16 Rare Photos of Celebrities with Interesting Behind-The-Scenes Stories

• Below, we bring you 16 of the rarest celebrity photos which tell unexpected behind-the-scenes stories. Some of these pictures include nostalgic/throwback images of well-known celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley, with backstories that are even more interesting than the photos themselves.

In this digital age when images can easily be accessed online, and people's lives are readily exposed, not much is left to the imagination. This is a far cry from decades ago when memories were only preserved through printed photographs, and can only be accessed by a few.

This compilation of precious photos is from way back in those days when celebrities' lives behind-the-scenes were exclusive only to those who knew them. Some of these images were taken before fame and fortune took hold of their lives.

From Pamela Anderson's high school yearbook photo to Michael and Janet Jackson's childhood sibling pic and Pierce Brosnan's modeling days, these are rare glimpses into moments captured on film, with unique backstories unbeknownst to many. Take a trip down memory lane with these 16 rare photos from yesteryears.

1. Michael & Janet Jackson in Los Angeles, Circa 1972

In this throwback to 1972, world-renowned superstar siblings Janet and Michael Jackson are captured in a super cute sibling pic when they were kids. The "All for You" singer has disclosed that out of all her siblings, she was always closest to older brothers Michael and Randy Jackson. However, during her documentary, the international singing sensation revealed her bond with the "Thriller" artist had dissipated over the years, especially as each became more famous.

The "Poetic Justice" star recalled childhood memories where her brother would tease her relentlessly to the point where it would sometimes mess with her self-image. Though the siblings remained very close throughout their childhood, Janet noticed a shift in their relationship after her brother's solo career started booming after the release of "Thriller" in 1982:

"I remember really loving the 'Thriller' album, but for the first time, that's when I felt it was different between the two of us, that a shift was happening. That's the time Mike and I started going our separate ways. He just wasn't as fun as he used to be."

2. Cher in Bob Mackie's Iconic "Naked Dress," Circa 1974

Iconic Goddess of Pop Cher and legendary designer Bob Mackie stepped out for the Met Gala in 1974 with the singer wearing Mackie's stunning nude illusion dress. Recreations of the famous garment have been worn by modern-day "It" girls like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Still, few carry it the way the inimitable "Believe" singer did when the dress originally debuted.

The sheer crystallized gown, coupled with white feathered sleeves and white feathered bottoms, quickly became a signature Mackie piece. The incredible designer explains how the pop diva was so iconic in the dress that she was featured in it on the cover of Time magazine at one point, despite the magazine being primarily known for its depiction of world leaders at the time:

"It created a lot of [commotion]. In those days, Time reserved its covers for world leaders or someone who invented something important. Then there was Cher on the cover in that incredible piece of clothing, and newsstands sold out of it almost immediately."

3. A Young Christopher & Glenn Walken Baking, Circa 1955

In this 1955 pic, Hollywood film legend Christopher Walken and his brother, actor Glenn Walken, are busy rolling dough in their father's bakery as young boys. The "Pulp Fiction" star used to work in his dad's bakery when he was young, before becoming the world-famous actor we know today.

His father, Paul Walken, came from a long line of German bakers, and so naturally, he brought his sons on board. After he finished high school, the "Catch Me If You Can" star would deliver wedding cakes while working full-time at the successful bakery.

4. Carrie Fisher Hanging with Star Wars Stormtroopers, Circa 1980

In real life, Princess Leia may not see eye to eye with the Stormtroopers, who captured her in "Star Wars: Episode IV - New Hope," but Carrie Fisher, the actress who portrayed Princess Leia, proved she's chummy with them off-set. In this classic photograph, Fisher showed off her goofy side posing with her arch nemeses. In fact, she delighted in being carried by not one, but two Stormtroopers.

Years later, in 2015, Fisher and another Stormtrooper were seen posing it up again, except this time, the two make it apparent that they are enemies. The Stormtrooper playfully raises an arm in defense against Fisher, who playfully takes hold of the Stormtrooper's arm, with a look of determination on her face.

5. Sylvester Stallone & Arnold Schwarzenegger Dancing, Circa 1990

In this 1990 photo, action stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are photographed dancing the waltz in Cannes, France, after putting their competitive natures to the side. Speaking about that moment, Schwarzenegger described it as one of his favorite memories of being in Cannes:

"Sylvester was here for a film, and I was promoting 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day,' and up until that point, we didn't really hit it off well. We were very competitive and trying to derail each other [but] then somehow, because we were working for the same company, we hugged at a party ...And so we [started] waltzing."

