These People Look Nothing Like They Did 40 Years Ago (Except Rob Lowe, Obviously)
Time really does a number on people—unless you’re Rob Lowe, of course. Some stars have aged like fine wine, but many others have taken detours that have landed them almost unrecognizable. This list is all about the jaw-dropping glow-ups, surprising transformations, and the occasional “wait, is that really them?” moment.
Madonna
Credit: X
At 27, Madonna walked the 1985 American Music Awards looking like a punk-glam fever dream. Her crucifix necklaces, fingerless gloves, and iconic bushy blonde mane screamed peak Like a Virgin era. After four decades, her appearance has shifted just as much as pop music.
Drew Barrymore
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At just 10 years old, Drew Barrymore lit up the red carpet like a tiny Hollywood veteran, celebrating the re-release of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Her cherub cheeks and soft grin were miles away from the outspoken, free-spirited host she is today.
Tom Hanks
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Tom Hanks’s soft-faced charm and leading-man glow made him a favorite in romantic comedies and quirky roles. This photo captures him somewhere between Splash and Big, the era that introduced his tousled curls, easy smirk, and open white shirt.
Elton John
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By 1985, Elton John was already a global icon with hits like Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road in the rearview mirror. Elton still leans into his trademark glasses and sparkle, but the outrageous outfits have taken a back seat.
Whoopi Goldberg
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Fresh off her breakout role as Celie in The Color Purple, Whoopi Goldberg was glowing with confidence that would soon make her a household name. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, earned her an Oscar nomination and ignited a career that would stretch across genres, stages, and decades.
Michelle Pfeiffer
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Michelle Pfeiffer was making waves as Elvira Hancock in Scarface. Her cool, detached performance opposite Al Pacino turned heads and helped cement her as one of Hollywood’s most captivating new faces. Her tousled blonde hair and piercing blue eyes hint at the intensity she brought to the industry.
Denzel Washington
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Denzel Washington gained serious traction thanks to his role as Dr. Philip Chandler on St. Elsewhere. The show helped him transition from promising newcomer to breakout television star. He’s become one of the most respected actors, with two Academy Awards and decades of commanding roles under his belt.
George Clooney
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In 1985, George Clooney played George Burnett on The Facts of Life, showing up with a wild mop of curls and a wardrobe full of loud ‘80s prints. Compare this fresh-faced sitcom actor to the refined version of him now, and you’d almost swear they were two different people with the same winning smile.
Tom Cruise
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By 1985, Tom Cruise had already established his celebrity status with Risky Business, and Top Gun was just months away from launching him into full-blown superstardom. By the 2010s, he’s traded the boyish charm for steelier intensity—especially in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Cher
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Cher had just come off the success of I Paralyze and was gearing up for her powerhouse roles in Mask and Moonstruck, which would earn her an Academy Award just a few years later. Her appearance today is more sculpted and polished.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Jr.,
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Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Jr. were once the ultimate teen dream couple—both 20, rising fast, and rocking peak ‘80s style. The transformation is wild. Each has now carved success in their own path.
Rob Lowe
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Rob Lowe was fresh off hits like The Outsiders and St. Elmo’s Fire. He had that perfect mix of rebel and heartthrob, and Hollywood couldn’t get enough. But unlike just about everyone else on this list, Rob looks the same. The hair was neater and the fashion more refined, but the man had aged like a cheat code.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
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The biceps aren’t as bulky, and the tank tops are rarer, but Arnold Schwarzenegger still commands attention. He’s traded film sets for political podiums, Netflix projects, and motivational videos—but that intense stare and distinct accent haven’t aged a bit.
Meryl Streep
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At 36, Meryl Streep had already done what most actors dream of across a lifetime—she’d picked up five Oscar nominations and two wins. Her talent had range, and so did her style: soft waves, elegant silhouettes, and a presence that made every camera lens take notice without trying too hard.
Cindy Crawford
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At just 19, Cindy Crawford hadn’t yet reached full-blown supermodel status, but the signs were all there—jawline, distinctive mole, and a poise way beyond her years. This was pre-Pepsi commercials and pre-Vogue covers domination, but anyone paying attention knew she was on a fast track to icon status.