Remember Them? 15 Celebrities Who Are Legit Unrecognizable From 10 Years Ago (And Will Make You Say ‘Wait, What?!’)

“Taylor Swift 17 – Live in Paris – 2011” by oouinouin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Alright, buckle up, pop culture fanatics, because we’re about to take a wild ride down memory lane! It feels like just yesterday we were all jamming to our favorite tunes, scrolling through early social media feeds, and watching our beloved stars navigate the world. But guess what? A whole decade has passed, and for many of our favorite celebrities, 10 years might as well be a lifetime when it comes to how much they’ve changed.

Seriously, prepare for some jaw-dropping moments! We’re talking about those “Wait, how was that even a real time that existed?” transformations that make you question everything you thought you knew. Famous personalities go through ever-changing journeys, just like us, but the big difference is that while the average individual transforms privately, a celebrity is predisposed to evolve in the public eye. And thanks to easier access to their lives in the digital age, with constant social media updates, we all feel like we ‘know’ them, making these before-and-afters even more fascinating.

So, get ready to dive into the ultimate throwback gallery! We’ve rounded up 15 celebrities who have undergone some seriously iconic shifts in the past decade, whether it’s their appearance, their public image, or their entire career trajectory. From teen idols growing up on the world stage to established stars making dramatic pivots, their fan bases have remained loyal, celebrating every landmark. Let’s kick things off with our first seven, who are guaranteed to make you do a double-take.

1. **Taylor Swift**

Over a period of one decade, Taylor Swift’s life seems to have somewhat come full circle, but wow, has she been busy! Back then, she was already a pop legend, but the past few years have seen her churn out fantastic new (obviously sensational) work while also going back to re-recording her oldie, goldie hit albums like “Fearless” and “Speak Now.” She released these classics as Taylor’s Version, a brilliant move to recover agency over her early music, the master recordings of which now belong to music exec Scooter Braun. Talk about taking back your power!

Even while she was embroiled in that very public feud with Braun, Swift somehow managed to lavish a string of new albums, including some surprise drops, on her army of loyal Swifties between 2019 and 2023. As she put it to Rolling Stone: “The bad stuff was really significant and damaging. But the good stuff will endure.” She’s truly transformed from a teen idol into a contemplative celebrity over the years, especially in the face of the ever-constant publicity around her romantic life and disputes with fellow artists like Kanye West. She’s navigated it all with grace and, of course, a killer soundtrack.

What remained constant through all this incredible evolution, though, was her iconic red pout – a true Taylor staple! While she transformed her artistry as she transitioned into adulthood, her style quotient, with that familiar blonde fringe and figure-hugging shorts, has followed its signature trajectory. And let’s not forget, she switched out her country girl curls long ago, only to briefly return to her rustic roots in 2020 with the idyllic picturization of her pandemic albums “Evermore” and “Folklore.” She truly knows how to keep us on our toes!

2. **Jonah Hill**

Oh, Jonah Hill! It’s hard to believe how much he’s changed in just 10 years. His early career absolutely flourished in the comedy genre, and we loved him for it. But by 2013, he hit a sweet spot, finding a fine balance of humorous and serious films. On one hand, he starred in the ensemble comedy “This Is the End” with a cohort of Hollywood funnymen, bringing all the laughs we expected. On the other, he made a cinematic splash alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the critically acclaimed “The Wolf of Wall Street,” proving his serious acting chops.

That role in “The Wolf of Wall Street” even earned him an Oscar nomination, truly testifying to his diversified acting chops. He knew what he was doing, too! “I just made a conscious effort to do different things instead of the same thing over and over again, which people will get tired of anyways, as would I,” he told The Guardian in 2014. And he absolutely stayed true to his word over the next decade, branching out into different kinds of films, from the biographical drama “War Dogs” to the rom-com “You People.” His career journey has been nothing short of impressive.

