Even before he became Gandalf the Gray and thrilled us with his magic, Ian McKellen was a fan of smoke rings, as this picture shows us. He’s here seated with playwright Larry Kramer at the opening night of the Broadway play “Indiscretions.”
Sure, it might not be a wild party – they’re having drinks at the table, for Pete’s sake – these aren’t young men, not even in 1995. That does make us wonder why this picture is in black and white if it wasn’t all that long ago. We thought that this was taken in the sixties or something like that, but not even McKellen is that old.
A Pair of Baldwin Bros
For some reason, people keep putting members of the Baldwin family in movies. We don't know, either. Anyway, here are two of them – Stephen Baldwin on the left and Alec Baldwin on the right – who are giving the camera their best dopey smiles and pouts.
Between them are a pair of lovely ladies, one of whom is Kim Basinger. She's the blonde next to Alec, obviously, but who is the ravishing brunette? Our best guess is it's Kennya Baldwin, who has been married to Stephen since 1990. This picture is from 1999, so it's a pretty solid bet. We're not sure where they are exactly, but looks fancy.
A Couple of Wise Guys
If you saw these two walking down the street toward you, you'd get out of the way. They're Robert DeNiro on the right – a famous actor who is responsible for films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Goodfellas,” “The Godfather Part II,” and many more.
On the left is Joe Pesci – a veritable national treasure who starred alongside DeNiro in “Goodfellas,” and “The Irishman,” and he's also been in “Home Alone,” “My Cousin Vinny,” and other classics. But, it turns out both of them are perfectly nice – they just happen to play tough characters pretty often. They're pretty good at this whole acting stuff!
Wrapped in Black
When Eddie Murphy walks into a club, you know that things are about to get crazy. Well, it might not have been a club, but the party following the premiere of his film “Metro” from 1997 was probably still a bumping bash one way or another.
Here he is with his arm around his wife Nicole as they celebrate his latest work of art. Despite Eddie wearing his sunglasses inside, he's looking ahead at the fun he's about to have. Nicole doesn't look as pleased as he is to be there, but maybe it was just the wrong moment to take a picture.
Off-Camera Surprises
Since her film debut in the 1989 comedy “Major League,” Rene Russo has been getting us excited to see all kinds of films. In this picture, she's excited, but we'll never find out why. Did someone tell a risque joke? Did someone unexpected show up, like Ty Cobb? Was Ty Cobb even alive during 1998?
No, he passed away in 1961. He was born in 1886, for Pete's sake. Though if he did show up, that would be really surprising. While Russo might not be locking eyes with the Georgia Peach, she's still seeing something that really has her amazed.
Leading Men
There are lots of men out there in Hollywood who have driven films forward just with their names, and this picture shows us when two of them lock eyes. Firm handshakes all around, and women in the vicinity can barely tear their eyes away (except for that one in the background, who is maybe trying to play it cool).
In case you couldn't tell, these two are Hugh Grant and Pierce Brosnan, two English actors who have had their names at the top of the billing in plenty of movies ever since they joined the filmmaking industry. Here, they're attending a “Talk” magazine launch party and taking the opportunity to rub some elbows.
Kisses in Pairs
There are lots of pictures of people getting kissed from both sides by friends of theirs, but how many of those friends are Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson? Few have that claim to fame, but at least one of them is this lucky lady, Ellen Barkin.
Barkin's been in plenty of films, like "The Big Easy" and "Ocean's Thirteen," and this picture is from the premier part of “The Fan,” which also starred Wesley Snipes. We're not sure why Harrelson is in the picture – he must have seen his chance to give Barkin a peck and swooped in when the opportunity presented itself.
Happy to See Each Other
Is there any among us who haven't wanted to give Andie McDowell a swing when we see her? Well, we haven't ever actually seen her, but we bet it's a common thought. Someone took the chance back in 1996 as Andie McDowell entered a party to celebrate a screening of “Michael,” in which she stars.
We're not sure who the other woman is, but she's either good friends with McDowell or has the charm to pull it off because McDowell looks like she couldn't be more pleased. Nobody else is even dancing, but that doesn't stop them. Just a couple of lovely ladies havin' a ball!
Worlds Apart
One of them is one of the most prolific thespians in film history, and the other one was in “Ghost.” Of course, both Whoopi Goldberg and Gerard Depardieu have been some of the most well-known and beloved members of Hollywood for a long time.
