the job that would change the course of her career. After the Twilight saga, Stewart was keen to return to her artistic origins. She strung her film investments with Certain Women, Personal Shopper, and the romantic comedy Happiest Season.

Daniel Craig | Born in 1968

Many believed Craig was over after Spectre. His own words said it all when he admitted he was fatigued from donning the renowned tuxedo. However, with the release date set for the franchise’s 25th film, Craig is back.

When he was six years old, he caught the acting bug and was soon performing in school plays, credits to his mother’s encouragement. Craig got his start in Hollywood with supporting roles in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the critically praised Road To Perdition. Two years later, he starred in the critically praised gangster film Layer Cake. His significant acting experience helped him catch the attention of the Bond franchise creators, who were looking for a new 007 for Casino Royale. While starring roles in The Jacket and Munich had begun to solidify his rising star status, the position as James Bond signaled a new beginning on the A-list for the largely unknown actor.

Ryan Reynolds | Born in 1976

Ryan Reynolds will go down in memory as one of Hollywood’s most hunky heartthrobs, and he’s had that famous degree of fame for decades. His transformation emphasizes how captivating his life is, and his journey appears to get more astounding as the years pass.

Reynolds grew up in Vancouver, Canada, before becoming a Hollywood heavyweight. He turned to theater, and at the age of 12, he won his first professional acting role. From 1991 to 1993, Reynolds starred in the drama Fifteen. He then appeared in a few minor roles, including a 1996 guest appearance on The X-Files. His choice to relocate to Hollywood paid off, as Ryan rapidly landed a humorous role in television. His part earned him recognition, and he went on to act in the romantic comedy Van Wilder in 2002. Reynolds shifted his concentration to films when the sitcom’s third season ended in 2001. He acquired his A-list fame after playing the mercenary Deadpool in the mega-hit film X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Hugh Jackman | Born in 1968

Hugh Jackman has gained the label of “A-lister” since his professional acting debut in the Australian drama Law of the Land and his first appearance in X-Men. Despite spending most of the film concealed behind some seriously odd hair, he found himself and his much-photographed face a popular commodity in Hollywood.

Jackman only began to consider acting as a career after taking his first theater class to meet credit requirements during his last year at the University of Technology Sydney. Soon after, he landed roles in television shows like Correlli and Blue Heelers. In the same year he played Curly in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, he made his feature film debut in Paperback Hero. He made his screen debut as Wolverine in the Marvel Comics movie X-Men a year later, doing justice to the mutant with steel claws and a terrible attitude.

Kate Middleton | Born in 1982

It’s impossible to deny that Kate Middleton is the total package. She has grown into a loving duchess, wife, and mother, but she’s about to embark on the next phase of her life. Middleton is set to become queen one day because her husband is second in succession to the British throne.

Looking back, her family ran a party supply business in Bucklebury, Berkshire, and she grew up in a humble home there. Middleton went to the famous Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England, credits to the success of that company and family inheritance. She pursued her education at the University of St. Andrews, where she met Prince William. They started dating, but it wasn’t until they were photographed together in Switzerland in 2004 that their relationship became public. The royal wedding took place in 2011, which bestowed her the title of Duchess of Cambridge.

Megan Fox | Born 1986

Megan Fox found herself working as a model when she was just 13, but she always dreamed of becoming an actress growing up. She was able to get a taste for it after she landed a role in Holiday in the Sun. Fox also appeared in TV shows like Two and a Half Men. The actress confessed when she was 17 that she was always cast as the villain because of her looks. In 2004, she landed a recurring role in the TV sitcom, Hope & Faith.

It was in Transformers that helped Fox make a mark in the entertainment industry, especially after it became a top grossing film. She continued trying her hand in various roles, including comedy in the film This is 40. Aside from that, the actress took on a more serious role of being a mother to her children with Brian Austin Green. Fox has put a lot of investments to her acting that helped her take on more versatile roles in her career.

Benedict Cumberbatch | Born 1976

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch may be one of the hottest commodities today in Hollywood, but did you know that he struggled to make it big in the entertainment industry? The actor has a degree in drama which he put to good use by performing in theaters but getting into the screen was tough. He started out by getting small guest roles in shows like Heartbeat and Tipping the Velvet. He was able to make it to star in the film Atonement, which was then followed by The Other Boleyn Girl.

