Throwback Prom Photos of Celebrities That Are Awkwardly Adorable
What’s more fun than watching our favorite celebrities in movies and on TV? Seeing rare celebrity throwback photos from their high school prom! These pictures take us back to a time before they were famous, and some of them are just too funny.
Some stars look completely different, while others haven’t aged at all. These high school prom pictures show a side of celebrities we don’t usually see. Whether it’s Hollywood nostalgia or just for fun, you’ll love looking at how these stars looked on their big night.
Britney Spears (1996)
Before she became a global pop music icon, Britney Spears was a student at Parklane Academy, a private Protestant school in Mississippi. She had already been in The Mickey Mouse Club as a child star before heading back to regular school. This rare prom photo shows Britney during a quiet moment in her busy rise to fame, long before the headlines about her conservatorship battle.
RuPaul (1983)
Long before RuPaul’s Drag Race made him a reality TV legend, RuPaul was already turning heads. This prom picture was taken at Patrick Henry High School in Georgia. On his arm is filmmaker Deborah Kampmeier. His bold fashion sense even back then proves he was born to shine. This is one of those rare celebrity photos that shows how early stars find their unique style.
Beyonce (1998)
Before becoming a Grammy-winning superstar, Beyoncé was just a teenager in love. This prom photo shows her with Lyndall Locke, her first boyfriend, during their big night at Alief Elsik High School in Texas. Their relationship reportedly started when Beyoncé was only 12 and lasted almost ten years. Fans who follow Beyoncé’s early life will love this special throwback.
Jennifer Aniston (1987)
This prom picture of Jennifer Aniston shows a very different look from her usual red-carpet style. Taken at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School in New York, the picture features a hairstyle that’s a total blast from the past! Though her date is unknown, we bet he still remembers the time he went to prom with the future Friends star and TV sitcom queen.
Ellen DeGeneres (1976)
In this 1976 prom photo from Atlanta High School in Texas, Ellen DeGeneres looks very different from her modern public image. With long hair, a dress, and a male date, this rare image shows how much she’s changed over time. Now a talk show legend and LGBTQ+ icon, Ellen has fully embraced her identity and personal style.
John Hamm (1989)
Before starring in Mad Men, Jon Hamm was just a high school student at John Burroughs High School in Missouri. His prom date? Actress Sarah Clarke, who later dated Paul Rudd. While these young love stories are fun to read, it’s great to know that Hollywood friendships like theirs have lasted over the years.
Jeremy Renner (1989)
That smile says it all! Jeremy Renner still has the same youthful look he had back in 1989 at Fred C. Beyer High School in Modesto, California. Best known for playing Hawkeye in Marvel movies and earning an Oscar nomination for The Hurt Locker, this celebrity yearbook photo shows he’s always had that charm.
Amy Poehler (1989)
Amy Poehler arrived in style at her prom while attending Burlington High School in Massachusetts. Long before becoming a comedy legend and award-winning producer, she was just a student with big dreams. This early picture shows her fun spirit that later shined in Parks and Recreation and beyond.
Lizzy Caplan (2000)
Known for her bold characters in film and TV, Lizzy Caplan showed off her personality even back in high school. This prom throwback from Alexander Hamilton High School in California features bold hair and a dramatic look. Her date even matched his tie—talk about prom goals!
Debra Messing (1986)
This 80s-style prom photo of Debra Messing is a total time capsule! Taken at East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island, it shows off big hair and serious glam. Long before her iconic role on Will & Grace, she was already showing talent in school theater.
Matthew McConaughey (1989)
Voted “Most Handsome” in high school, it’s no surprise that Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey looked picture-perfect at prom. He attended Longview High School in Texas. A fan even claimed on Twitter that the woman in the photo is their aunt—lucky her!
Taylor Swift (2000s)
Taylor Swift had a unique high school journey while building her superstar music career. She attended Hendersonville High School and later transferred to Aaron Academy in Tennessee. It’s unclear if this prom picture is from her own prom or someone else’s, but it shows a very different, early version of the global icon.
Gwen Stefani (1987)
Back in 1987, Gwen Stefani proudly wore a dress she made with her mom, inspired by Grace Kelly’s outfit in Rear Window. She shared this sweet moment on Instagram, taken while attending Loara High School in California. A true fashion icon, even before fame!
Will Ferrell (1996)
Comedian Will Ferrell looked surprisingly serious in this prom photo—until you notice the tiara! Taken at University High School in California, it reflects his early passion for comedy. He was even voted “Best Personality” in school, proving he’s always been hilarious.