It was only 1995 when this picture was taken, but both were already well-established and had decided to kick back at a Planet Hollywood party in San Diego. They might not have ever met if not for their skills on the stage or in front of the camera, but here they are, having a bit of food and drink as equals.
It Wasn't Planned, We Swear
Usually, when two people show up dressed the exact same at a party, it's a bad thing. However, these two don't seem to mind that much. Maybe they worked it out beforehand? Who's to say? Anyway, these two are of course musician and actress Courtney Love on the left and British actress and model Amanda de Cadenet on the right, posing at a Vanity Fair Oscar party back in 1995 at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles.
It's amazing how close they got – shiny pearlescent dresses, messy blonde hair, small tiaras, bright red lipstick... hard to get closer if they tried.
Like a Vision From a Bygone Era
American actress and musician Juliette Lewis has always been an It Girl, and this picture is a prime example of why. How many other young actresses would show up to the 1992 Oscar party in West Hollywood looking like she's just stepped out of a movie from the silent era? And no doubt she was wearing confidence like it was a second skin.
Since her break as Audrey Griswold in “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,” she's done plenty to earn the respect of her peers, including award nominations for 1991's “Cape Fear.” She also likely had people jellin' over how she looks in this picture if her top-level moxie is any indication.
Before He Got Serious
The late Heath Ledger was coming into his own in 2000, even though his most famous role was still almost ten years away. In this picture, he's wearing nothing fancier than some jeans and a leather jacket as he rolls up to the premiere afterparty of “Boys & Girls,” which he didn't have a part in.
However, he had already been in “The Patriot” and “10 Things I Hate About You.” Given his established hunk status, it makes sense that he cracked an invite. Ledger looks a little grim in this pic, but he was probably just thinking about his next big role, the lead in “A Knight's Tale.”
Finger-Lickin' Finery
It seems like any picture of Heather Graham is an incredible picture of her – she just has that look about her. It's hard to ignore. As the saying goes, the camera loves her. This might not be what many would call the best angle of her, but it does highlight her soft features and big eyes.
Graham is an actress attending the premiere party for the 2000 film “Charlie's Angels,” and despite not having a role in the film, she was there to have a fun night in a thrilling outfit that no doubt had her at the center of attention.
You Can See It if You Squint
Want to take a stab at naming either of these famous folks? Give it your best shot. Okay, the lady is famous actress Sandra Bullock, and the guy she's next to is, get this, Ryan Gosling. Take a look at the eyes; you'll see it.
The picture is from 2002, and while Bullock was already world-famous, that doesn't mean the angle is the best. Gosling, however, had just started his time in the big leagues, with his first film role coming just a year before. He and Bullock were the leads for the movie “Murder by Numbers,” and here they're celebrating the release.
As Sweet as Can Be
It's been clear for a long time that Catherine Zeta-Jones was an attractive lady. Just take a look at this picture, which is from all the way back in 1991, and we can see that even at twenty-two, she was going to be turning heads no matter where she went.
But not only that, she has incredible range, too, as demonstrated by everything from thrillers to musicals to rom-coms, straight comedies, and even action films. We don't know where this 1991 party is, but it just got a lot more talented thanks to the arrival of this Welsh actress. We wonder if she had an inkling that she would become as big of a star as she did.
Stars From Different Constellations
Just in case you've ever wanted to see a picture that had both Tony Danza and Brett Favre in it, here you go. Asked and answered. In 1996, Brett Favre was breaking records and breaking hearts as the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. Danza, meanwhile, was working hard at his acting career, having been in the movie “Angels in the Outfield” a few years prior.
Where would these two people have the chance to meet up? It's at the 1996 ESPY Awards at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. These award shows and benefits are great sources of pictures for random celebrity encounters.
The Collab of the Century
No, we're sorry to report that Mick Jagger and Slash never worked together on music, as far as we can tell. This was back in 1994 when they were rocking out. Instead of in the studio, this picture lets us see them at a Rolling Stones party in the 606 Club in London.
While Slash has always had such expansive hair, it's strange to see him so young. Did you know his long locks were a way for him to combat stage fright while performing? Did Jagger ever have to deal with that sort of thing? If he did, we assume the copious amounts of you-know-what helped him clear his head. Like totally.
Fun Became Them
Though big, brawny Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't part of “Death Becomes Her.” The fabulous Goldie Hawn was, and that means they both got to hang out and have some fun at the premiere party in July of 1992. The movie is an odd one, with lots of black humor, wild special effects, and talk about death.
