11 Hollywood Stars Who Have Transformed Drastically Since Their First Roles

Melody Carter
Mar 18, 2023
Mar 18, 2023

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "Hey, that actor looks familiar, but I can't quite place them?" And then you hit up the Google machine, only to realize that it's someone you totally know. It's like a surprise party, but for your brain. Who knows Angelina Jolie used to look so innocent and Robert Downey Jr. looked nothing like our much-loved Ironman?
These celebrities have come a long way since their early days in Tinseltown. You won't believe your eyes when you see how some of them have changed. Some have gone from geeky to gorgeous, while others have transformed from youthful heartthrobs to charming gentlemen. It's hard to believe that some of these stars were once unknown, struggling actors just trying to make it in the industry. But with hard work, talent, and a bit of luck, they have become some of the most recognizable and beloved figures in Hollywood.
Get ready to be blown away, and maybe even a little starstruck as we explore the incredible transformations of these Hollywood stars. Keep your eyes on the left photos and try to guess who's who!

#1 Nicole Kidman

Source: © BMX Bandits / Gaumont, © Bombshell / Annapurna Pictures

Nicole Kidman, the Aussie actress who first hit our screens in Bush Christmas, has been a Hollywood staple for decades. She's like a fine wine, getting better with age, and her recent appearance in Big Little Lies had us all glued to our screens. And let's not forget Bombshell, the movie that caused quite a stir.

#2 Alicia Silverstone

Source: © The Wonder Years / ABC, © Who Gets the Dog? / 20th Century Studios

This beauty began her career as a model at the tender age of 6, stealing hearts left and right. After captivating audiences with her role as the iconic Batgirl in Batman & Robin, Silverstone has bounced back and forth between projects like Bad Therapy and The Baby-Sitters Club. She's even lent her voice to Canadian children's shows Braceface and Masters of the Universe: Revelation.

#3 Angelina Jolie

Source: © Lookin' to Get Out / Paramount Pictures, © Maleficent: Mistress of Evil / Walt Disney Pictures

Fun fact: Angelina Jolie’s first on-screen appearance was actually as a child in the comedy Lookin' to Get Out, alongside none other than her parents, Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand. Now, she's taken the world by storm with Maleficent (Maleficent – 2014), Thena (Eternals – 2021), and so on. Is there anything this superstar can't do?

#4 Elizabeth Hurley

Source: © Aria / Lightyear Entertainment, © The Royals / Lionsgate Television

At the tender age of 22, Elizabeth Hurley graced us with her stunning vocals in Aria before going on to conquer the big screen in a slew of successful British and Hollywood flicks. Who could forget her captivating portrayal of a devilishly attractive temptress in Bedazzled?
But this multi-talented English beauty didn't stop there - she went on to produce her own films and even played the roles of Queen Helena in The Royals and Morgan Le Fay in Runaways, looking absolutely stunning

#5 Kirstie Alley

Source: © Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan / Paramount Pictures, © You Can't Take My Daughter / Lifetime

Kirstie Alley also had her share of Hollywood fame in the '90s with standout roles in It Takes Two and Look Who's Talking, but personal struggles with weight gain caused her to take a hiatus from the silver screen.
However, she bounced back and made a return with appearances on reality shows like Kirstie Alley's Big Life, and eventually landed a role in The Goldbergs. She even starred in Lifetime's You Can't Take My Daughter, proving that she's still got what it takes.

#6 Ben Stiller

Source: © Kate & Allie / CBS, © Brad's Status / Sidney Kimmel Entertainment

We can't talk about Hollywood transformations without the one and only Ben Stiller. From his humble beginnings in the Kate & Allie television series, Stiller has gone on to become a household name with over 60 roles under his belt and successful forays into directing and screenwriting.
Who could forget his hilarious performances in Night at the Museum and Meet the Parents? He even tackled more serious material with his recent film, Brad's Status, about a man questioning his life choices.

#7 Robert Downey Jr.

Source: © Baby It's You / Paramount Pictures, © Dolittle / Universal Pictures

From his uncredited roles in the 70s to becoming a Golden Globe winner and Oscar and Emmy nominee, Robert Downey Jr. has come a long way. He's best known for his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his talking animal adventures in Dolittle.
Fans can't have enough of him in movies like All-Star Weekend, Sherlock Holmes 3, and Black Widow.

#8 Renée Zellweger

Source: © Love and a .45 / Lions Gate Films, © What / If / Netflix

Starting with Dazed and Confused, Renée Zellweger made her mark in Hollywood with her performance as Starlene in Love and a .45, earning her two Oscars and four Golden Globes along the way. Recently, she starred in the Netflix hit series What If and continues to be a successful actress in the industry.

#9 Bill Murray

Since his appearance in Meatballs in 1979, Bill Murray has taken on over 60 roles, including his memorable performance in Ghostbusters. His latest cameo was in Zombieland: Double Tap, proving that he still has the same comedic timing and charm that made him a household name.

#10 Jennifer Aniston

Remember Jennifer Aniston's first film, Camp Cucamonga? It was over 30 years ago, and now she's known worldwide for her iconic role as Rachel in Friends. Recently, she appeared in The Morning Show where she played a TV anchor fighting for justice and a better future.

#11 Hugh Jackman

Did you know that Hugh Jackman's first film role was in a crime thriller called Profile of a Serial Killer? From there, he became a household name as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise. He's still going strong and recently starred in the HBO film Bad Education.

#12 Jim Carrey

Back in the day, Jim Carrey loved making funny faces and doing stand-up comedy. His first film, Rubberface, came out in 1981, and since then he's done over 50 movies. He's now one of the highest-paid comedians in the world and most recently starred in the film Sonic the Hedgehog.

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