Lady Gaga (2003)
Before she became a global music icon, Lady Gaga was just Stefani Germanotta. This prom picture was taken in 2003 at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls Catholic school in New York. Even though she looks like a typical teen, Gaga later said she always felt different—and we’re glad she embraced it.
Renee Zellweger (1987)
Long before she became famous for Bridget Jones’s Diary and the Oscar-winning Chicago, Renée Zellweger was just a teen attending prom at Katy High School in Texas. In this photo, she’s rocking black gloves and a dark dress—maybe showing off her rebellious side. Known for her talent as both an actress and a singer, this celebrity prom picture is a rare look at her early style before Hollywood fame.
Harry Styles (2009)
Before becoming a global music sensation and fashion icon, Harry Styles was a student at Wilmslow High School in Cheshire, UK. This picture was taken during his school formal (the British version of prom). He posed with several friends that night, but his official date was Lydia Cole. Years later, they even reunited at a One Direction concert—talk about a cool high school throwback story!
Fergie (1993)
Known to millions by her stage name Fergie, the singer once known as Stacy Ann Ferguson looked picture-perfect at her 1993 prom. This photo was taken at Glen A. Wilson High School in California, long before she joined the Black Eyed Peas and became a pop and hip hop icon. Posing with her date Vincent Dean Malicek, Fergie’s sweet, feminine look is a fun contrast to the bold, edgy style she’s known for today.
Karlie Kloss (2011)
Long before becoming a Victoria’s Secret supermodel and tech entrepreneur, Karlie Kloss was just a teenager at Webster Groves High School in Missouri. For prom, she asked her crush to be her date—and he said yes! But when she asked him to be her boyfriend, he said he only loved her “as a friend.” Ouch! Still, this sweet prom moment shows a softer side of this fierce fashion icon.
Kellie Pickler (2004)
Two years before she stole hearts on American Idol, Kellie Pickler made a bold fashion statement at her prom at North Stanly High School in North Carolina. Wearing a daring dress that probably had everyone talking, she already showed signs of becoming a country music trendsetter. Maybe her hit song Red High Heels was inspired by this exact look!
Meryl Streep (1966)
Before becoming a Hollywood legend, Meryl Streep was prom queen, head cheerleader, and choir star at Bernard’s High School in New Jersey. She trained as an opera singer since age 12 and was already showing leadership and talent early on. This prom photo is a golden piece of celebrity history, capturing the humble beginnings of one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Snooki (2006)
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi looked sweet and simple at her prom in a strapless blue dress—but fans of Jersey Shore know the wild ride that followed! This celebrity prom photo gives us a rare look at a softer side of the reality TV star. Still, the signature tan was already part of her look even back then!
Robin Wright (1981)
Robin Wright attended La Jolla High School in California and began modeling at just 14. By 18, she had started her acting career. This prom photo shows her before the fame, long before her award-winning roles in House of Cards and major Hollywood films. It’s a classic Hollywood before fame throwback.
Blake Lively (2005)
While still in high school at Burbank High School in California, Blake Lively was already filming The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, the movie that launched her career. A cheerleader, class president, and choir member, she had it all. Her prom photo glows with beauty and charm—just like her career ever since.
Josh Duhamel (1990)
This prom photo of Josh Duhamel at Minot High School in North Dakota is both charming and hilarious—mostly because of his unforgettable 90s haircut. He later joked on Instagram that his stunned expression was because he was seeing a “real live girl” up close. From high school to Hollywood, he’s come a long way!
Snoop Dogg (1989)
One of the sweetest celebrity prom stories belongs to Snoop Dogg. He attended prom at Long Beach Polytechnic High School with Shante Broadus—who later became his wife. The rapper shared the photo online years later to celebrate their 19th wedding anniversary. Despite ups and downs, their love story is proof that high school sweethearts can go the distance.
Brad Pitt (1982)
Yes, he went to Kickapoo High School in Missouri—and no, that’s not a joke! Brad Pitt was a busy student involved in tennis, swimming, golf, musicals, and debate. This prom photo features him with his date, Tonya Westphalen, both unaware he’d soon become one of the most famous Hollywood heartthrobs ever.
Tyra Banks (1991)
Supermodel and TV host Tyra Banks once described herself as an “ugly duckling” in school. Hard to believe when you see her owning this prom photo! Taken at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, she was already modeling professionally at 15. Her date’s identity is unknown, but Tyra’s confidence steals the spotlight.