It was in the BBC series Sherlock that the actor truly shone. He was nominated several times and won one back in 2014. This was the beginning of his highly successful career on film. Among his films included 12 Years as a Slave, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Star Trek: Into Darkness, and The Imitation Game just to name a few. Aside from his rising success in Hollywood, Cumberbatch is also using his celebrity status to do more charity work.

Blake Lively | Born 1987

Blake Lively has certainly changed over the years. Growing up in a family of entertainers, it is not surprising that she will have the knack for acting too. The actress gave credit to her brother Eric, for being instrumental to her entering Hollywood. Her breakout role came in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Though she did have other projects at this point, it was Gossip Girl which helped improve her status in Hollywood. She gained plenty of accolades for her roles in Private Lives of Pippa Lee as well as in The Town. It was in The Green Lantern where she met her future husband, Ryan Reynolds.

From there, Lively’s career in Hollywood just went up. She bagged roles in The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and The Rhythm Section just to name a few. The actress has certainly chosen her roles well, with her biggest being the mother of three daughters. For sure, Lively is not yet done with Hollywood as her stellar performances are still being sought after by her fans across the globe.

Chris Pratt | 1979

Chris Pratt has certainly made an impression with his character in Parks and Recreation. However, the actor had a humble beginning before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs. He was discovered while working as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. He was then cast in Cursed Part 3. He became a regular in Everwood, but when it was cancelled, he became part of The O.C. It was his role as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation that made him a household name.

From there, Pratt experienced quite a lot of changes to his personal and professional career. After cutting down his weight and becoming buff, to becoming Star-Lord in The Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt has shown everyone that his fame is just starting. He has appeared in other MCU movies too which helped add to his growing investment money. He will soon be appearing in The Tomorrow War which will also be his directorial debut.

Jennifer Aniston | Born 1969

Jennifer Aniston became a household name when she starred in the sitcom Friends. The actress had her start in the TV series Ferris Bueller, where she starred as Jeannie Bueller. At 24, her first film role was in Leprechaun. It seems the actress found her lucky charm from the movie because shortly after, she got casted as Rachel in what would be the most popular TV show. Aniston went on to make more movies such as Picture Perfect, Bruce Almighty, Along Came Polly, and more.

The actress even got married to hunk Brad Pitt, though their marriage did not last long. However, Aniston continued to make a splash in the entertainment industry by taking on more projects that showed off her versatility on screen. With working with co-stars like Gerard Butler, Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, and more, the actress has certainly proved that she had come a long way in her career. With her investments in real estate, she is showing that she is quite capable of taking care of herself on her own.

 

Tom Hanks | Born 1956

Hollywood A-lister Tom Hanks has proven time and time again why he is one of the greatest actors of our time. From his film Big, he went on to star in blockbusters like Sleepless in Seattle, Toy Story, You’ve Got Mail, Cast Away, and The Da Vinci Code, among others. He has received numerous accolades including Best Actor for his work in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.

Hank has also showed the world that he is a great director. Among the films that he has credit for are That Thing You Do!, Cast Away, The Polar Express, and Saving Private Ryan. He is married to actress Rita Wilson and has four children. Hanks has an impressive real estate portfolio to his name and with the actor far from retiring, it is possible that his net worth will go up significantly over the years.

Kate Winslet | Born 1975

Kate Winslet put in a lot of work on her acting to be where she is today. Her breakthrough film, Heavenly Creatures, earned her numerous praises for her acting, even though it was emotionally draining for the star. She followed this up with the film, Sense and Sensibility, where critics were quick to notice an improvement to how she portrayed the character. It was the film Titanic that sealed the deal for the rising star. With her global stardom, she now had the chance to explore more roles.

The actress found herself starring in numerous historical dramas which prompted her to try new roles like in the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. With the director giving her free rein over her character, she showed a different side to her that impressed her fans and critics alike. To her credit, Winslet has been improving her skills on screen which makes her one of the best stars to watch out for in our time.

Natalie Portman | Born 1981

Natalie Portman has established herself as a bona fide actress today which has always been her dream growing up. The actress started out when she was just 12 years old in the film Leon: The Professional, where she was noticed for her acting. She followed this up with Star Wars trilogy, which received harsh criticism. Fortunately, she was able to redeem herself with the film Cold Mountain.

