Celebrity Yearbooks Photos That Prove Not Everyone Peaked in High School

Lucy Hale

Wow! Can you believe the little girl in this picture grows up to be a star in Pretty Little Liars? Lucy Hale looks adorable here with the classic late 90s/early 00s bangs, which she even made a comment about. When Lucy shared this picture on her Instagram account, she captioned it with, “Throwback to when my bangs were bigger than my head.” It’s hard to believe the celebrities we look up to today could ever be this young. Good thing we have photographic evidence!

Zac Efron

Seeing these two pictures side by side really puts things into perspective! On the left, you can see Zac Efron sporting the classic bowl look of the 90s, with rounded cheeks, and a small gap between his front teeth. He’s the picture of youth and adolescence! On the right is the Zac Efron you know today! What a difference a decade makes. The young man on the left grew to be an icon through his early project High School Musical. It’s still the project he’s best known for despite starring in many other hits like 17 Again and The Lucky One.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele is rocking the teen years in this picture. She looks like she’s having the time of her life and has big dreams for the future. Those dreams came true for Michele with her role on the hit tv series Glee. Acting and singing were in Lea’s soul as she began performing on Broadway as a child. Lea starred in multiple productions as a young girl, including Fiddler on the Roof, Spring Awakening, and Ragtime. Those early skills got her recognized and allowed her to become the star she is today!

Demi Lovato

Demi looks fabulous in their middle school yearbook picture on the left! They have wide eyes full of hope and a smile that could light up any room. Demi became a major star as a child while performing on the tv series Barney and her fame only skyrocketed from there. Demi played in several major Disney products, such as Camp Rock and Sonny With A Chance. Like many celebrities who grew up in the limelight, Demi struggled for some time, but we’re happy to hear the star appears to be doing well now and living their best life!

Bruno Mars

Of course, Bruno Mars would rock his yearbook photo in a tux! This man has always been classy, even during the awkward teen years. We give him major bonus points for setting up the backlighting in a way that provides a halo effect. Now 37, Bruno Mars has become a musical sensation with notable hits like “When I Was Your Man” and “Locked Out of Heaven.” We wonder if he knew the success he was destined for back when this picture was taken!

Josh Hutcherson

The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson rocked his teen yearbook photo on the left. He looks happy, full of youth, and ready for whatever the future may hold! Josh’s early life revolved around pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was 9 to help him achieve this dream, and Josh spent his youth performing in several tv series. Once he was cast in The Hunger Games Josh’s fame skyrocketed!

Niki Minaj

Niki Minaj looks amazing in this high school yearbook photo. Niki’s yearbook quote reads, “To survive is to stay alive in the face of opposition.” This famous quote by Lauryn Hill suggests Minaj had some deep thoughts back in high school, and the strength she found in these quotes helped her succeed regardless of any obstacles she encountered! Niki Minaj has become a pop sensation with smash hits like “Super Freaky Girl” and “Bang Bang.”

Colton Haynes

It’s nearly impossible to recognize the Arrow star in this old yearbook photo! He had the classic bowl cut and the lop-sided grin that many of us sported during the 90s, and he looks super unimpressed in this picture. Colton would go on to become a major star in the hit tv series Teen Wolf and Arrow. He even made a comeback for The Teen Wolf Movie to reprise his role as Jackson Whittmore!

Selena Gomez

It’s not too hard to recognize this star in her yearbook photo, but that’s because she grew up in the limelight. Selena starred in several major Disney productions like The Suite Life of Zak and Cody and Hannah Montana. She’s best known for her role in Wizards of Waverly Place and Selena is now focusing on her music career. She’s put out great hits, including “Love You Like A Love Song” and “The Heart Wants What It Wants.”

Ariana Grande

Wow, Ariana Grande looks way different in this picture without her signature high ponytail and crop top style! She looks like the picture of innocence in this high school throwback, and it’s crazy to think she grew up to become the pop icon we know and love today! Ariana is an amazing singer and songwriter who loves performing with others in the pop space, including Niki Minaj and Iggy Azalea.

Katy Perry

The difference between this photo and recent pictures of Kay Perry is truly shocking! This picture was taken by when Katy Perry went by Katy Hudson, and she absolutely rocked the short, layered cut popular in the 90s. Katy became a pop sensation in 2008 when her hit single “I Kissed A Girl” reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. She’s released several impressive numbers since then, including “Dark Horse” and “California Gurls.”

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick looks adorable in this high school yearbook photo! She’s giving the camera a look that says she knows she’s destined for greatness, and she has certainly achieved that dream! After her start in the massively popular Twilight series, Anna made a name for herself starring in several popular movies, including Pitch Perfect and A Simple Favor.