But it wasn’t just his acting journey that transformed drastically over the decade; Jonah Hill’s appearance also underwent a significant shift. The actor, who had long been the target of fat jokes and body-shaming, dropped several pounds with consistent effort through the years. It was a deeply personal journey, as he shared once on Instagram (via ABC News): “I don’t think I ever took my shirt off in a pool until I was in my mid 30s even in front of family and friends.” Though his weight remained a subject of hot discussion, Hill rarely gave the topic any airtime in interviews, making it clear he wanted people to refrain from talking about his body. Good for him for setting boundaries!

3. **Chris Pratt**

Remember Chris Pratt from 10 years ago? He was hardly the action-hero dreamboat that he would later become! That’s not to say he wasn’t incredibly loved by fans; his portrayal of Andy Dwyer in “Parks and Recreation” set him up as one of the sweetest, most beloved characters on the sitcom. It seems it was even his own personal favorite role, as he once invoked his famous television alter ego when asked about the role that brought him the most joy, saying he “loved everything about it” (via Bustle).

Over the next few years, Pratt’s appeal among the public increased exponentially, especially as he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Star-Lord. This significant turn in his career came with strenuous physical prep, as Pratt worked incredibly hard to get his body to look like the superheroes he had idolized since childhood. “It’s what I appreciated most as a kid and it was what was most important to me in approaching this role — so I tried to get my body to look as much like those guys as I could,” he told Pursuitist. And let’s be honest, he absolutely crushed it!

The transformation entailed a protein-heavy diet and long hours in the gym for nearly seven months. Pratt emerged on the other side a fitter, leaner version of his old self, and he hasn’t stopped working out since. But the change wasn’t just physical; Pratt revealed that his journey enabled better mental health and helped combat issues of depression (per People). He’s a true testament to how much dedication can transform not just your body, but your entire well-being. What a glow-up!

4. **Khloe Kardashian**

Ah, Khloe Kardashian! A decade ago, she was in the midst of restoring her identity following her split from her husband of four years, L.A. Lakers champ Lamar Odom. TMZ reported that the youngest of the Kardashian sisters initiated the divorce, refused spousal support, and removed her ex’s name from hers. Her reality television stint, which was her launchpad to stardom, was still going strong, with her “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” spinoffs with her sister Kourtney being the latest at the time. She was also actively working on her physique, bringing her weight down by 40 pounds, which she attributed to overcoming fashion industry struggles.

She openly discussed the challenges she faced, telling Harper’s Bazaar: “There would always be this attention on Kourtney and Kim, but I was too much work for [stylists] or they had nothing in my size.” Fast forward 10 years later, and she couldn’t look more quintessentially Kardashian, with her cinched waist, high cheekbones, and sharp jawline. It’s a look that has truly become her signature, and it’s clear she’s feeling herself, and we love to see it!

Though Kardashian’s transformation had been several years in the making, she exhibited her changed form to the world most dramatically at the Met Gala 2022, where she showed up in a figure-hugging golden gown that truly stunned everyone. Designer Jeremy Scott, who dressed Kardashian for her debut at the fashion event, even remarked on “The Kardashians” that the socialite was “skinnier than the models who would do the show” (via Daily Mail). While her absence from Met Gala 2023 was widely noted, Instagram remains a steady outlet for her to flaunt her killer abs and ever-evolving styles. You go, girl!

5. **Seth Rogen**

One decade ago, Seth Rogen was absolutely on a roll, and he’s only gotten more amazing since! He bravely waded into film direction with the 2013 multi-starring apocalypse comedy “This Is the End,” winning much praise for his debut. He clearly had a vision, explaining in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that, “I think a lot of the movie is playing off the expectations of who we are as people, so we kind of wanted the friends to either play into that or against it.” And honestly, it worked perfectly.

His second directorial effort, “The Interview,” ruffled quite a few feathers, though. North Korea was, shall we say, not pleased by Rogen’s portrayal of the country and issued a threat against the United States, with the incident also prompting a hack at Sony Pictures. Reflecting on the controversy 10 years later, Rogen shared on the “Hawk vs Wolf” podcast that the event gave him a fresh perspective: “If someone is getting mad about it on social media, that’s not controversy.” He’s learned a lot, and so have we!

