Can you recognize this singer?
Hint: Her rise to fame started with a gig was on the Disney Channel.
Before she became a wrecking ball with short hair, Miley Cyrus was sweet, lil' Hanna Montana. It's been a long time, but true blue fans have't forgotten! This snapshot is actually before she made her TV debut. Back then, Miley was observing dad Billy Ray Cyrus and Godmother Dolly Parton do their thing. No could have suspected that one day, she would be just as big on her own stage set!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She was a judge on American Idol, but he wasn't born in America.
Nicki Minaj was born in Trinidad in 1982. She moved to to mainland NYC early in life, and her formative years were spent in Queens. Listen closely, and it's obvious! Back in the day, she was named Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty. But maybe she always meant to transform into a rap star. After being fired from 15 jobs, Nicki revealed: "I don't think I had a lot of discipline in my household. My mom motivated me, but it wasn't a strict household. I kind of wanted a strict household." Funny how that works, sometimes!
Who is this talented actor?
Hint: He won 2 Oscars and made the mob cooler than ever.
As a kid, Robert De Niro grew up in Greenwich Village. But he gravitated towards Little Italy as a hang out, where the Italian youths there nicknamed him "Bobby Milk." He was pretty fair-skinned, apparently! Maybe that's because his father was half Italian. The mob movies might have fans fooled, but Rob is actually a proud American mix. Clearly, the actor loved the mother country, and was granted Italian citizenship in 2006. La vita è bella, like that!
Who is this kid?
Hint: This internet celebrity turned Grammy winner has a super secret birth name.
This is young Cardi B, originally known as Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. It's no wonder she chose a stage name! Born in 1992, she grew up in NYC. Mom was Trinidadian and Spanish and dad was Dominican. Maybe that's how she got her trademark accent! Cardi has claimed to have been involved in gangs, as a teen. But she looks like such a darling, here! Fans may never know if it's all an act for art, but she does love to keep people guessing. Okurrr!
Who is this action star?
Hint: Although he is known as an A-list movie star with some killer lines, he had trouble speaking as a child.
Fans probably have no idea that Bruce Willis was not born in America. Starting out in West Germany to an American dad and German mom, lil' Bruce came to the USA when he was two. As a youngster, he actually stuttered. Somehow, everyone figured out that this was less problematic for him when he was acting on stage. So act, he did! Later his first big role would be in Moonlight. With such a prolific career, it's easy to forget about that one!
Who is this kid?
Hint: Boasting the most subscribers on YouTube for a female artist, this girl started practicing early.
Born Ariana Grande-Butera, this future pop star grew up in sunny, breezy Florida. Performing started very early, down there. With gigs at a local kid's theater, things went up and only up for Ariana in TV and music. But wait: Before she was a dangerous woman, Ariana was just a elementary schooler like everyone else. Here she is, fans! Looking closely, she is recognizable. But it's not that obvious, is it?
Who is this talented kid ?
Hint: She's won 15 Grammy awards and 1 Oscar, and it all started on Myspace.
Born in North London, this young girl would one day become the biggest, boldest voice out there. At only 6 years old, family reported that she was already pretty musically expressive. Who is she? It's Adele, no one else! After recording a demo for a class project, a friend posted it online. On Myspace, to be exact. From there, people went crazy: These days she's rolling in the deep, deep in Grammys!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She has been named Hollywood's highest-paid actress multiple times.
Who would think that this innocent gal was going to be a Hollywood legend, one day? Maybe Hollywood parents would, in this case. Just ask Jon Voight and Marcheline Bertrand about little Angie, here! Angelina Jolie has it all: kids, career, fame. After a recent divorce from Brad Pitt, she is enjoying a fresh start and a busy family life. With three sons and three daughters, she's an active mom off screen!
Who is this kid?
Hint: He made history when he was the first person to win an Oscar for a Hip Hop song,
Even Eminem was once a blonde cutie, as much as he would deny it. Growing up in inner city Detroit, he might have been the only one with hair like that. He got bullied for his looks! Back then, thing were tough, but one day, he would get revenge in rap. Early in his career, Dr. Dre endorsed him as a rapper despite his ethic differences with most of the industry. He explained: "I don't give a f@#$ if you're purple; if you can kick it, I'm working with you." And work, they did!
Who is this kid?
Hint: He changed his name when he turned 15, and he's never looked back.
Bill Clinton was a sweet little boy from Arkansas, once upon a time. Born William Jefferson Blythe III, tragedy struck early. His father died, sadly. When mom remarried to stepdad was Roger Clinton, they took the name. At 16, the future prez was first chair saxophone. But even then, he told people he wanted to be in politics. He explained: "I loved music and thought I could be very good, but I knew I would never be John Coltrane or Stan Getz." Maybe not, but he performed occasionally as the commander in chief. The American people loved it!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She served in a far away army, and still has plenty of fighting moves.