Arnold isn't in the film, but it was the early nineties, so he was invited anyway because, well, look at him. There's nothing much else to say about this pic – it's just a couple of stars getting together to celebrate another movie. Looks like they're having a good time.
Checking Out More Dinos
Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern enter into a cast party for “Saturday Night Live,” fully aware they were two of the biggest stars on the planet at the time. You see, the year was 1993. Which summer blockbuster came out in 1993 starring these two? It had some dinosaurs, it had a John Williams soundtrack, and it practically broke the mold for big movies for decades to come.
Yes, “Jurassic Park” was all that everybody could talk about at this time, and we assume that “SNL” had plenty of little gags about dinosaurs, since they aren't that creative. We're sure this night served as a great brainstorming party for the writers.
A Strange Hitchhiker
No, Susan Sarandon doesn't need a ride to the airport – this is her dressed in a super-oversized leather overcoat during the premiere party for “Fellow Traveler” in New York City. Makes sense, if she's dressed like that. 1990, when this picture was taken, was still a year out from “Thelma & Louise,” but Sarandon had already been making waves in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
She was nominated for an Oscar in 1990, but it certainly wasn't for “Fellow Traveler.” It also kind of looks like she's curling her right hand into a fist below her waist so she can punch us.
The King and a Queen
There's no way to not recognize the King of Pop, no matter how obscured he is by his date. Michael Jackson shows up to the 1993 Grammy Awards in fine fashion, which seems to be the only way he knows how to do things. But who is the lovely lady accompanying him? She should be recognizable as well – it's Brooke Shields, a famous model and actress.
She began modeling in the eighties, took a break to go to Princeton, and then started appearing in movies and shows. And in limousines with who might very well be the biggest pop star ever.
Lots to Go Over
We haven't had a picture with this much star power in a long time, and it's an eclectic mix of different areas. Starting clockwise from the bottom left, we have Kate Capshaw, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Patti Scialfa – just that side has acting, romance, rock and roll, and more.
On the other side is an unnamed dark-haired woman, followed by Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Steven Spielberg. They're all getting to know each other at Elton John's AIDS Foundation party in 1994, which attracted plenty of big names since it followed the 66th Academy Awards. And the lucky winners that night weren't letting those golden statuettes out of their sights.
Alone in the Crowd
If you're in a big crowd, it's actually pretty common to feel like you're alone, despite the people surrounding you. These two – Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale – look like they might be going through the same thing, but that could just be the framing. You know Stefani as the founder, lead singer, and songwriter from No Doubt as well as a number of pop hits.
Who's the guy with her? Well, Gavin Rossdale was married to Gwen for nearly fifteen years, between 2002 and 2016. He's an English guitarist and actor, best known for being the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Bush.
Our Kind of Woman
Not just any woman can handle the heady scent of a stogie, but Jennifer Tilly is not just any woman. She's seen here kicking back at a Grammy awards party in 1995, relaxing her way. She'd just had her breakthrough in the black comedy “Bullets Over Broadway,” which got her a nom for best supporting actress.
She's acted in plenty, but you might be more familiar with her voice – she voices Bonnie Swanson in “Family Guy.” Her fame was helped by being part of the “Chucky” series, and by being a cigar-loving, stone-cold fox. Fun fact - Tilly is actually a professional poker player.
About to Hit the Stage
Many of the pictures in this article are at swanky parties that are chock-a-block with actors, models, producers, etc. It's very possible that this picture is also at some big Hollywood event, but it's impossible to tell, thanks to the three wild cats dominating the foreground.
We aren't sure who is wearing the pink and blue wigs, but the guy in the red wig is actor Edward Norton. This pic is from Halloween of 1998, which means that this trio might be dressed up as their favorite hair metal band for some spooky fun. They look like they're fully themselves and having the time of their lives. Rock on, boys.
Jerry Hall Reveals All
No, not all, certainly. We couldn't put it on this list if that was the case. But she's still showing plenty of famous leg, and as one of the most famous models of the seventies and eighties, she's used to it.
She's giving us a glance at the gams while standing next to Vivienne Westwood at a Vivienne Westwood after-show party in 1996 in Paris. As you might be able to pick up from context, Westwood is a fashion designer – so no doubt Jerry Hall was always going to be on the guest list. Also, it makes sense why Hall was trying to cozy up with Westwood - that woman had power.