In recent years, Rogen hasn’t shied away from experimenting, not just with his newfound passion for pottery, but also with his physical appearance. He dropped several pounds, and at one point in 2021, shaved off his trademark scraggly beard and curly hair to post an almost unrecognizable look of himself on Instagram. “New hair, same smoldering look,” he captioned the picture, and it was received with much fanfare from his industry friends. Ironically, bushy-haired Rogen wasn’t always recognizable either; his everyman look gave him anonymity: “Before the pandemic, I would wander around L.A. aimlessly without anyone taking pictures of me,” he told The New York Times. What a journey!

6. **Ariana Grande**

A lot has changed in the past decade for Ariana Grande – save for that iconic high ponytail, of course! Around 2013, the ex-Nickelodeon icon was making the transition from television artist to full-blown pop star. After “Victorious” wrapped up, Grande released her first album “Yours Truly,” which topped the charts around the world. She was always meant for music, telling Complex at the time, “I started in musicals because I wanted to sing. I never liked acting. I auditioned for TV to get a platform to get a record deal.” And boy, did she get one!

While she had already retired her iconic red locks and opted for brunette shades, Grande began truly inventing her style in the way that the world would come to be familiar with it a decade later. Co-ord sets and mini dresses became Grande staples, absolutely loved by her ever-growing fanbase. By 2020, Bloomberg had quite rightly labeled Grande “the biggest pop star in the world.” Her meteoric rise across platforms earned her multiple awards and recognitions, including two Grammys. It’s been an absolute whirlwind of success for her, and she totally deserves it.

Parallel to her music, Grande’s romantic life remained a constant subject of public attention, which peaked tragically when her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller died of a drug overdose in 2018. It was just one of many heartbreaking headlines surrounding Grande’s life at the time, such as the horrific suicide bombing at her concert in England that left many deaths and casualties. Following the 2017 incident, she told Vogue, with such honesty: “I’m a person who’s been through a lot and doesn’t know what to say about any of it to myself, let alone the world.” Her resilience through all of it is truly inspiring.

7. **Miley Cyrus**

Okay, hands up if Miley Cyrus’s transformation has been one of the most noticeable evolutions in the music industry over the last decade! By 2013, she had shed her teen pop image and fully graduated to a risqué version of herself that was radically divergent from her smiley-Miley days at Disney. After “Bangerz,” which prominently featured the scandal-courting song “Wrecking Ball,” the world truly reckoned with Cyrus’ adult sensibilities. She became a force of nature, redefining her public image completely.

Scant outfits, cropped hair, and naughty moves – remember that infamous VMAs foam finger episode? – became Cyrus’ trademarks. She absolutely reveled in it, blocking out the haters with pure confidence. “When I do things that would get someone old to shake their head, my fans go ape s**t,” she told Elle. “And I’m honored to be that girl that gets people out of their comfort zone.” And she certainly did that, pushing boundaries and inspiring others to be themselves, unapologetically.

Thereon, a string of reinventions followed. Cyrus walked the balance between rocking it out on stage with some rather extravagant personas and allocating enough time for philanthropical efforts toward social causes. The “Hannah Montana” alum also openly discussed her uality, as unwavering coverage about her long-term relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth continued to dominate headlines. Fan attention around the couple was frenzied and unwavering through the years, reaching dizzying heights when Cyrus released her modern chart-smashing magnum opus “Flowers,” which is widely believed to contain references to Hemsworth. “The song is a little fake it till you make it, which I’m a big fan of,” she explained to British Vogue, cleverly not indulging the speculation about her love life. What a queen!” , “_words_section1”: “1997

Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’re not done yet! Just when you thought you’d seen it all, we’re diving even deeper into the celebrity time machine. It’s wild to see how much can change for these stars in a single decade, isn’t it? From dramatic personal journeys to incredible style evolutions and career pivots that totally blew our minds, these next eight celebrities have absolutely redefined themselves in the last 10 years. Get ready to witness some more jaw-dropping transformations that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about time and celebrity!

