These Candid Celebrity Photos From The ’90s Will Have You Feeling Super Nostalgic
As the internet enables more and more individuals to be well-known, celebrities are gradually becoming watered down. That wasn't the case in the '90s when the only way to be famous was to be a prominent figure in Hollywood. The beauty of candid photos is that they are reminders that celebs are just like the rest of us, denim and all. Get ready to see Miley Cyrus as a baby, Brad Pitt's former lovers, Victoria and David before they shared the surname Beckham, and so much more.
Miley Cyrus And Her Famous Dad Prepping For The Show
Before Miley Cyrus was the superstar she is today, she was simply the adorable daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. This photo dates back to 1994 and shows Billy holding his toddler at an Elvis Presley tribute concert.
Billy is standing near the front row seats at The Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. In the background, performers appear to be doing a sound check on stage. Miley's frizzy curls are pinned up with a bow and Billy is still proudly rocking his mullet and denim shirt.
Tom Cruise On The Set Of Mission: Impossible
Just look at young Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible. These days the Mission: Impossible franchise is so huge that even people who loathe action films have probably heard of it.
But back in 1996, the production team still didn't know just how massive a movie series they were embarking on. Tom is watching the footage they filmed that day alongside director Brian De Palma. Judging by the smirk on both their faces, it was a job well done.
Jennifer Aniston And Brad Pitt Leaving A Nightclub
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt hardly age, so you may not be completely convinced that this photo was really taken in 1999. The one giveaway is that the exes were still a couple at the time.
The flowers in Jennifer's arms are from her birthday party, which Brad threw for her at The Barfly nightclub in LA. In the background are some wandering eyes from people who are probably excited to be witnessing one of the hottest couples in Hollywood.
Pamela Anderson Filming Baywatch In Huntington Beach
Baywatch was all the rage in the '90s, in part because of Pamela Anderson. Anyone who lived in Huntington Beach at the time probably would have swarmed to this filming day just to catch a glimpse of the famous actress.
In the background, you can see that the production team created a string boundary so that fans won't run right up to Pamela. Some of them are looking in her direction, but others are looking to the side, which makes us wonder what other actors were in the scene that day.
J Lo And Donatella Versace At A Magazine Party
By 1999, J Lo had proven herself to be much more than just a backup dancer. The triple threat was a bonified A-list celebrity, so it's no wonder she's casually posing with Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace.
Jennifer would go on to add "fashion designer" to her long list of career endeavors, so we have to wonder if she was planting seeds and networking here. The pair were at a party for the magazine Notorious.
Steven Spielberg Directing Jurassic Park
For many of us, Jurassic Park holds a special place in our hearts as a timeless classic. Even if the plot was full of holes, Steven Spielberg was sure to distract us with plenty of awesome shots and suspense-building cutaways.
This image is perhaps the most quintessential director photo we've ever seen. Steven on-set, holding his hands up as though he's in the middle of expressing his vision. We can practically hear him saying, "Imagine this..."
The Fresh Prince Taking A Break
Will Smith became a household name as the lead in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Here the actor is taking a break from filming while on the set. He's perched on a leather chair near a window and is wearing an all-blue suit that gives away the era.
Though Will's facial expression is blank, you can tell by his body language that he was prepared for this photo. It's like the minute someone turns the camera on him, he's ready to perform.
Cher Riding A Motorcycle In Beverly Hills
Have you ever wondered if there's anything Cher can't do? This image is further evidence that there, in fact, is not. The superstar is casually driving a motorcycle down Beverly Hills in a pink top and leather pants.
The reason Cher's surrounded by fellow motorcyclists isn't because she's secretly part of a biker gang, though we wouldn't be surprised if she was. The celebrity is actually participating in the 1994 "Rejoice to Rodeo" to help raise proceeds for Camp Ronald McDonald.
Matthew McConaughey And Sandra Bullock Flying To New York
Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock look like your average pair of pals while walking through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 1996. The actors were headed to New York City, probably to promote their then-new movie, A Time To Kill.
Though they look happy enough to be dating, Matthew McConaughey has said he doesn't date costars. According to The Independent, the actor avoids getting involved to keep that "sizzling chemistry" apparent in the movie, which we can see in this photo.
Tyra Banks At The Airport
Before Tyra Banks was the superstar television personality she is today, she was a history-making model who dabbled in acting. By the time this photo was snapped in 1996, she had already appeared in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Higher Learning.