Before the Brady
Several years before marrying Tom Brady and creating a decade-long power couple, Gisele Bundchen was little more than a world-famous supermodel that had the best of life at her fingertips. As we can see in this photo, she was partying back in 2002 with other models and famous figures at a “Dior Addict Anonymous” party.
Yes, obviously, that name is tongue-in-cheek. It was for a launch of a new Dior fragrance called "Addict," which means, of course, there are going to be supermodels going wild with their dance moves. Bundchen would make an odd sight on the dance floor, we bet.
Raising a Glass
If you're a goofy, famous actor, there are probably going to be tons of photos of you hanging out with friends and having a good time. Such is the case for Johnny Depp, who is toasting fellow actor and friend Mickey Rourke. It was Mickey's thirty-eighth birthday, and Johnny had thrown him quite the party at Metronome in 1994. But who's the cutie next to Depp?
Just his girlfriend at the time, someone named Kate Moss. You know, one of the most famous supermodels to ever grace magazine covers? That Kate Moss. The relationship didn't exactly go the distance, but which of us hasn’t ever had to let someone get away?
Isn't That a Strange Thing
Yes, we're all familiar with Winona Ryder thanks to her time on “Stranger Things,” but what about before all those strange things started happening? She was in Tim Burton's “Beetlejuice,” “Bram Stoker's Dracula,” and plenty of other big films. She's also in this picture!
That's her on the left with the pixie cut. Next to her is fellow actress Claire Danes, who starred in such films as “Little Women” and “Romeo + Juliet.” These two are seen entering the Fire and Ice Ball, which benefited women's cancer research, in 1996. It's not so strange to see two stars going out for a good cause, is it?
Nothing Like a Girl's Night
Did you know Kate Hudson was an actress? Well, you should have because that's what she's primarily known for. She's also a businesswoman, but who isn't? My brother's cat thinks it's a businesswoman.
But she was in lots of movies, and plenty of those movies were good ones – or at least they did well at the box office – but incredibly, this picture is from before she even made her film debut. Before that, she was a model, and this picture is from 1997 as she and a few friends celebrated a new line of jeans and footwear from Tommy Hilfiger.
Her Career Will Go On
Though it might be hard to believe, famous songstress Celine Dion was, at one point, twenty-seven. This picture has her celebrating her birthday with her late husband, Rene Angelil, to whom she had been married for about a year. Their love would go on, even past Rene's passing in 2016.
Rene was Dion's first and, so far, only marriage, while Dion was the second woman to be attached to Rene. Despite not even being part of movie history as a singer for “Titanic,” Celine Dion was already well-known and respected. Even this picture looks like she's about to burst with a song.
A New Law Is in Town
If you're a young star, sometimes you take all the attention you can get. Jude Law was certainly getting a lot of attention for his part in “Indiscretions,” a play in which he appears in the buff. Since then, Mr. Law has gone on to have parts in plenty of well-known works of art, but you might never have seen him as he is in this photo.
Young, fresh-faced, full of life, and brimming with hair. This is from May 1995, at a party to celebrate the opening of “Indiscretions.” This star is ready to shine. And shine he has for the past couple of decades already.
Long Before She Became a Widow
Scarlett Johansson is famous for being the redhead with mad spy skills in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this photo is from 1998 – ten years before the MCU even got off the ground with “Iron Man.”
Johansson was at this time a young starlet whose biggest film was “The Horse Whisperer,” a role that helped her gain wider attention and critical acclaim. This pic has her dismounting a car for a party to celebrate the film. Did you know she's the highest-grossing box office star ever? Thanks most likely to the MCU, but there have been plenty of other films as well.
Can I Borrow Some Hair?
While Marg Helgenberger has hair to spare, her dancing partner James Gandolfini looks like he's getting a little thin. On the other hand, it looks like neither of them cares that much – they are giving themselves over to the party atmosphere.
Helgenberger is an American actress best known for her time on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and one of its sister shows. Gandolfini, meanwhile, is famous for his role as Tony Soprano on “The Sopranos,” as well as plenty of other roles. These roles have garnered him a trio of Emmys, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Golden Globe.
Vampires Beware
Being one of the best vampire slayers in recent years comes with some fun perks. Sarah Michelle Gellar was just a few years away from marrying Freddie Prinze Jr. in this photo, and she's still the young and energetic woman we know from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Next to her is Shannen Doherty, a fellow actress who, while starring in many shows, never had to go up against any vampires.