"We couldn't stand to be in the same galaxy together for a while. We truly, truly loathed each other," Stallone revealed while discussing their careers in the '90s.

The iconic photo saw the two actors sharing a laugh as they entertained their audience who watched them in amusement. Clearly, this photo is a keeper.

Stallone referenced a rumor that Schwarzenegger tricked him into taking a part in 1992's Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot to have a flop on his résumé back during their rivalry — which Schwarzenegger confirmed was true. Moreover, Stallone's ex-wife Brigitte Nielsen reportedly once had an affair with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

6. Pierce Brosnan on a Scooter, Circa 1978

Irish actor Pierce Brosnan looks dashing as a young man in this rarely-seen black-and-white photo taken back in his modeling heydays. At just 24 years old, Brosnan was living in the UK then and setting his sights on making it in the showbiz industry.

In the picture below, the dapper Irish actor is seen riding a little scooter that is clearly too small for him, with a comical expression on his face. He wears a chic beret with a smart white dress shirt, blue jeans, and a sweater gracefully tied around his shoulders.

Brosnan is most typically known for his impressive accomplishment portraying James Bond from 1995 to 2002. This role cemented his status as an A-lister in Hollywood, with a net worth of $80 million.

7. A Young Ron Howard on "The Andy Griffith Show," Circa 1966

"The Da Vinci Code" star Ron Howard is a young boy in this picture captured during the filming of an episode of "The Andy Griffith Show," in which his character gets a black eye. The photo was taken during the series' seventh season, which aired on September 12, 1966, on CBS.

Howard is a talented actor, as well as a screenwriter, producer, and director. He got his start in acting at a young age, appearing in an array of television shows.

In 2012, [Annie Leibovitz] was also inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.

8. Betty White & a Primate Companion, Circa 1957

The iconic Betty White was known worldwide for her heart of gold, charm, kindness, and compassion. In this throwback photo, the "The Golden Girls" legend shares a special moment with a primate she is holding hands with. The picture is an excellent indicator of the love the late White had for animals.

The beloved actress was incredibly passionate about protecting animals, and upon her passing, her fans began donating to animal shelters across the US in her honor. Upon being asked for advice on how to lead a full life like hers, White had said:

"I'm not preaching, but maybe I learned it from my animal friends: kindness and consideration for somebody besides yourself. And I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do."

9. Freddie Mercury with Close Companion Mary Austin, Circa 1984

Rock n' Roll phenomenon Freddie Mercury is seen sharing a tender moment with his once-partner and longtime close friend, Mary Austin. The pair were incredibly close and maintained a friendship up until Mercury passed away, despite the dissolution of their brief romantic relationship.

Mercury would frequently confide in Austin, and most of the time, she was the first to know any and every news about the star. Austin had even joined Mercury's band Queen on some of their tours as a secretary of Queen's publishing business.

10. Audrey Hepburn & Her Pet Fawn, Circa 1958

The story behind this picture is as heartfelt as the picture itself. Timeless beauty, Audrey Hepburn's cute little fawn was actually her co-star before the creature became her pet. While shooting a movie about a young woman who travels to the Venezuelan jungles and has a little fawn following her everywhere, Hepburn was told that she should spend time with the creature to create a bond for the film.

The "Breakfast at Tiffany's" star reportedly took her fawn everywhere with her and even shared her bed with it. At the time, Hepburn did not have any kids, so she expressed how she learned a lot from the little animal during their time together. When the time came to return little Ip (the name she called the fawn), Hepburn was devastated, so much so that her husband tracked the animal down, and the couple welcomed the creature as a pet shortly after.

11. Clint Eastwood at an Actor's Workshop, Circa 1955

In this vintage photo of the international icon Clint Eastwood, it is clear that the actor has always been interested in keeping himself in tip-top shape. The photograph was taken during a body conditioning exercise at a talent workshop of which Eastwood was a part. Eastwood stands in the middle, surrounded by three women who are all joined together by arms in positions that look to be a part of a body exercise. The women are in full-costume bathing suits, and Eastwood is wearing swimming trunks.

Now in his 90s, the "Dirty Harry" star still keeps his health as a top priority. He still enjoys playing sports, exercising, and watching what he eats. Eastwood still has a prominent acting career, having just completed two projects in 2021.