Israeli-born Gal Gadot rose to fame slowly, and then quickly. Although she had a steady career in her hime country al along, she shot to international fame with Wonder Woman. Suddenly, she was a household name! Once upon a time, Gal was just a girl. According to the actress: “I had a very sheltered kind of life...There was no TV-watching. It was always ‘Take a ball and go play'...“In general, I was a good girl, a good student, a pleaser, and I was a tomboy. Always with wounds and scratches on my knees." Pretty charming, Gal!
Who is this kid?
Hint: Her first hit was an unaccredited backup vocal on a Hip Hop song.
Lady Gaga started musically very early. As a child, she took classical piano, vocal, and acting lessons. Later, she put it all to use at open mic nights and the high school stage. She started writing her very own songs at just 13! At age 11, she got a big break: The Juilliard School in Manhattan accepted her! But she didn't end up going, attending Catholic school, instead. In the end, no institution was the reason Gaga became a star. She was just born that way, baby!
Who is this actor?
Hint: Funny enough, he won a Golden Globe for playing himself.
This smiling boy would one day be a grinning dude on every American TV set. Matt Le Blanc knew how to charm early, it seems! Born in Newton, Massachusetts, he rushed to New York at age 17 to pursue a modeling career. But they told him he was too short! Obviously, he got into acting as a plan B. But it seems to have worked out, just fine! After a taste of success in a Heinz Ketchup commercial, he was eventually found his way to the set of Friends. Joey Tribbiani, for the win!
Who is this handsome actor?
Hint: Many of his roles involved sword fights, booze, and swashbuckling.
Orlando Bloom was a this charming English boy, for a moment in time. Named after the 16th-century composer Orlando Gibbons, he already had an artistic legacy to beat. Most would say he did, at this point! Brought up as a good lad in the Church of England, Orlando attended St Peter's Methodist Primary School. But at the stage of this sweet little smile, he was diagnosed as dyslexic. As a response, mum encouraged him to pursue acting and drama. Clearly, that was a million dollar idea!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She is gorgeous, funny, and a good friend to the end.
This little toddler was destined to become America's sweetheart. She would also inspire a whole decade of women to cut their long hair just so, with honey blond highlights. Who is she? Clearly, it's Jennifer Aniston! Early life happened in the LA neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. The family moved to NYC when she was nine, and she got involved in theater at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Surprise, surprise: Jen was a drama dork!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She's had gigs in every state in the union, but her beginnings were definitely southern.
Selena Marie Gomez was such a cutie! Born and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, she actually got her high-school diploma by homeschooling! Selena began auditioning at an early age and met Demi Lovato during a casting call for Barney & Friends. Fun fact, for fans. But things were simple, back then. According to Selena: "My family does have Quinceañeras, and we go to the communion church. We do everything that's Catholic, but we don't really have anything traditional except [that we] go to the park and have barbecues on Sundays after church." Yum, she explained. There's nothing like a good Texas BBQ!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She was part of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, her real youth passion.
Amy Winehouse has passed on, sadly. But remembering her life is something fans still want to do right! Born in north London, her parents made her go to synagogue and Sunday school outside of class. But she hated it, most of the time. Amy enjoyed theater school much more. She studied vocals and tap dance on the weekend, at the Susi Earnshaw Theatre School. Then she went for full time training at Sylvia Young Theatre School. All that prep worked out, it seems: As the first British female to win five Grammys, Amy Winehouse can never be forgotten!
Who is this kid?
Hint: He was portrayed fighting in a Quentin Tarantino movie, and fans loved it.
Bruce Lee was once a cuddly kid, too! The martial arts icon was born in San Francisco to a Chinese dad and half Chinese half Caucasian mom. But the family returned to Hong Kong when he was a baby! As a teen, he was sent back to America to live with his older sister. Around then, he started martial arts training. And after a lot of hard work and determination, he went on to single-handedly popularize Kog Fu and Karate in Western film. Hay Yah!
Who is this kid?
Hint: He wasn't a big reader in school, but he was a huge rocker in training.
The father of heavy metal is certainly Ozzy Osbourne. He founded Black Sabbath, after all. And once, he bit a bat! But was he always so dark and brooding? Look at this sweet, young face. Nicknamed "Ozzy " in grade school, he had a common problem that was not properly diagnosed. This was another case of unaddressed dyslexia, and he dropped out of high school! But Ozzy was thoughtful about his move. He wanted to be a rockstar, and he knew he had what it took. History shows, he was right!
Who is the kid in the middle?
Hint: His last album sold over 10 million copies, but his career has ended.
This smiling 3-year-old is legend Tupac Shakur, but he doesn't know it yet! Fans may not be aware that he was named after Túpac Amaru, a South American revolutionary. They secretly had the same middle name! At this stage in life, Tupac's mom was a member of the Black Panther Party. She had originally named him Lesane Parish Crooks, but changed it to something she felt was more inspiring. No wonder he grew up to be a rap revolutionary!