The actress took a break from her career to focus on her studies. She earned her degree in psychology from Harvard before rekindling her acting career. Aside from taking on more roles, Portman was also nominated and eventually won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in Black Swan. Aside from that, she also got to meet her now-husband, Benjamin Millepied, while on the set. It seems that the actress has gained more from the movie than an award.

Kate Beckinsale | Born 1973

Underworld star Kate Beckinsale has put herself on the radar of many movie goers starting with her breakthrough film Much Ado About Nothing. She followed this up with movies like Pearl Harbor, The Aviator, as well as Click. Thanks to her role as Selene in Underworld, Beckinsale found herself doing more action movies like Total Recall and Van Helsing. This doesn’t mean that she was typecast into anything since she has proven that she can take on any roles.

Beckinsale received plenty of accolades with her performance in Love & Friendship, but it seems that the actress is leaning towards doing more TV projects like Prisoner’s Daughter and The Widow. Though she hasn’t been acting much lately, she is still earning her keep with numerous brand endorsements. To her credit, the actress has earned an impressive net worth already to keep her living comfortably.

Bradley Cooper | Born 1975

Bradley Cooper was already a heartthrob growing up. This is not surprising given that his blue eyes and roguish smile are enough to gain attention when needed. He once sported a shaggy blonde hair, but when he appeared with short hair that was dyed brown, he started gaining more attention for his good looks. However, that’s not all, Cooper was able to land a guest role in a famous HBO series, which was later followed by his debut film, Wet Hot American Summer. He appeared in its sequel too.

It was in 2005 when the actor’s career went up thanks to his comedy film Wedding Crashers. His breakthrough role was in The Hangover, where he caught the attention of critics. Needless to say, Cooper has gone on to make more blockbuster films like The A-Team, Limitless, Silver Linings Playbook, and A Star is Born. He must have a financial adviser to guide him through his purchases because he has an interesting real estate portfolio.

Edward Norton | Born 1969

Edward Norton moved to New York to focus on his acting career. While doing odd jobs, he found himself working in theaters where he wrote scripts for plays and acting them too. His first ever film was Primal Fear where he was nominated for both the Oscars and Golden Globe. Though he made additional films after, it was in American History X that he made a mark not only to his audience but to his critics as well.

It was in the later part of the 1990s that Norton’s career truly blossomed. His role in Fight Club earned him several nominations. Aside from acting, the actor also put some of his investment money into producing films. Though some of his works flopped in the movie house, he still has a long list of films to his name that added to his credibility as an actor. Norton may have slowed down a bit lately, but this doesn’t mean that we won’t be seeing him any time soon.

Orlando Bloom | Born 1977

The then-unknown actor Orlando Bloom did not realize that starring as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings trilogy would propel him to the limelight. The three films went on to receive numerous nominations and awards and remains to be one of his highest grossing movies to date. After his time with LOTR, Bloom went on to become one of the stars in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Needless to say, it raked in millions of dollars and made him quite famous to say the least.

Aside from reprising his role in The Hobbit franchise, he was also in other films like Troy, Elizabethtown, Kingdom of Heaven, The Three Musketeers, and Romans. However, these movies did not have the same success as the previous franchises. The actor has stepped back somewhat from acting because he has become a UNICEF ambassador. To his credit, he is playing a much more serious role and that is being a father to his children.

Adam Sandler | Born 1966

Adam Sandler is a natural when it comes to comedy. At just 17 years old, he landed a role in the hit TV series The Cosby Show. His first ever film was Going Overboard, which did not do well but is still loved by the actor. Sandler later was hired to write for Saturday Night Live before he started to star in some of the sketches. A good deal of his work was well received by the cast and the fans of the show. His success in the TV show helped open more opportunities for him like Airheads.

Aside from being an all-around funny guy, Sandler also won the hearts of his audience with his performance in The Wedding Singer. It was also here where the start of his collaboration with Drew Barrymore started. Though he is often doing comedic films, he gets to play more mature roles like being a father, which he is in real life. The good news is that Sandler’s investments in his career has helped him carve a niche for himself in the entertainment industry.

