27 Photos Of Historical Figures When They Were Younger

Buzz Feed

4 days ago

Although I didn't feel this way as a kid, I can now admit that history is definitely the best subject ever. Like, I wish I kept my old history textbooks, because they'd probably be way more interesting as an adult. But in particular, there's something especially trippy about seeing old historical photos.
So I've gone down a bit of a rabbit hole to find some old photos of famous historical figures — in particular, ones we only really remember as adults or older people. Today I'm gonna share those photos with you, because they're too good not to showcase.
I'll start with the younger photo, we'll see if you can name them, and then I'll reveal who it is:
Do you know who this is?
That's former president Ronald Reagan! Here he is in 1980:
I'm sure you can name this person:
That's singer Whitney Houston! Here she is in 1986:
This baby became a hugely famous actress. Who is it?
That's actress and sex symbol Jayne Mansfield! Here she is in 1957:
Who's this handsome historical figure?
That's inventor Henry Ford! Here he is circa 1910:
Any guesses who this is?
That's singer Frank Sinatra! Here he is in 1960:
Can you recognize this sweet face?
That's actress Judy Garland! Here she is in 1945:
This one is pretty easy. Who is this?
That's actor (and EGOT winner) James Earl Jones! Here he is in 2014:
Who is this figure in more recent history?
That's Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates! Here he is in 2025:
This one isn't too difficult either. Who is she?
That's writer Agatha Christie! Here she is in 1954:
Can you name this adorable young actor?
That's actor James Dean! Here he is in 1955:
This one is easy. Who is he?
That's composer Stephen Sondheim! Here he is in 2017:
Do you recognize her?
That's actress Elizabeth Taylor! Here she is circa 1955:
Can you name this iconic historical figure?
That's scientist Marie Curie! Here she is in 1989:
Who is this 3-year-old?
That's singer Elvis Presley! Here he is circa 1956:
Who is this young historical figure?
That's philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche! Here he is circa 1890:
Another baby photo! Who is this famous athlete?
That's baseball star Babe Ruth! Here he is in 1930:
Now, guess who this is:
That's singer Celine Dion! Here she is in 2024:
Before I reveal their recent photo, tell me who this historical figure is:
That's former president Jimmy Carter! Here he is in 1980:
Who is this adorable historical figure?
That's Diana, Princess of Wales! Here she is in 1995:
Can you identify this historical figure?
That's actress and singer Brigitte Bardot! Here she is in 1963:
Who is this ultra-handsome man?
That's Clark Gable! Here he is circa 1950:
Do you recognize her?
That's singer Tina Turner! Here she is in 1997:
Got any idea who this is?
That's former president Franklin D. Roosevelt! Here he is in 1935:
Everyone knows this person's name. Who is he?
That's activist and politician Nelson Mandela! Here he is in 1990:
Another person everybody knows. Can you guess who he is?
That's inventor Steve Jobs! Here he is in 2009:
Can you identify this woman before she was famous?
That's actress Audrey Hepburn! Here she is in 1957:
Who's sitting in this beautiful portrait?
That's Girl Scouts of the USA founder Juliette Gordon Low! Here she is in 1919:
Which historical figure's transformation shocked you the most? And whose younger photos do you want to see in a future post? Tell me in the comments below!
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