Drake

Long before Drake became a well-known rapper, he attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute in Toronto. Looking at this picture, it’s hard to believe he grew up to become the hard core rapper we know today! Drake knew he was destined for bigger and better things, so he dropped out at age 15 and began starring in the hit tv series Degrassi: The Next Generation. It’s hard to believe Drake used to play such a layered character on that show before blasting off into rapper fame. His hit songs “God’s Plan” and “Rich Flex” clearly proved he has what it takes to make it in the music industry.

Adam Levine

The face in this picture bears little resemblance to the lead singer of Maroon 5 that pop fans have been swooning over for several years! Adam is the picture of innocence here with a bright smile and eyes that say he’s ready to take on the world. Adam attended Brentwood, where he would meet his future bandmates. That kismet meeting lead to the formation of a band that would become one of the most highly regarded pop bands in the US during the 2010s!

Andy Samberg

Andy Samberg is totally pulling off the long wavy hair look in this throwback photo. His high school years were spent at Berkley High where he pursued his interests in the school’s drama department. Following his educational years, Samberg shot into the spotlight with performances on Saturday Night Live. Samberg threw his all into becoming a comedian and he is a member of the acclaimed comedy music group The Lonely Island.

Anna Faris

Look at the bangs in this picture! Anna Faris looks very different as the teen pictured in this photo than she does today as a critically acclaimed actress. Her high school years don’t look nearly as awkward as some stars’, but there’s still that adolescent shyness shining through in this photo. Faris is known for her roles in the horror/comedy series Scary Movie and the comedy The Bunny House.

Beyonce

If you wanted to see a picture of a celeb that’s hard to recognize, then this is the ultimate example of how much some people change after high school. Beyonce still looks gorgeous in this picture, but there’s a softness to her expression that is rarely seen these days. Beyonce is a fierce pop legend, and her hit singles, “Halo” and “Single Ladies” will forever make this star’s voice easily recognizable. She’s become a pop idol and has a far more sophisticated style than she did back then!

Bruce Willis

It’s crazy to see Bruce Willis looking so young and dapper with this classic 70s hairstyle! Bruce is well-known for his role in the Die Hard series, but he rose to stardom many years earlier. In 1985, Willis landed a leading role in the hit comedy-drama series Moonlighting and that role opened up worlds of opportunities for him. Along with the Die Hard series, Bruce is known for his roles in Pulp Fiction and The Sixth Sense.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen is an American model who started out as just an average Jane. She looks just like any other awkward teen in this adorable photo, but today she’s an accomplished model who’s worked with huge companies. Chrissy made her modelling debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010, and has also co-hosted a popular musical competition series called Lip Synch Battle.

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford’s early life was fairly normal. She graduated from Dekalb High School as valedictorian in 1984. Cindy did some modeling work for a local clothing store during her teen years, and developed a passion for the modeling industry. She became a popular supermodel during the late 80s and early 90s. Ms. Crawford’s face featured on the front of several popular magazines and she modeled in multiple high-profile runway shows. Eventually, Cindy left the runways behind and moved toward acting and business ventures.

Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien was born in Brookline, Massachussettes and was raised within an Irish Catholic family. He attended Brookline High School where he served as the editor of the school’s paper, The Sagamore. O’Brien was also a congressional intern for Congressman Barney Frank during his senior year. After his schooling, Conan O’Brien became famous for hosting late night talk shows, beginning with Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1993. O’Brien was also a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.

Fergie

Before Fergie became a famous singer, she was known as Stacey Ann Ferguson. Fergie’s early life was filled with ambition while pursuing an education at Glen A. Wilson High School. During her teen years, Fergie was a cheerleader, Girl Scout, straight-A student, and spelling bee champion. After high school, Fergie found success in the group The Black Eye’d Peas. Following her success within that group, Fergie went solo and released several hit singles, including, “Fergalicious” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

George Clooney

George Clooney is nearly unrecognizable in this picture featuring a classic bowl cut and large, wire-rimmed glasses. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky and raised in a strict Roman Catholic family. George played baseball and basketball while attending Augusta High School after his family moved to Augusta, Kentucky and was an above average student. After his educational years, George Clooney made a name for himself as a talented actor on popular tv show ER. George went to the big screen after his television debut and gained massive popularity from his roles in the Ocean’s film series and Batman & Robin.

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani attended Loara High School in Fullerton, California and graduated in 1987. She has the classic wide-eyed, hopeful look of adolescence in this picture, as though she knew her future looked bright. Gwen looks very different today with her long hair, vibrant style, and flashy makeup. Gwen changed her look after co-founding the band No Doubt, which produced several hit singles, including “Hollaback Girl” and “Rich Girl.”