8. **Zac Efron**

Alright, prepare for a dose of inspiration because Zac Efron’s last decade has been nothing short of a total turnaround! Back in 2013, the former Disney heartthrob was navigating a tough time, emerging from the depths of substance addiction. He openly shared with The Hollywood Reporter about a year after getting sober, “I was drinking a lot, way too much.” He added, “I mean, you’re in your 20s, single, going through life in Hollywood, you know? Everything is thrown at you.” It’s a candid look at the pressures of fame.

Fast forward 10 years, and it’s incredible to see Zac not only embrace his sobriety but also find genuine happiness in it. He shared his secret with Elle, saying, “What I found is structure. That led me to a balance of opposites: You get out of life what you put in.” This powerful mantra clearly shows in his continued success and well-being, highlighting a dedicated journey towards self-improvement.

But 2013 wasn’t just about his personal battles; Zac also faced a harrowing near-death experience that year after a major fall near his home. This accident led to a severely wounded jaw, needing serious medical attention. The incident also sparked a frenzy of plastic surgery rumors because of his altered appearance, but Zac simply “shrugged off” the internet gossip, telling ET Online that he “almost died.”

This background noise didn’t stop him. Zac completely reinvented himself as a serious big-screen star, gracing us with fantastic performances in films like “Neighbors” and “The Greatest Showman.” In perhaps his most dramatic departure from his Troy Bolton days, he bravely stepped into the chilling shoes of serial killer Ted Bundy for a 2019 biography. His transformation from teen idol to versatile actor has been utterly phenomenal.

9. **Rebel Wilson**

Our beloved Rebel Wilson has always had an undeniable charm and relatability that has kept the actor at the top of her game for years! Whether it was her series of hilarious comedies in the 2010s or her iconic character, Fat Amy, from the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, Rebel navigated the whirlwind of Hollywood with confident self-reliance.

She was never one to shy away from talking about her body or using humor related to it. Back in 2013, she confidently told Cosmopolitan, “As long as I look like this, I’m going to make fat jokes.” She was a huge champion for body diversity on screen, making it clear she was comfortable in her own skin.

Then, nearly a decade after those remarks, Rebel embarked on a significant transformation, dropping about 80 pounds. This wasn’t just for appearances; she revealed to People that this change was deeply personal, driven by a milestone decision concerning fertility. She was simply “being the healthiest version of myself,” recalling advice from her doctor as she discussed the possibility of motherhood. And in 2022, she joyfully welcomed a daughter via surrogate!

Her health journey began in 2020, and her subsequent red carpet appearances sparked huge reactions from fans. While she admitted to being treated differently by people after losing weight, Rebel’s spirit remained unwavering. She continues to be an incredible champion of body positivity, always focusing on health and proudly stating her mantra “to celebrate all body types.”

10. **Meghan Markle**

Oh, Meghan Markle! Her last decade has been an extraordinary journey. She went from being a household name as the American “Suits” star to becoming a global figure, a “rebel royal” whose clash with the British monarchy captivated the entire world. Before 2016, she was celebrated for her episodic appearances in popular TV shows like “90210” and “CSI: Miami,” genuinely enjoying her relationship with the flashing lights and public events.

She even told Marie Claire about her love for acting, making what now sounds like an ironic prediction: “That’s the fun part of our job — to be able to play dress up, and to really throw yourself into something you otherwise wouldn’t.” Little did she know just how much “dress-up” her future held as a royal-to-be.

Everything changed in 2016 when she officially linked arms with the British monarchy’s “most notorious scion,” Prince Harry. Her growing closeness with the noble family brought about noticeable changes in Meghan’s wardrobe, her public demeanor, and how she interacted with the public, now guided by strict royal protocol. According to Glamour, her former love for bold lips, smokey eyes, and all-black outfits became “passé.”

After her dazzling wedding in 2018, even greater, more revolutionary changes took place. From her famously “fraught relations with the British press” to the unsettling claims of “alleged racism that clouded the royal family’s relationship with their daughter-in-law,” Meghan’s journey was under intense global scrutiny. In just a decade, she transformed from a “universally agreeable television star” to an “ex-royal” and then to a “globally polarizing figure.”