Unless “Little House on the Prairie” is a much different show than we thought. Maybe it happened in “Charmed.” These two are dancing at the Grey Alliance party on May 19th, 1999.
We Don't See a Spoon
She was young, she was beautiful, and she carried her cutlery everywhere she went. Some of those might still be true, but it's still fun to see Reese Witherspoon enjoying herself so much. After a lifetime of playing bubbly blondes, Witherspoon has done plenty of roles that have earned her plenty of awards, like an Academy Award, an Emmy, and two Golden Globes.
This picture might have been from before all that, but it doesn't look like she has a care in the world as she laughs against a backdrop of leaves. This pic is from 1996, at the premiere afterparty of “Freeway.”
We Should Have Gone Into Fashion
The lady in this pic is Gwyneth Paltrow, but who's the older gent getting comfortable with her? How dare you not know the legendary face of Giorgio Armani, a man whose name is practically synonymous with high fashion? Well, that's him, and if there was any picture that made a lot of people think about starting a fashion company, this is it.
Paltrow has squeezed herself into some tight leather pants, and she's all about a picture with Armani. Was she a muse? Was he designing new stuff for her? Maybe. Perhaps. Or maybe it's just two famous people being famous together.
Just Look at All That Hair
Well, of course, Heidi Klum would swing into a party looking her absolute best, but we have to give special props to the guy she's holding hands with. That's her husband (or it was at the time) Ric Pipino, whose main claim to fame (other than being Klum's first husband) is his hair product line.
No wonder these two have such thick, luscious locks - this guy knows what he's doing! This pic is from late 2001, which means that Klum didn't have a lot of time left to spend with her hair master, since they would get divorced the next year.
They Almost Seem Normal
A lot of the pictures on this list fall into a few camps. They're staged, so the celebs can look their best even when it seems like they shouldn't, or it's a snapshot out of a hundred that puts the celebrities in the best light. We're not going to go on here and say that David and Victoria Beckham don't look good in this picture, but it is a little different from most of the other items.
They don't seem to notice the camera; they're huddled together, pressed close, and arms around each other. Yeah, it's a party, but right now, we're seeing a private moment.
He's Famous Right Now! Quick, Take a Picture!
Even if you just have an inkling of who this person is, you're probably correct. Yes, it's none other than Vanilla Ice, who did everything he could to make a name and style for himself, despite it now mostly being forgotten. Funnily enough, he's made a relatively impressive TV career for himself by shifting his gears from rapping to hosting.
This picture, from a Grammy Awards party in 1991, was when he was in his heyday, though that heyday wouldn't turn out to last that long. Kind of like an actual day. Still, he has goofy hair and big sunglasses, and he's living the high life, which means he's just right for a Grammy party.
One of Them Stands Out
You have to admit that one of these four guys draws the eye. That guy, middle-left, is Tommy Lee, the founding drummer for the heavy metal band Motley Crue. On the left side is actor Kelsey Grammer during his time as the title character in “Frasier.”
On the right is George Clooney – you might not have noticed since he doesn't have his almost trademark silver fox look yet. Next to him is Jason Patric, an actor who has been in tons of movies but hasn't been in much in recent years. Not anything all that big, anyway. This is a pretty eclectic bunch of fellas, but they look like they're having a great time.
Surprised? Say Cheese!
Most celebrities, after a few years in the lifestyle, are accustomed to cameras popping up out of nowhere and taking pics. If it's at something like a VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards afterparty, then they can't really claim to not know what they were getting into.
Nevertheless, these two celebs, Tom Ford and Cate Blanchett look like they had no idea that they were going to be captured for the world to see by someone with a camera. This picture is from 2002, just after Blanchett's first outing as Galadriel, and a few years before Ford would launch his eponymous luxury brand in 2005.
Get My Good Side
It turns out that Thierry Mugler is more than just a French fashion designer – he also dabbles as a photographer. It was February 16th of 1989 when he released a book entitled “Thierry Mugler, Photographer.” Clearly, he's also a humble man, and wants people to know he's a jack of all trades.
If you couldn't place this fashionable starlet right away, we don't blame you – that's Dylan Hundley, who hasn't done much since the 21st century began. But, in 1989, she was on the up and up, and she took the opportunity to rub elbows in a fantastic outfit. The frilly tutu is an especially audacious choice.