Matt Damon

Matt Damon looks adorable in this photo with his side-swept hair and leather jacket. This was the height of fashion during the late 80s while Damon attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Damon performed in several theater productions during his high school years where he honed his skills and love of acting. After schooling, Damon went on to perform in dozens of critically acclaimed feature films, including the Ocean’s Triligoy and Saving Private Ryan. Damon became a so well-known and successful that he was named one of Forbes’ Most Bankable Stars!

Jennifer Lawerance

Jennifer Lawerance looks so young and sweet in this high school yearbook picture! This is the age her character Katniss Everdeen was supposed to be in the film series that shot Jennifer into stardom, The Hunger Games. Imagine how different that film would be if Jennifer had played that role while she was actually 16! Ms. Lawerance is known for far more than The Hunger Games these days. She’s also well-known for her role in the X-Men series and for her awkward, humble appearances on many talk shows!

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx looks classy in his high school yearbook picture with the suit jacket over his shoulder and his tie on perfectly straight. Jamie Foxx attended Terrell High School, where he achieved excellent grades while playing basketball and football. Foxx was already known for his comedic tendencies throughout his school years, and he was also a part-time pianist and choir lead for his local Baptist church. Foxx is now a Grammy Award-winning musician, and a respected actor who’s starred in big films like Jarhead. Jamie was given his own comedy show, The Jamie Foxx Show, which ran from 1996-2001.

Justin Bieber

The Canadian pop-star looks very adorable wearing his school’s colors in this high school yearbook picture. His hair looks a little untamed in this photo, but Justin has a whole different style these days! With short-cropped hair and various tattoos, the Justin Bieber of today bears very little resemblance to the youngster in this photo. Justin’s singing career began at the tender age of 13, and he’s come a long way since then. The young artist began performing with Usher before embarking on a solo career. He’s released dozens of hits since then, including “Baby” and “Love Yourself.”

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg, whose birth name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., looks absolutely adorable in this photo. He has the wide, carefree grin that frequently comes out during interviews today and a full suit that just adds to the dapperness of this picture. Snoop Dogg began rapping in sixth grade, and continued practicing his lyrical skills all throughout high school. Unfortunately, Snoop ran into trouble with the law multiple times as an adolescent and was part of the Crips gang in the Eastside neighborhood of Long Beach. Snoop Dogg’s career began in 1993, working with Dr. Dre after the famous rapper heard a home recorded tape of Snoop Dogg freestyling. After that fortuitous meeting, Snoop Dogg became a famous rapper in his own right with several hit singles, including “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Bad Decisions.”

Meghan Markle

Look at how happy Meghan looks in her white cap and gown! Meghan looks like your average teen girl here, but she was definitely destined for big things. Meghan graduated from Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girl Catholic school, in 1999. Following her schooling and college, Meghan spent some time as an actress, and her biggest role was on the hit series Suits. Meghan began a relationship with Price Harry in 2016, and the two got engaged the following year. Their wedding was highly publicized, and Meghan decided to quit acting when Price Harry proposed. Talk about a fairytale ending!

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert looks like your typical adolescent in this picture with his wild hair, braces, and awkward smile. Stephen attended Episcopal Porter-Gaud School, where he performed in several theater productions and contributed to the school newspaper. Today, Stephen is known as an excellent comedian and talk show legend. He hosted The Colbert Report from 2005-2014 and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert beginning in 2015.

Oprah

Oprah looks stunning in this black-and-white yearbook picture from her high school years. She’s sporting a classic early 70s hairstyle, peace sign earrings, and a cute choker, showing she had a handle on simple, in-trend styles even from a young age. Oprah graduated from East Nashville High School where she participated in her high school speech team. Following high school, Oprah began working at a local radio station. Eventually, she began hosting her own talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which catapulted Oprah into fame.

Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon looks very different in his high school year book photo! He has a the soft, bright face of youth in this photo, but the Jimmy Fallon we know and love today looks as though he’s lived a full life and learned plenty from it. Jimmy attended Saugerties High School, and his teen years were filled with pursuing his passion. Jimmy learned to play guitar at age 13 and frequently impressed his peers and parents with his comedic skits and impressions. Jimmy had always dreamed of appearing on Saturday Night Live and he finally acceived that dream in 1998.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian looks like a completely different person in this picture! Her face is more heart shaped and less angular here, and her hairstyle is world’s away from how the reality tv star wears it these days. Kim attended Marymount High School, which is an all-girls Catholic high school in Los Angeles. Kim Kardashian rose to fame slowly, beginning with working as a stylist for Paris Hilton, who was a childhood friend of Kim’s. She eventually starred in the hit reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, through which she amassed a large following.