Who is this kid?
Hint: This pop queen has Native American Ancestry, and top American career.
It might be grainy footage, but this is no UFO. It's Cher, before she was famous! After borrowing her mom's car at 13, she was arrested. This is her mug shot, the first of one. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian, the future pop star spent her childhood dreaming of fame — not crime. Cher claims she always knew she would end up a star, and it seems her stint in local crime was short lived. She got into trouble just once, and it was a dispute with mom!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She knows how to lose a guy in just ten days.
Hello, Kate Hudson! Daughter of Oscar winning actress Goldie Hawn, she had a head start to get gigs. But fans love Kate all on her own, and she's really made a name for herself! Kate says responsibility was a big theme in her house. She explained: "My mom . I think [she and Kurt Russell] wanted to instill that in us even though we grew up in a really privileged and lucky lifestyle." Smart stuff, Goldie!
Who is this kid?
Hint: She has made 35 appearances on international Vogue magazine covers, so far.
One of the most successful models today, Gigi Hadid actually started quite early. Her career began at age 2! The youngster was picked by Guess clothing for baby Guess. But then, she stopped to focus on elementary school. It wasn't the end, of course. Born to model Yolanda Hadid, she had a lot of advice, right in her house. And according to Gigi: "My mother was my beauty icon my whole life." Aww, mom!
Who is this kid?
Hint: He was born in Hawaii, and worked in Chicago and DC.
Barack Obama, the boy. Dad was Kenyan, mom was from Kansas. In the end, he grew up in Hawaii. Who would believe this little cutie would one day be the President of the United States? Back then, he was known as Barry. Describing his early years, he explained: "[Mom] was an anthropologist and she didn't just love the social sciences, she loved physics and astronomy. She's the kind of person who would wake me up to see a full moon if it was particularly spectacular. She took me around to natural history museums." Fascinating stuff, for any kid!
Who is this kid?
Hint: Although he does plenty of action movies, some of his biggest roles were pretty musical.
John Travolta always had good looks, and early photos show it. Maybe it was just in the family, and inescapable. Dad was a semi-pro football player, and mom was an actress and singer. Saturday Night Fever and its moves had some athleticism to it, no doubt! After Grease, John could have called it a day. But he wasn't done achieving, and decided to learn to fly planes — real planes! Today, he is an avid aviator with his own airstrip at home. With four planes to his name, why not?
Who is this kid?
Hint: This singer-songwriter learned a lot from granny.
This 4-year-old all American girl is Taylor Swift. Look closely, and that familiar face shines through! Not long after this picture was taken, she started writing her own songs. Grandma was an Opera singer, so it's probably in the genes. According to Tay: ''Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple. Growing up is scary because it happens without you knowing it. I think that growing up is something that you should do gradually.'' With an album release at 16 and a Grammy soon after, she probably knows a lot about it!
Who is this kid?
Hint: Some say she looks innocent, others fear she might bite.
For her young age, Kirsten has been in the spotlight for quite a long time. She's lived many lives, right in front of the paparazzi. The Twilight Saga got her international fame, and her love life was just as popular. Post Robert Pattinson, she's been quiet! In 2017, she announced she was dating a Victoria Secret model named Stella Maxwell. She explained: "It's cool that you don't have to nail everything down anymore. That whole certainty about whether you're straight or gay or whatever." Maybe not!
Who is this kid?
Hint: This future rapper was a trendsetter, even early on.
No one really knows what Notorious B.I.G. looked like when he was a child. Bit at age six, here is the answer! It takes style to pull off a pink tux, as many have tried and failed can explain. But he seems super confident, even back then! Born Christopher Wallace, he did get his later nickname because of his size. Though some called him Biggie Smalls, back in the day, it turned out that this was already in use. Another rapper had thought of it! More than 20 years after his death, fans still use it, though. When a name fits, it fits!
Who is this kid?
Hint: Blond was definitely her color, but not her real one.
Without her signature blonde hair, it might be hard to say who this is. But before the glam and glitz, Marilyn Monroe was actually Norma Jean Mortensen. Seen here, she's still au naturelle! Marilyn was in a foster home and and orphanage during her childhood. Many may not know it, but her past was difficult before she told America diamonds are a girl's best friend! Her early early work was not on screen, but at a Radiophone Factory. Here she is, using a little elbow grease!
Who is this kid?
Hint: This beauty, fashion, and music icon has won 9 Grammy awards after more than 30 nominations.
Don't be fooled by the babyface. This soul is going to be a real go-getter, and a confident woman! It's Rhianna, but back in Barbados. On the island, she had lots of adventures and good memories before leaving at 16 for music. How does she feel about it, today? According to the pop star, she still loves it. And it's hard to pinpoint her happiest spot on the island! Riri explained: ''It’s impossible to answer. I know I am biased as it’s my home, but the whole place just makes me feel happy.’' Paradise has a way of doing that!