A Who's Who of...Who?
We assume that in 1991, when this picture was taken, these three were big names to snap a pic of. From left to right are Thierry Mugler, a French fashion designer, Carla Bruni, an Italian-French singer (also, Bella Hadid before Bella Hadid), and Chris Martin, who is a French male model — not the Coldplay guy.
None of them are from America, which might explain why they are not as easily recognized. Still, a photographer at a fashion after-show recognized them and took this pic at the Bains Club in October. They all seem to be enjoying themselves - as one often does when one is rich and famous.
Never Has a Single Picture Contained So Much Crazy
While it's fair to say that both of these men – Nic Cage and Charlie Sheen – are fine enough actors, you have to admit that putting them in the same room seems like a recipe for disaster. Of course, this picture was taken in 1990, which was long before either of these men lost the plot. Probably.
We're sure there are plenty of insiders who can attest that these two have been a little off their rockers for a good while. Pictured here, they're just here having a little bit of fun at the party for Guess? Parfum's US tour. We'll be honest; that doesn't mean anything to us, but they sure do throw a bash, if this picture is any indication.
Casually Sitting for Drinks
There are a fair number of people hanging out in this picture, but which of them are names you would recognize? Well, one of them is easy – that's Halle Berry on the left. We're also told that Kevin Costner is present in this photo, and we're pretty sure he's the guy in the gray coat. Sitting next to Berry in the beret is her then-husband, baseballer David Justice.
This picture is from the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which naturally attracted celebrities. There were cameras there, after all. Whether they were specially invited or had to get tickets normally, we'll never know.
One of Many
If it was the nineties and you looked at a rumor mag or the papers, you had a pretty good chance of seeing a picture of Jennifer Aniston. She was huge because of “Friends,” being married to Brad Pitt for a while, and...some other reasons, probably.
Despite just being one of six members of the main cast of one of the most popular franchises ever, she seemed to get all the attention. This picture has her in a little black dress in 1997 as she arrives at a Cosmopolitan Magazine party, looking ready to make everyone around her pleased to be there.
Big Shoes to Fill
Since 1991, this man, Liam Gallagher, and his brother Noel have been revamping British music with their band Oasis and other projects. It kind of looks like Liam is trying to use a classic Beatles look and adjust it for nineties fashion aesthetics, but we're not really sure how well it's working.
The picture is from 1998, one of the few years that he was married to actress Patsy Kensit, and it looks like he's having a ton of fun in this picture. Was this before or after he got into a fight because of a scone on an airplane?
Are You Sure She's Famous?
If we hadn't been told that this was Sarah Jessica Parker (from “Sex in the City” fame, but you knew that already), we wouldn't have been able to guess it. She looks quite different now, seeing as how this picture is from 1995, and it was before Parker had taken off.
“Sex in the City” wouldn't hit the tube until 1998, but then Parker would be raking in the awards – Emmys, SAG awards, and multiple Golden Globes. In this pic, however, she's just relaxing at an AIDS research benefit party. Little did she know that in a few years, she'd skyrocket to fame.
He Even Made This Picture Worse
It looks like these two are about to come to blows. Or, there's a serious business pitch going on. People are ignoring them, or staring worriedly. But who are these two combatants? That's Vince Vaughn on the left, in the red hat, and wearing the black hat is Michael Rapaport.
This picture is from the year 2000, back before people realized having Vince Vaughn in your movie generally isn't a good idea. Why are these two talking and/or arguing in Chinatown? Maybe Rapaport saw the 1998 “Psycho” remake. Other than that, we don't have a clue. Hopefully, these two have patched things up by now.
He Always Looks Like That
Edward Norton has been in a lot of movies. He's even been in a fair number of pretty good movies, but he always has that look about him. You know. THIS look. The look he has on in this picture, which also features Cameron Diaz making sure her pants fit the right way.
They're attending a Tommy Hilfiger Party at a place called “Bar Room” in Miami on January thirty-first, 1999. And while both of them have been in plenty of movies since then, it's hard to say their stars have risen since this picture was taken. Sure, Diaz was in the "Shrek" films, and Norton was Bruce Banner in the 2008 “The Incredible Hulk,” but still.
It's Time to Be Notorious
One of the things you have to do if you want to be famous is do something worth the fame. That can mean starring in hit movies, releasing genre-defying music, or dancing backup for Janet Jackson like JLo did. This picture, taken in 1999, tells us that she also danced on tables at fancy parties.