Reese Witherspoon (1994)
Captured in a group prom photo at Harpeth High School in Nashville, Reese Witherspoon was already showing her star power. The Legally Blonde actress had the nickname “Little Type A” for being so driven and ambitious—qualities that helped her become a top actress and producer in Hollywood.
Kim Kardashian (1998)
Before becoming a billionaire businesswoman and reality TV icon, Kim Kardashian was a teenager enjoying prom night with TJ Jackson (son of Tito Jackson from the famous Jackson family). The event took place at Marymount High School in California. Even then, Kim knew how to make a statement in a bold blue gown.
Jessica Alba (1997)
Jessica Alba looked fresh-faced and stunning at her prom at Claremont High School in California. She had already started acting by 13, but this prom photo with her boyfriend Chris Lakkees shows her in a sweet, down-to-earth moment. It’s a great example of a star who really hasn’t aged!
Shailene Woodley (2006)
This fun throwback photo from Simi Valley High School shows Shailene Woodley rocking a Lara Croft-style blue dress. She shared it herself on Instagram. While her date’s name remains a mystery, her bold look fits her adventurous style seen in movies like Divergent.
Angelina Jolie (1993)
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie was known for her punk rock phase during her high school years. But in this prom photo from Moreno High School in California, she appears more classic than rebellious. Still, Jolie later admitted that deep down, she’s “just a punk kid with tattoos.” It’s a cool contrast to her usual edgy image.
John Stamos (1980)
Long before Full House made him a TV legend, John Stamos looked effortlessly cool in his white prom suit. He posted this prom photo on Instagram, and fans loved it. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in California and was originally planning to go to college—but luckily for us, acting called first.
John Krasinski (1997)
Long before becoming famous for The Office and directing A Quiet Place, John Krasinski was a student at Newton South High School in Massachusetts. This prom photo from the late ’90s captures a young, hopeful star—who had no idea he’d one day be named one of Time’s Most Influential People in the World.
Danielle Fishel and Lance Bass (1999)
Talk about a perfect throwback! Actress Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World) and singer Lance Bass (NSYNC) went to prom together while attending Calabasas High School. This celebrity couple’s prom night is one of the most iconic celebrity high school memories of the ’90s.
Tom Brady (1995)
The future NFL legend posted his own prom picture from Junipero Serra High School, joking, “Who’s ready for the weekend?!” Tom Brady played football, basketball, and baseball in school, but it was clear early on that football was his path to greatness.
Kendall Jenner (2012)
Kendall Jenner didn’t attend her own prom but was spotted at one with her high school boyfriend, Julian Brooks. This photo is a rare glimpse of the runway model and reality star in a more normal high school setting. She later shared online that missing prom wasn’t something she regrets—fame came early for her.
George Clooney (1978)
Before becoming a Hollywood A-lister, George Clooney was a regular teen at Augusta High School in Kentucky. He dreamed of playing professional baseball but didn’t make the team. His career changed paths, and soon he was starring on ER and heading for stardom.
Nick Cannon (1996)
This classic prom photo of Nick Cannon in an all-white tux is unforgettable. He didn’t go to his own prom because he graduated early but was still invited by girls from nearby schools. It’s clear why—he had charm and charisma even before he became a TV host and entertainer.
Jimmy Fallon (1993)
The beloved talk show host shared his hilarious prom picture from St. Mary of the Snow High School. His caption? A joke about how pale he looked next to his very tan date: “I looked like Powder.” Fallon’s sense of humor was clearly shining even in high school.
Tupac Shakur (1996)
In one of the most heartwarming stories, rap legend Tupac surprised a fan who didn’t have a prom date. After writing to his fan club, she was shocked when Tupac showed up in a white tux to escort her to the big event at John Muir High School. A true gentleman—and a powerful reminder of his kind heart.
Demi Lovato (2010)
Before becoming a chart-topping artist, Demi Lovato was attending Grapevine High School in Texas. This prom photo shows them enjoying a special moment before switching to homeschooling due to acting work and school bullying. A glimpse of happier times from their teenage years.
Gigi Hadid (2013)
Before becoming an international supermodel, Gigi Hadid was just another student at Malibu High School. These prom photos with friends show a young girl full of potential. Just a few years later, she took the fashion world by storm with campaigns for top brands like Chanel and Dior.
Elizabeth Banks (1992)
Actress and director Elizabeth Banks was crowned Prom Queen at Pittsfield High School in Massachusetts. With a love for performing that started in school plays, she went on to star in hit movies and produce her own films. Her prom photo proves she was meant to be in the spotlight.