In this image, she was leaving LAX to head to New York City, probably for something related to her modeling career. The supermodel would go on to become a Victoria's Secret angel the very next year.
Victoria And David Beckham Backstage At A Concert
Nowadays, Victoria and David Beckham have been an item for so long that it's hard to remember a time they weren't paired up. They started dating in 1997, and by 1999 they were married and on their way to having four genetically superior children.
This image is from their early days when the famous couple's idea of a date was being VIP guests at a Whitney Houston concert. We're happy to report David eventually outgrew his bleached hair phase.
Winona Ryder Walking To A Hollywood Premiere
Winona Ryder rose to prominence in the late '80s, and by the year 2000, she had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here she is strolling across the street in the year 1991.
She was on her way to the premiere of The Commitments, which she didn't perform in. Though her hair is naturally blonde, styling it black became her trademark look. It suited her '90s style, which was full denim and dark accents.
Halle Berry At A Private Residence In Bel-Air
Halle Berry wasn't even 30-years-old when this photo was snapped in the '90s, but the young star looks like she could be a teenager. Her crop top and circular sunglasses were staples of the decade, and her trademark pixie cut was cute as ever.
She was headed to a pediatric aids event at a private residence in Bel-Air. We suppose when you're a celebrity, there really is no "average day," so you just have to pick the right moments to dress casually.
Kiefer Sutherland And Julia Roberts Out For An LA Stroll
Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts made headlines in the '90s when they left their significant others to embark on a relationship. They met on the set of Flatliners and couldn't help but fall for each other.
Here they are taking a walk down the streets of Los Angeles. That seems like a crazy thing to do when you're two famous celebrities, but everyone needs a little fresh air. Plus, you can barely recognize them under all that super-'90s attire.
Jennie Garth And Tori Spelling Arriving At The Golden Globes
Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling became '90s it-girls as two of the leads on Beverly Hills, 90210. The show literally ran straight through the decade, premiering in 1990 and concluding in 2000.
Here the stars are arriving at the 49th annual Golden Globe Awards, which took place in 1992. They've barely made it out of the car and are already bombarded by paparazzi. Both are wearing sequin dresses, a style that's since faded from popularity.
Julie Andrews Looking Like Maria All Over Again
Is it just us, or does this image look like it was taken from The Sound of Music? Julie Andrews looked like she was reprising her role as Maria when she headed through LAX in 1993.
What's crazy is that this image was taken almost 30 years after that movie hit theaters, but Julie looks classy as ever in her hat, blouse, and slacks. The fact the photographer put a black and white filter over it also gives her a timeless quality.
Lenny Kravitz At The MTV Video Music Awards
Back when MTV was still music television, Lenny Kravitz arrived at the station's award ceremony doting an all-silver outfit and platform shoes. The musician had just split from actress Lisa Bonet, and their now-equally famous daughter, Zoe, was just 5-years-old.
Lenny's dreads are back in fashion, and we sincerely hope he brings them back because look how well he rocked them! We're not sure about those reflective bracelets, though. They look like something out of a Power Rangers episode.
Woody Harrelson Headed To Boston From LAX
Remember when multi-colored windbreakers were a cool thing to wear? In case you don't, here's Woody Harrelson representing the fashion trend as he makes his way through LAX.
The actor was getting ready to board a plane to Boston and looked appropriate for the era with his faded cap and jeans. Nowadays, you can't bring beverages into the terminal, but back then you could carry a gallon-carton of water right onto the aircraft, as Woody is.
Three Rising Stars Filming Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seth Green, and Alyson Hannigan were all rising stars in the '90s who went on to have successful careers into the coming decades. Here they are on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1999.
The show was such a hit that it outdid the 1992 film of the same name, on which the series was based. Even though Buffy's folder reads UC Sunydale, they were actually filming at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Dolly Parton Boarding A Plane For Tennessee
When we head to the airport, we usually look like we just climbed out of bed. On the contrary, Dolly Parton looks radiant as ever as she makes her way through LAX to board her flight to Tennessee.
Perhaps she was headed to Nashville for a concert. It's also possible she was making a visit to Dollywood, a Tennessee amusement park the country singer took over just nine years prior. Either way, we appreciate that Dolly kept her '80s hairdo even though the year was 1995.
Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow Still Happily In Love
Before the epic drama that ensued between Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, and Angelina Jolie, Brad was famously in love with Gwyneth Paltrow. The pair met on the set of Seven and were mad for each other through the mid-90s.
This is one of the many photos of the famous couple hanging out on the streets of Los Angeles. We have to wonder if they planned on both wearing white, or if they were just that connected.
Johnny Depp And Kate Moss Leaving A Party
Another '90s it-couple was Johnny Depp and Kate Moss. Though fans swooned over Johnny Depp dating his Edward Scissorhands co-star Winona Ryder, Kate changed everyone's minds.
The supermodel and the actor made for a passionate couple whose attraction was palpable in every photo. Just look at how enticed Johnny seems by the back of Kate's head. They're also dressed in matching black, leather outfits. The pair were heading out from a New York City party that celebrated the 1994 film Serial Mom.
Naomi Campbell At The Fashion Cafe's First Anniversary
Only New Yorkers who were around in the '90s will remember the Fashion Cafe that opened up in Rockefeller Center in 1995. That's because the restaurant chain went bust in 1998, just after opening up its London location.
Model Naomi Campell clearly didn't predict the cafe's fate, or if she did, she hid it well while celebrating its first anniversary in 1996. The supermodel proudly doted a Fashion Cafe t-shirt while posing at the New York City location.
Richard Gere Walking Off A Plane
The '90s were very different than today when it came to airport protocol. This paparazzi member was able to get so close to Richard Gere's plane that you can see other aircraft in the background.
Nowadays, you wouldn't be able to get past TSA unless you were also boarding a flight. This image dates back to the year 1990, though, when LAX wasn't so stringent, even when it came to famous actors like Richard Gere.
Julia Roberts And Jason Patric At LAX
Julia Roberts' love life was a hot topic in the '90s, especially when she left Keifer Sutherland for Jason Patric. Both men starred in The Lost Boys and were said to be friends, making it a harsh blow for Keifer.
Even worse, the pair were engaged to be married when Julia called it all off! Here she is in 1991 at LAX with Jason Patric. Both actors seem distraught about something; perhaps it's their doomed relationship.
Seal Showing Off His Three BRIT Awards
Seal hit the ground running when his 1991 song "Crazy" made audiences crazy for the singer. Just a year later, Seal was proudly holding three BRIT awards for best British album, best British male solo artist, and best British video.
Seal wasn't even 30-years-old at the time and had yet to trade in his dreadlocks for the shaved head he's had for years. His bright violet jacket features padded shoulders, a trend that would die off by the end of the decade.
Heidi Klum Backstage At A Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
Before Heidi Klum and Seal became an item, the German model was making headlines of her own. Here she is at a 1997 Victoria's Secret fashion show in New York City.
We're guessing that the model was getting ready to do the catwalk, because her hair is in rollers. Even when a candid image catches Heidi biting her lip backstage, she still looks like a supermodel. The woman really can't take a bad photo, even when she's off her game.
Kate Moss In The Dressing Room At A Paris Show
Speaking of models getting ready for the catwalk, here's Kate Moss chatting with a friend backstage at a Paris Fashion show. The large dressing room is lined with makeup-covered tables.
Kate was sitting on one of the tables and getting her makeup done, but she paused to turn around and say something. It's one of those candid moments that shows how even the most famous individuals are just human beings, getting ready to put on a performance.
Wesley Snipes Walking Through LAX
We've seen a lot of '90s celebs walking through the airport, but none of them looked nearly as stylish as Wesley Snipes does here. His black attire features a cap and those round sunglasses that were all the rage at the time.
He also has a stylish leather bag over one shoulder that looks like it holds something more important than toiletries. If the actor was trying to be inconspicuous while out in public in 1994, he failed.
David Bowie And Iman At The Nell Premiere
Legendary musician David Bowie and supermodel Iman had only been married for two years when this candid photo was snapped. The couple was wading through the crowd at the New York City premiere of Nell.
Both David and Iman look humorously concerned for being at a major film celebration. They look more like they're posing for the cover of a thriller movie than enjoying themselves at a gathering. Even so, they both look fantastic as ever.
Jay-Z Attending A Heavyweight Fight
Before Jay-Z and Beyoncé became a certified hip hop power couple, the rapper was making a splash in the '90s music scene. His self-produced album made it on the Billboard 200 list just a few years before this picture was taken.