Kanye West

Wow! The rapper we know today looks very different from the Kanye West featured in this photo. We all know Kanye West has been rather outspoken in the media lately, but that’s just who the star has always been. Those who knew West from a young age know he’s always had something to say. West began writing poetry at only five years old, and began rapping in the seventh grade. His unique ability to put his feelings and perspective into words translated into a long-lasting musical career that he’s still enjoying today.

Kate Moss

Look at how adorable Kate Moss looks in this school photo! With her prominent freckles, wavy hair, and cherub smile, Kate radiates childhood innocence. Today, the British model has a far more refined and stylish look. She’s often seen with the best color and hair cut, gorgeous clothes, and a smile that lights up the room. Kate Moss found massive success in the modeling industry, despite coming into the field at the end of the supermodel era. She’s a cultural icon for British fashion, and is a contributing fashion editor for British Vouge to this day!

Matthew McConaughey

Look at Matthew McConaughey in his dapper suit with a huge grin in this picture! He looks like he’s having a blast while this yearbook photo was taken. McConaughey originally aspired to go to law school after graduating high school, but he decided his true passion lied with acting instead. Matthew’s breakout role in Dazed and Confused shot him into the limelight, and he starred in several big box productions after that film acheieved massive success. McConaughey is best known for his roles in Interstellar and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez looks gorgeous in this yearbook picture with her short-cropped hair and minimalst jewelry, both of which were massive fashion trends in the 90s. Her yearbook quote, “What a lovely dream come true to love someone who loves you,” shows the passionate side she discovered in high school. J.Lo is well known for her impressive acting, singing, and dancing skills, making this women quite the triple threat! She’s best known for impressive curves that she frequently shows off during her dance numbers.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn does not look impressed in this yearbook photo! He has the sad eyes and side-swept hair representative of the grungy teen phase many adolescents experience. Sean graduated from Santa Monica High School and immediately began pursuing his dream of becoming a professional actor. He’s best known for his roles in Into the Wild and Mystic River.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leo is looking fine in this yearbook photo! His gorgeous hair and mischievous smile say this teen knew he was destined for greatness! Leo knew he was destined to become an actor and made his first stage performance at the tender age of two! Leonardo DiCaprio is known as one of the most talented actors of our time. His performance in Titanic received rave reviews and shot him straight into stardom. From there, Leo starred in several major productions, including Django Unchained and Wolf of Wall Street.

Nick Offerman

Nick Offerman is looking fine in this picture with his classy tux! Nick was born in Joliet, Illinois, and attended Minooka Community High School. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Illinois and helped co-found a Chicago based theater company called Definate Theater. Nick Offerman became a well-known comedian and actor as the years went on, and he’s best known for his role as Ron Swanson in the hit NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.

Winona Ryder

Wow, look at Winona Ryder as a teen! She’s rocking the style of the 80s with her jean jacket and short cropped hair. Winona attended Petaluma High School, where she was the victim of much bullying. Despite finding success with the film Beetlejuice as a teen, it only made her classmates more cruel. However, Winona didn’t let this stop her from reaching her goals. She continued to pursue acting and received several coveted awards for her performances, including a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA award.

Peter Dinklage

Peter attended Delbarton School, a Catholic prepatory school for boys, during which he focused on chasing his dreams of being a performer. He was the only member of his family to be born with achondroplasia, which initially hindered his attempts to find work. Eventually, Peter managed to impress the world with his acting skills and began receiving roles for complex characters, where he received massive praise. Peter is best known for his roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Avengers: Infinity War.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham looks like any other adolescent girl in the 80s with her messy side pontytail and awkward grin. Victoria spent her youth studying the arts and taking dance, singing, and acting lessons. The years of study paid off when she joined the all-girl band Spice Girls, which rocketed her into fame. Victoria didn’t stop when the group ended! She began pursuing other musical and acting opportunities, and became a prominent English fashion designer!

Russel Brand

Russel Brand looks so different in this picture without his classic long hair and lean frame we know and love today! Brand has a knack for comedy with his locquatious, flamboyant style. He’s become a reputable comedian who has receieved several coveted awards for his performances. Over the years, Russel brand has received three British Comedy Awards, and he’s starred in multiple films that showcase his impressive range of abilities.

Topher Grace

Topher Grace looks nothing like he does today in this adorable picture! The youthful face and awkward smile have matured over the years into a more refined look that Topher carries with him through all his roles. Grace is best known for his portrayl of Eric Forman in That 70s Show and That 90s Show. He’s also appeared in several big-box films, such as Spider-Man 3 and Predators.

So, did you have a tough time recognizing any of these celebrities? We did too! It’s crazy to see how much changes after high school, especially since it feels like you’ll spend your entire life in high school when you’re still in the thick of it! These celebs rocked their yearbook photos and continue rocking the stage today.