11. **Nick Jonas**

Get ready for a total wholesome glow-up, because Nick Jonas has absolutely transformed over the past decade! The years did wonders to propel him back into the spotlight, as he shed his early boyish charms and gracefully settled into the skin of a muscled hunk. He grew up right before our eyes, all while maintaining that clean, nice-guy image that has always defined his persona.

Of course, we can’t forget that unforgettable 2014 photoshoot for Out magazine that caused quite a stir, showing the former purity-ring-wearing teen icon “scandalously clutching at his member through a pair of Calvins.” Around that time, Nick was on the brink of a successful solo career, which eventually re-melded into the much-anticipated Jonas Brothers reunion in 2019.

While he’s still a symbol of nostalgia through his eternal Jo Bros membership, Nick also began captivating a whole new demographic that was drawn to more than just his music. His intense workout sessions and ripped physique, often shared on social media, left netizens absolutely “sweating (and wanting more).” He even reflected in Men’s Journal about balancing his heavyweight training with his diabetic condition, stating, “I’m always cautious about the food I put in my body.”

The “Chains” singer also made a major personal shift, transitioning from his “unsteady boyfriend status” to becoming a committed husband to the incredible actor Priyanka Chopra in 2018. Their marriage unleashed a whole other level of Jonas mania, especially in India, Priyanka’s home country, which the happy couple often visits. And if that wasn’t enough, they welcomed their adorable daughter in 2022.

12. **Kylie Jenner**

Alright, when we talk about celebrity transformations, it’s impossible not to mention Kylie Jenner! A mere decade ago, she was a teenager, just a little bit on the “fringes of reality TV fame” that largely belonged to her older siblings in the iconic Kardashian-Jenner clan. “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its many spin-offs had definitely given her public life a massive kickstart, and by the time she was a teen, seeing her on red carpets, modeling shoots, and magazine covers was totally normal.

But behind all that glitz and glam, the picture wasn’t always as perfectly rosy as it seemed from the outside. Kylie candidly shared with Ryan Seacrest (via YouTube), “I feel like when you’re in front of the cameras … you’re most cautious about everything and there’s not a lot of room for mistakes.” That’s a huge amount of pressure for any young person navigating public life!

Fast forward 10 years, and Kylie has not only achieved but *maintained* unimaginable heights of popularity, wealth, and undeniable excess by establishing herself as a powerhouse beauty mogul, heading a *billion-dollar* empire! In 2019, Forbes “formidably crowned her ‘the youngest self-made billionaire ever’ at just 21.” Her Kylie labels have exploded across several industries, from cosmetics to baby care, showing she’s a true business powerhouse.

That baby care venture, by the way, came after her own incredible experience with motherhood, welcoming her daughter Stormi Webster in 2018, and then her second child, Aire, with Travis Scott in 2022. Beyond her social and financial status, Kylie’s appearance has also undergone a dramatic glow-up over the decade. Her lips are undeniably fuller, her curves are “quintessentially Kardashian,” and her makeup is, somehow, always flawlessly in place.

13. **Rainn Wilson**

Get ready for a laugh, because Rainn Wilson’s transformation over the past decade might not be *dramatic*, but it’s certainly enough to make any “The Office” fan feel instantly old! Dwight Schrute continues to be an absolute sensation, even though the beloved sitcom bowed out of the small screen a whole decade ago. Since Rainn’s legacy is so wonderfully dominated by his famous television alter-ego, it often comes as a surprise to fans just how much his filmography extends beyond that iconic role – despite his humble admission to The Guardian that, “I’m never going to be Josh Brolin no matter how much I want it.”

Over the last 10 years, Rainn has truly diversified, making appearances in both screen and voice roles across tons of different mediums. He’s even tackled sober, intense characters, like in “Shimmer Lake,” which are a stark and fascinating contrast to his portrayal of one of television’s favorite nerds.

Perhaps the most viral and hilariously relatable acknowledgment of a 10-year change for Rainn came in 2023. Imagine this: during a flight, a passenger watching Rainn’s “magnum opus” (yes, “The Office”!) totally failed to realize that his seat neighbor was actually the very actor on his screen! Rainn, being the legend he is, shared the video with the perfect caption: “When the person sitting next to you has no idea who you are … “

After that incident captured the internet’s imagination, Rainn gave a follow-up narration, describing how the passenger *eventually* recognized him when he dramatically lowered his mask. On “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” he hilariously described the moment as “one of those face-melting brain explosions” (via YouTube). Honestly, considering we’re so used to seeing him in Dwight’s signature tie, it’s an honest mistake!