Here the rapper is attending a heavyweight fight in Las Vegas circa 1999. The participants were Mike Tyson and Orlin Norris. Jay-Z rocked his bandana and gold chain, but we're not sure how he viewed the fight with sunglasses on inside.
Anna Wintour And Her Daughter At A Fashion Show
If you're not sure who Anna Wintour is, she's the editor-in-chief of Vogue. To those in the fashion industry, Anna is just about as big as it gets in terms of status. This image dates back to 1996, at which point she had been in her acclaimed position for eight years.
The powerhouse is at a Donna Karan fashion show with her daughter, Bee Shaffer. If you really want to feel old, look up Bee today. She's all grown up and a successful producer.
Gwyneth Paltrow Looking Excited At A Movie Premiere
Gwyneth Paltrow appears to have bounced back from her brutal breakup with Brad Pitt by the time this photo was taken in 1997. The candid photo shows the actress mid-step and wearing an open-mouthed smile on her face.
She was attending the New York City premiere of Boogie Nights. Her haircut is super indicative of the era since it looks like it was modeled after Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. Then again, that movie didn't come out until the following year, so maybe Gwyneth was the trend-setter.
Victoria Adams At A VH1 Party In London
Though this celebrity is largely known as Victoria Beckham, back in her Posh Spice days she was still Victoria Adams. As the actress was ascending a stairwell in London, someone thought it was a good time to have her flash a smile for the camera.
At the time, she was headed into a VH1 party celebrating the channel's fifth year. It was also a party for Victoria's costar, Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), who landed a show on the station.
Christy Turlington Buying Magazines At LAX
Christy Turlington reached supermodel status in the late '80s, appearing in Calvin Klein's Eternity campaign in 1989. Here she is looking like an everyday beauty at the airport circa 1995.
The model was holding a generic plastic shopping bag and if you look closely, you can see that it contains magazines. A model reading a magazine on a flight is kind of like a chef reading a cookbook while in transit. It's certainly a sign of passion for her industry.
Freddie Prinze, Jr. On The Set Of Head Over Heels
Freddie Prinze, Jr. emerged as a leading man in the late '90s and is still a familiar face, though he's transitioned to more voice acting roles since. He's also famous for being the spouse of Sarah Michelle Gellar, who he's acting alongside in a handful of productions.
This image was captured while Freddie was on the set of Head Over Heels in 1999. The heartthrob had yet to embark on a relationship with Sarah, and onlookers were probably crossing their fingers for a chance to date the star.
Naomi Campbell Backstage At A Fashion Show
Here is supermodel Naomi Campbell having a conversation with someone backstage at a fashion show in New York City. Her yellow eyeshadow is a stark contrast to her dramatic eyeliner and dark lipstick, both of which were characteristic of the '90s.
It was also a decade when the middle part was making a comeback from the '70s. It was 1998, the same year that Time called the supermodel era over. Still, Naomi proved that she could hold her own in the changing times.
Johnny Depp On The Set Of The Brave
Johnny Depp looks like your cliche artist in this black and white photo on the set of The Brave. The 1997 film was based on a book, but Johnny co-wrote the screenplay.
It was also his first run at directing, and he starred in the film alongside Marlon Brando. Despite the impressive leads, the film received poor reviews and wasn't even released in America. In this photo, Johnny looks like he's accepting that the film is doomed.
Julia Roberts Heading To North Carolina
This image shows Julia Roberts in all her early 1990s glory. Her wild curls are voluminous as ever and she's rocking a long cardigan and a baggy tee tucked into her denim jeans. She was at LAX heading towards North Carolina.
We would bet she was in the middle of filming the 1991 film Sleeping with the Enemy, which had shooting locations in both North and South Carolina. Julia was in five movies that came out in 1990 and 1991, so she probably wasn't doing too much leisurely travel.
Gwyneth Paltrow At The Premiere Of Seven
Many of the '90s stars on this list were pictured attending premieres of films that they weren't even in. In this case, Gwyneth Paltrow was attending the New York City premiere of Seven, which she did star in.
Not only was she a lead, but so was Brad Pitt, who she went on to date. Even as one of the stars, Gwyneth is very casually dressed, wearing a white button-up and jeans. Laidback apparel was the trend in the '90s.
