20 Celebrities Whose Appearance Changed Dramatically since Disappearing from the Screens

Time does not stand still for anyone—not even the stars. Many celebrities have undergone significant changes in appearance over the years, and we've gathered some of the most dramatic transformations.

Yasmine Bleeth was one of the most recognizable faces on the screen in the late 90s, thanks to her role as Caroline Holden in the cult series "Baywatch."

While many may remember her as the lifeguard she once portrayed on screen, Bleeth looks completely different now. She isn't alone in this transformation, as many celebrities look almost unrecognizable compared to how they looked in their heyday. Here are 20 celebrities that fit that mold.

1. Axl Rose

Axl Rose, the lead singer of Guns N' Roses, was considered among the best rock stars of all time. He was famous for his powerful voice and electrifying performances, earning him a massive worldwide following.

However, his behavior eventually led to the band's downfall. After several years of absence, Rose returned in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Despite the initial excitement surrounding his return, he looked different. Changes in his appearance, including his hair, drew attention and criticism.

While his popularity has declined, Axl Rose remains a significant figure in the history of rock music and has a dedicated fanbase.

2. Renee Zellweger

Renee Zellweger is a highly respected and talented actress who rose to fame with her role in the movie "Jerry Maguire." Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades and awards for her performances in films such as "Bridget Jones," and "Cinderella Man."

After appearing in a 2010 film, she took a break from the public eye and returned in 2016 with a couple of new projects. However, during this time, she underwent a noticeable transformation that left many fans surprised when she made her first red-carpet appearance in years.

Zellweger's altered looks sparked speculation, with many struggling to recognize her as the actress they once knew and loved. Still, she remains a beloved star, admired for her remarkable talent and captivating performances.

3. Sean Connery

Sean Connery was one of the biggest movie stars in the world, widely known for his iconic role as James Bond. He brought the character to life in a way few others had, and his portrayal will forever be remembered as one of the best.

Throughout his career, he starred in many films, but despite his immense popularity, Connery faced controversy due to some troubling statements. He eventually retired after a negative experience filming "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."

Since he stopped working, Connery has aged, a natural progression, but still surprising given his legacy and the magnitude of his impact on the film industry.

4. Nicole Eggert

Nicole Eggert rose to fame as a child star when she was cast in one of the lead roles in the hit sitcom "Charles in Charge." She became a major part of the show, lasting five seasons.

The actress went on to find further success on television, including a role as Summer Quinn on the popular nineties, show "Baywatch," where she was required to show off her fit physique in a bathing suit.

But over time, her appearance also changed. The star's struggles became the focus of attention when she appeared on the reality weight loss show "Celebrity Fit Club." Despite this, she remains one of Hollywood's golden girls.

5. Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong was a young actor who rose to fame when he was cast as John Connor in the highly-anticipated movie "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

He was part of one of the biggest movies of all time and was praised for his performances in other well-received films such as "Brainscan" and "Detroit Rock City." However, Furlong's career took a hit as he struggled with substance dependency.

It caused him to fade into obscurity. After overcoming a few personal battles, Furlong's appearance changed and looked unrecognizable to some fans.

6. Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan, who was once considered America's sweetheart, was widely famous for her contribution to many beloved rom-com movies like "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail."

She established herself as a talented actress and film star, but her career took a hit later after a series of poorly received movies and controversies.

During a break from the industry, she underwent procedures that permanently altered her appearance. This drastic change surprised many who remembered the actress's youthful glow in her heyday.

7. Angus T. Jones

Angus T. Jones was once a beloved child star, best known for his role in the movie "See Spot Run" and as the co-lead in the hit sitcom "Two and a Half Men." He grew up in the public eye, developing his appearance over the years.

However, his personal beliefs changed, and he became critical of the content in "Two and a Half Men." He left the show and made only a few cameo appearances.

Jones also drastically changed his appearance, growing a beard that gave him a different look. This transformation marked a new chapter in his career and personal life.

8. Nikki Cox

Nikki Cox was once famous for being a part of the hit TV show "Married with Children" and later for her role in "Unhappily Ever After." She was known for her stunning red hair and portrayal of a beautiful, witty, and resourceful young woman.

However, she underwent drastic changes to her appearance over the years, including plastic surgery. This change was not well received by fans and may have contributed to her fading from the limelight.

9. Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte was a Hollywood heavyweight in the 90s, with many successful films like "48 Hrs" and "The Prince of Tides." His reputation for being the epitome of masculine beauty even earned him the title of Most Attractive Man Alive in 1992.

But with time, the actor became unrecognizable from his former self. The paparazzi caught Nolte looking disheveled and much different from his days as a Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor.

10. Melanie Griffith

Melanie Griffith, who captivated audiences with her talent and beauty, was a prominent actress in the 80s and 90s. She rose to fame after her work in "Body Double" and went on to star in several popular films, including "Working Girl" and "Pacific Heights."

Despite occasional appearances in recent years, Griffith's star power has diminished, and she is not as frequently mentioned in popular culture.

Fans noticed the significant changes she made to her appearance through various cosmetic procedures. It altered her once-recognizable face.

11. Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson's celebrity status peaked during his time as a heavyweight boxing champion. His incredible skills and powerful punches earned him a reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

However, his rise to fame was quickly followed by a scandal. The ordeal was a significant blow to his athletic career, and he could never return to the success he once had.

In the years that followed, Tyson largely disappeared from the public eye. He underwent significant physical changes, including getting a distinctive face tattoo.

12. Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley, the former wife of legendary singer Elvis Presley, rose to prominence due to her marriage to one of the biggest celebrities in the world. She became a figure of great interest, and her relationship captivated the masses.

In addition to her love story, she established herself as a talented actress, making a mark in the industry as one of the stars of the famous "Naked Gun" series. Her stint on the silver screen didn't last long, and when fans saw her in recent years, she looked different.

Despite the changes caused by cosmetic procedures, she remains a well-known figure and continues to be remembered for her special connection to "The King of Rock 'n Roll."

13. Lex Luger

Lex Luger, a professional wrestler, gained notoriety throughout his career for his impressive physique and athletic ability. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice and was sent on a tour of America by the WWE to establish himself as a patriotic hero.

Sadly, his popularity did not reach the desired level, and he was never considered the biggest star in the wrestling world. After retirement, Luger suffered an injury in his neck, which resulted in temporary paralysis and limited his ability to engage in physical activity.

He has also been candid about his decision to stop using performance-enhancing substances, which contributed to the shrinking of his once massively muscled physique.

14. Lil' Kim

One of the pioneers in the rap genre, Lil' Kim rose to fame with her unique style and powerful voice. Known for her hit songs like "Crush on You" and "No Time," she was a prominent figure in the music industry.

Her memorable appearance in the music video for "Lady Marmalade" was a testament to her confidence and style. However, in recent years, she has faded from the public eye.

This was partly due to her seeking multiple cosmetic procedures, leading to a noticeable transformation in her appearance.

15. Brendan Fraser

An actor who captivated audiences with his talent and lovable presence, Brendan Fraser was a sought-after performer in the 90s and early 2000s. He starred in memorable films such as "School Ties," "With Honors," and "Gods and Monsters," for which he received critical acclaim.

Brendan's most significant successes came from his roles in popular films like "Encino Man" and especially "The Mummy" and its sequel. However, a string of poorly received films caused Hollywood to lose faith in him, leading to a decrease in major roles.

Although he continues to work in the industry, he is not as widely recognized as he once was and has undergone a noticeable physical transformation.

16. Lara Flynn Boyle

Lara Flynn Boyle rose to fame as a part of the iconic television series "Twin Peaks" and went on to star in popular shows such as "The Practice." She also made a name for herself in the film industry with roles in movies like "The Temp" and "Men in Black II."

However, she disappeared from the entertainment scene after she underwent plastic surgery procedures, which changed her appearance entirely.

17. Kenny Rogers

Kenny Rogers is a true icon in country music, leaving an indelible mark with his unforgettable voice and hit songs. With 39 studio albums and 80 singles under his belt, it is no exaggeration to say that Rogers is a major force in the music industry.

He is known for his chart-topping hits such as "The Gambler," "Lady," "Islands in the Stream," and many others, cementing his place in music history.

Rogers continued to tour in recent years, but the drastic change in his appearance garnered the most attention, which many attribute to plastic surgery.

18. Yasmine Bleeth

An actress who captivated audiences with her beauty and talent, Yasmine Bleeth rose to fame as a part of the hit TV series "Baywatch."

She played a significant role in the show's popularity and was featured in a famous scene from the hit TV show "Friends." Known for her work on the soap opera "One Life to Live," Yasmine's last credited role was in 2003.

Bleeth was out of the public eye for years until the paparazzi recently captured her image in 2020—the Hollywood star looked different.

The change in her appearance surprised many fans who remember her from her days running in slow motion on the beach in the fictional Emerald Bay.

19. Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal was once one of the biggest action stars of the late 80s and early 90s, famous for his martial arts skills that he showcased in movies like "Above the Law," "Hard to Kill," "Under Siege," and "Exit Wounds."

However, despite two periods of relevance, his popularity has declined. Seagal received some attention when he starred in the reality show "Steven Seagal: Lawman," but since then, he has had controversial associations.

Over the years, he has taken to wearing clothes that give him a Bond villain-like appearance. He also dyed his hair which has surprised fans.

20. Jennifer Grey

Jennifer Grey is a 62-year-old actress who rose to fame in 1987 after playing the role of Frances "Baby" Houseman in "Dirty Dancing." The public became fascinated with her nose, and to boost her career, Grey underwent plastic surgery.

However, she quickly realized the mistake she had made. Her second surgery changed her appearance so much that the paparazzi didn't recognize her when she attended a public event.

The decision to change her appearance plagued her for years, and she struggled to get acting roles. Despite the comments she had received about her looks over the years, she has learned to love herself.

Now at 62, Grey wants to help other women embrace aging and live without regret. She believes that beauty is not about perfection but about wisdom and confidence.