14. **Zendaya**

Talk about an upward trajectory! From her days as a beloved Disney teen queen to her current association with critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated films, Zendaya’s career has taken an absolutely mind-blowing leap in the last decade. Her initial fame launched her as a regular on the youth pop circuits, with productions like “Shake It Up” and “Frenemies,” in addition to her music singles, bringing her huge public notice. Even bigger things were waiting for this incredible actor-singer!

In 2017, a then-21-year-old Zendaya scored a coveted spot among the lead cast of Marvel’s star-studded feature, “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” where she played MJ alongside her now-beau, Tom Holland. She totally understood the significance, telling Variety at the time, “I think a lot of people look at me in a certain way because I’ve been on the Disney Channel a long time. … I wanted to wait for the right thing.”

Playing among Hollywood’s big leagues and enjoying a much greater social stature also had an evident effect on how Zendaya’s public image was perceived by audiences. She gracefully transitioned from “the girl with the toothy sweetheart smile” to Zendaya the film star, who effortlessly knew how to “smolder the camera with a single look.” Her incredible roles in “Euphoria” and “Dune” further cemented her meteoric upswing, proving she’s a serious force to be reckoned with.

As an older, more established artist, Zendaya also developed a keen sensibility for the kind of work she was truly passionate about pursuing. She’s been vocal about not being satisfied with scripts that lack meaningful arcs for women characters, telling GQ, “They’d usually serve the purpose of helping the male character get to where they need to go.” Her commitment to powerful roles and impactful storytelling truly makes her an inspiration.

15. **Kristen Stewart**

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about Kristen Stewart! A decade ago, she was still basking in the “conflicted glory” of her iconic Bella Swan alter-ego. The “Twilight” series was undoubtedly her launchpad to global stardom, but if you looked closely, you could discern a certain awkwardness in her demeanor, something that was often “manifested vividly via her famous high school character.” She even admitted on The Ellen Show, years after the vampire fantasy franchise, “I feel like I’m looking at a college yearbook. … I don’t jump right back into those memories.” Totally relatable, right?

For Kristen, who has practically grown up in front of the camera, a complete image revamp involved much more than just picking different film roles. She completely revised her entire identity and creative direction. In response to public opinion about her post-Twilight choices, she brilliantly quipped to The New Yorker, “Did you think I was going to do ‘Twilight’ forever?” Nope, she had much bigger plans!

In her “post-Robert Pattinson era,” Kristen boldly dove into the indie film scene, starring in a string of well-received titles until she hit absolute pay dirt with films like “Seberg” and “Spencer.” The latter even earned her a well-deserved first Oscar nomination! It was a powerful testament to her incredible range and dedication to challenging roles, showcasing her true talent beyond the vampire saga.

Parallel to her acting triumphs, Kristen also firmly established herself as a queer icon, notably challenging the often “gendered legacy of red-carpet rules of dressing.” By 2018, she was famously kicking off her heels on the Cannes red carpet, while sharp pantsuits became an absolute wardrobe staple. Her total reformation has been perfectly complemented by her “ever-changing hair that switches between cut, color, and chop with abandon.” Seriously, Bella Swan could *never* pull off that level of effortless cool! She’s a true chameleon, constantly evolving!

And there you have it, folks! Fifteen celebrities who truly prove that a decade can be a lifetime when it comes to personal growth, career pivots, and jaw-dropping transformations. From shedding old skins to embracing new passions, these stars have shown us that change isn’t just constant; it’s often incredibly inspiring, hilarious, and utterly fascinating to watch. So next time you’re scrolling through old pics, just remember: you’re probably due for your own epic glow-up! Keep evolving, keep shining, and keep being your amazing self. Now, go share your favorite transformation with your friends – because everyone loves a good throwback, especially one that makes you say, “How was that even a real time that existed?!”