12. Pamela Anderson's High School Yearbook Photo, Circa 1984

Everybody's favorite blonde bombshell, Pamela Anderson, was once a brunette in her teenage days. Anderson is widely known for her gorgeous features and signature platinum blond hair, but very few know that the "Barb Wire" star used to have dark hair. This sweet high school throwback depicts a young and innocent-looking Anderson rocking a dark brown pixie cut and wearing a formal black dress. The actress shows off her pearly whites as she stares looking into the lens of the camera.

The "Baywatch" alum has kept her same sweet and soft-spoken personality, regardless of the change in her appearance. The throwback picture is part of a rare collection of past photos revealed by one of her former boyfriends.

13. Elvis Presley as a Loving Husband & Doting Father, Circa 1968

In this sweet pic, the late, great legendary singer, Elvis Presley, was captured sharing a tender moment with his family — Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley. The father lovingly graces his little daughter with a kiss on the forehead as she is held by her mother while she plays with and pets the family dog. Presley and his wife are wearing red and yellow tops, making them look like a cute couple pairing— ketchup and mustard.

Presley and his wife provided a loving and stable family home for his daughter for the first four years of her life, with their three pet Great Danes and a cat. The significant cultural figure of the 20th century adored his daughter so much so that he named his private jet after her— the "Lisa Marie," which he would use to travel for tours across the US.

After he and his wife split in 1972, Presley's daughter would still frequently visit her father up until his passing when she was nine years old.

14. A Young Ben Stiller Photographed with His Sister & Parents, Circa 1976

In 1976, comedic actor Ben Stiller and his sister, Amy Stiller, were photographed with their parents, Ann Meara and Jerry Stiller. The image captured the family in a candid moment, focusing their attention on a screen showcasing a feature at the UJA telethon.

Stiller is widely known for his hilarious portrayals in popular comedic films like "Zoolander," and "Meet the Parents." Comedy runs in the family, as both his parents were comedic actors.

15. Eric Clapton & His Ex-Partner Mourning the Tragic Loss of Their Son

This sad photograph featuring English rock and blues guitarist Eric Clapton and his ex-girlfriend, Lory del Santo, was taken during the funeral of their four-year-old son, who accidentally fell from the 53rd floor of his mother's New York apartment.

The unfortunate incident happened while the boy was playing around the apartment just moments before his dad, Clapton, was scheduled to pick him up for a father-son lunch date.

Grief and devastation overtook the couple. Clapton's famous ballad "Tears in Heaven" was actually a song made in dedication to his son's memory.

16. Marilyn Monroe, Aka Norma Jeane Mortenson, Circa 1946

In this iconic throwback photo, American sweetheart and icon Marilyn Monroe is seen posing as a bride in a wedding dress, holding a bible close to her heart. The all-American beauty had married her neighbor, James Dougherty, when she turned 16 to prevent becoming a ward of the state and returning to the orphanage of the county she lived in.

Before she became "the" Marilyn Monroe—the iconic blonde bombshell—she was sweet little Norma Jeane Mortensen. Retired police detective Dougherty was the first of three of Monroe's husbands and was 20 when he started seeing Monroe.

More Captivating Images from Iconic Hollywood Photographer Annie Leibovitz

Born on October 2, 1949, in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA, Annie Leibovitz is a legendary and accomplished photographer. Leibovitz has photographed a plethora of stars throughout her career.

She is also known as a director, best known for her work in "Great Performances," "Comedy Central Roasts," and "Aria." Leibovitz was fascinatingly the last professional photographer to photograph John Lennon on the same day he was assassinated.

She held a decade-long position as Rolling Stone magazine's first-ever female chief photographer. However, she was not the first official female photographer to snap a cover for the magazine.

Leibovitz is also a doting mother of three children, two of which are twins. Her mother used to work as an instructor of modern dance, while her father was an American Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Her most famous works include the iconic partially nude John Lennon hugging Yoko Ono, Demi Moore in a painted-on suit, and Whoopi Goldberg in a bathtub full of milk, to name a few. Another iconic photo was her portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Leibovitz's photography style encapsulates the essence of the close collaboration between the subject and the photographer. In 2012, she was also inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.

Photographs continue to be as iconic as the individuals they capture. The art of photography still holds the utmost value, despite the world increasingly digitizing in every sphere. They have been around for years past and will continue to hold significance—no matter how great or small—for years to come.