Matt Damon | Born 1970

Matt Damon has established himself as an A-lister in Hollywood along with his childhood friend Ben Affleck. The breakthrough that he and his best friend was looking for in Hollywood came in the form of Good Will Hunting, which they co-wrote. This helped them become overnight sensations. He followed his success with films like The Rainmaker, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Saving Private Ryan. Damon established himself as a serious actor after landing a role in the Ocean’s trilogy which also helped him earn more investment money.

Of course, his role as Jason Bourne in the Bourne franchise must be mentioned here because it helped him show off his martial arts moves. Aside from acting, Damon likes to produce too. He was the one who produced Project Greenlight, where first-time filmmakers were allowed to showcase their work. It seems that he has more projects to work on these days.

Will Smith | Born 1968

American actor Will Smith has been in the spotlight for decades now, but the actor’s career doesn’t seem to be fading at all.
From a very young age, he knew that he wanted to be a rapper. Smith skipped on getting a college degree and became an MC for the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince from 1985 to 1992. From 1993 to 1997, he focused much of his attention on his solo music as well as his acting career. During this time, he rose to superstardom through the show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Today, Smith is one of the wealthiest and sought-after talents in all of Hollywood. From music and acting, he expanded his reach by venturing into executive production and direction. Like him, his children, Willow and Jaden, also decided to venture into the entertainment industry.

Penelope Cruz | Born 1974

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz was born in Madrid, Spain, on April 28, 1974. She started her career as an actress at 16, debuting in the 1992 film Jamón Jamón. Cruz continued making films in her home country of Spain before breaking through in the international film scene in the early 2000s. She later became a bonafide Hollywood actress when she earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Now 47 years old, Cruz is yet to show any signs of slowing down. Besides her projects in the United States, she still receives acting credits from Spanish films. She also continues to model for famous brands like L’Oreal and Carpisa. On top of that, the actress also gets involved in a couple of philanthropical works relating to AIDS prevention, animal rights, and child welfare. Cruz is also a mother to two children and is currently married to actor Javier Bardem.

Channing Tatum | Born 1980

Channing Tatum is an American actor best known for his roles in the film Step Up, Magic Mike, and Dear John. He was born in Cullman, Alabama, to an airline worker mother and construction professional father.
During the earlier years of his adult life, Tatum worked in construction and fixed people’s roofing. He later quit that job and moved to Miami, where he was scouted to be a dancer. After that, Tatum appeared in a few music videos before modeling and eventually acting. Over the years, he also became known for his high-profile relationship with former co-star Jenna Dewan. Unfortunately, the couple split back in 2019. Nowadays, Tatum is focusing his attention on maintaining his career and his production company. If you didn’t know, the actor is the proud owner of two production companies, Iron Horse Productions and 33andOut Productions.

Pierce Brosnan | Born 1953

68-year-old Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor best known for bringing the infamous James Bond to life from 1995 to 2002. He has also starred in Mamma Mia! and Mrs. Doubtfire.
The actor left school at 16 years old and skipped getting a college degree in order to pursue his passion for acting. After attending the Drama Centre in London, Brosnan quickly nabbed a role in the American series Remington Steele. Since then, the actor started receiving more and more offers, mainly in the genre of action. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential actors of his generation and was even awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That’s not all, though! The actor also chose to use his platform for good and is currently working with charitable organizations like UNICEF to support the well-being of underprivileged children worldwide.

Halle Berry | Born 1966

Halle Berry is, without a doubt, one of the most brilliant and stunning actresses in the industry. However, her path didn’t always point in that direction.
The actress initially started her career in the pageant industry. After winning some of the most prestigious titles in the United States, Berry ventured into modeling and landed herself a couple coveted campaigns. She eventually snagged some minor acting credits before breaking through in the 1992 film Boomerang. However, outside of her acting career, Berry became known for her love life. The actress has been involved with a couple of known celebrities like Eric Benet, Olivier Martinez, and Gabriel Aubry. Today, the actress is dating American singer Van Hunt. She is now 54 years old, but job offers still keep on piling. In fact, she has two movies slated for release sometime next year.

Anne Hathaway | Born 1982

American actress Anne Hathaway has undoubtedly come a long way from her Princess Diaries days and is now one of the most renowned actresses in the industry. She is best known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada, Les Misérables, and Interstellar.
The actress was born on November 12, 1982, to a lawyer father and an actress mother. As a child of a former actress, it was only natural that Hathaway would follow suit. She started acting in her school’s local plays and later moved her way up to the Barrow Group Theater Company. Although she tried to pursue a college education, Hathaway eventually decided to drop out in favor of her acting career. That decision came after she bagged the role of Mia Thermophilis in 2001’s Princess Diaries. Her decision definitely paid off as she is now an Academy Award-winning actress with several projects lined up for the coming years.

Julia Roberts | Born 1967

Pretty Woman leading lady Julia Roberts has been in the business for over three decades now, but the star doesn’t look a day older than when we met her 34 years ago. She was born in Smyrna, Georgia, on October 28, 1967. The actress’ parents were also, at some point, actors and writers. They met while working for stage productions of the United States Armed Forces long before Roberts was born.
The actress was exposed to the world of performative arts from a very young age. When the 1980s came along, Roberts was already earning a few minor credits from films like Satisfaction. However, her big break came when she was asked to star in the classic chick flick Pretty Woman opposite the dashing Richard Gere. Roberts proved herself over and over again since then. Today, she is an Academy Award-winning actress with a production company to boot.

Daniel Radcliffe | Born 1989

British actor Daniel Radcliffe brought Harry Potter to life for over ten years, that it’s basically impossible for people not to know him. The Harry Potter franchise may have ended back in 2011, but the actor’s grip on pop culture is still firm even today.
Radcliffe was born in the Hammersmith district of London on July 23, 1989. He was the only child of two former child actors. Like his parents, Radcliffe also expressed a keen interest in acting, starting at the age of five. He debuted in the 2001 film The Tailor of Panama and was later asked to audition for an upcoming fantasy film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. That acting credit later launched the young actor into a decade-long career as “The Boy Who Lived.” Nowadays, Radcliffe mainly stars in more serious independent films and gets involve in few advocacy campaigns. He’s still active in the industry, but he prefers to have a more low-profile presence.

Jessica Alba | Born 1981

American actress-turned-entrepreneur Jessica Alba was born on April 28, 1981, to Catherine Louisa and Mark David Alba. Her father was an officer in the United States Air Force, which meant that the actress moved around a lot when she was younger. After graduating high school, Alba pursued an acting career by attending the Atlantic Theater Company.
She earned a few minor acting credits and a few modeling jobs at the start of her career, but her big break came when she was cast to play Max Guevara in the sci-fi series Dark Angel. She would then go on to star in a plethora of different films ranging from light-hearted romantic comedies to action-packed superhero movies. However, despite the success that she was enjoying as an actress, Alba set her sights on a different path: business. The actress founded her business, The Honest Company, in 2012 and has been working on it non-stop until today.

Keanu Reeves | Born 1964

Keanu Reeves is a Canadian actor best known for his character Neo in The Matrix. He was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 2, 1964, to an English mother and a Hawaiian father. Growing up, Reeves mainly relied on his mother after his father left the family when he was a toddler. He pursued ice hockey during his teenage years but ultimately decided to abandon his Olympic dreams in exchange for an acting career.
Reeves also skipped getting a degree and started auditioning for roles when he was around 17 to 18 years old. He gained further prominence during the 1990s and even starred alongside Patrick Swayze, Gary Busey, and Lori Petty in the film Point Break. Reeves endured a series of highs and lows throughout his 37-year career, and today, he is experiencing a career resurgence, thanks to his role as the titular character in the John Wick franchise.

Monica Bellucci | Born 1964

Monica Bellucci is an acclaimed Italian actress and model known for her roles in the films The Apartment, The Matrix Reloaded, and The Passion of Christ. She began her career as a teen model back when she was only thirteen. However, she later tried to pursue a degree in law but left to model in Milan, Paris, and New York. She also worked with several high-end brands and magazines like Dolce & Gabbana, Elle, and Esquire.
Later on, Bellucci made the jump into film acting and starred in La Riffa and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The actress is still pretty active in the industry today, although she does like to keep her privacy. If you are a fan of Bellucci, you are in luck because the gorgeous actress has a couple of movies on the way. For now, you might want to binge-watch some of her most famous projects from the past.