Who's her makeup-obsessed friend? It's none other than Donatella Versace. You know, the fashion designer who makes expensive, fancy clothes? There's got to be something else she did; hold on. Nope, that's pretty much all she's done. She's that one famous lady with huge, puffy lips. Ah, there we go, she was in “Zoolander” as herself.
Heh, She's a Pinhead
While this picture is supposed to be focused on the two stars in the center – Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore – our eye is certainly drawn to the unnamed woman on the left side. It looks like she's wearing a headdress of bowling pins.
This pic is from the premiere of “The Big Lebowski” on February 23rd, 1998, and we'd have to guess that's why there are so many bowling pins all over the place. A lot of the action in that movie takes place in a bowling alley. Did the movie really come out then? Huh, what do you know? We thought it was older.
Everybody Likes Roller Coasters
If you were a kid, you might have gone to an amusement park for your birthday, or some other kind of special event. This picture just proves that celebrities are big kids at heart. While attending Demi Moore's thirtieth birthday party at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, a picture was taken of a couple of big names.
Closest to us is actor Bruce Willis, and next to him is fellow action star Sylvester Stallone. On Stallone's other side is his then-partner, Danish actress and supermodel Brigitte Nelson. There's some guy to her left who looks a little shell-shocked if you ask us.
It's From 1992. No, Really
Who is this fabulously-dressed man, and when in the seventies was this picture taken? Well, he's Ian Ziering, best known as Steve Sanders on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Of course, you probably know him as the voice of Vinnie on “Biker Mice from Mars.” And, believe it or not, this picture was taken in 1992, just a few years after “Beverly Hills, 90210” hit television screens.
He's getting his groove on at the MTV Rock N' Jock Basketball Jam Benefit, but it doesn't look like anyone else is interested in dancing with him. We'll dance with you, Ian. Just give us the time and place.
A Gentleman Never Arrives Empty-Handed
Both of these two had plenty of their own fame, though Julia Roberts's fame was already in full swing, and Kiefer Sutherland would need a little bit of time before “24” took off and took him with it. Still, they are spotted together, walking into Sandy Gallin's fiftieth birthday party.
Sutherland knows one of the rules of attending a party – bring something with you. And no, we're not just talking about the woman who is holding his hand. In his other hand, he's carrying what is either a six-pack of beer or a four-pack of fancy wine bottles. Say what you will about him, but he's a gracious guest!
It's Not That Old of a Photo, We Swear
So who are these two fogies that we see before us? Well, it's Richard Gere on the left and supermodel Cindy Crawford on the right. Were they in a movie together? No, we don't think so. It's possible, but it's not where this picture came from. It's from one of those swanky soirees that famous people get to attend just because they're famous, and this one was a “Cinema Paradiso” party in 1990.
A year later, the two got married, which lasted about five years. Both Crawford and Gere were big at the time – bigger than now, at least – and the colorless aspect of this picture makes it look even older than the thirty-plus years it is.
I'll Wrap You Up
Here we have the wonderful Hugh Grant wrapping up Emma Thompson at a wrap party for their movie “The Remains of the Day,” which starred Thompson. Grant might have had a more minor part, but he was in it all the same, and the way he's looking ahead makes it seem like he knows how good his career is going to turn out.
That's not to say Thompson wasn't right there with him – she's one of the most lauded women in acting history. She has won awards aplenty and was even married to the famous Sir Kenneth Branagh for a time.
Some of the Best
This picture comes from just barely a month after 9/11, and it's at a Concert for New York afterparty. The fall of the World Trade Towers clearly affected the world, and had many people with famous names doing everything they could to raise money and do something to help. Still, there were plenty of parties to be attended, which led to pictures like this one.
We can see Paul McCartney, Dan Aykroyd, and Jim Carrey singing together, and it might be the only time in the history of the world that it's happened. What song, though? Apparently, it was “I Saw Her Standing There” by The Beatles.
Everybody Likes a Dog
One of the classic ways to get women looking your way is to find a cute pup and hit the dog park. Sure, it might seem a little contrived, but it clearly works. It even works for Leonard Lauder, as this picture shows us. He's holding a furry little friend, and actress Elizabeth Hurley can't help but give the lab a kiss.
Hurley has been in a good handful of movies and lots of television productions, too – you might have seen her in some of the “Austin Powers” movies, but there are plenty of other examples. Lauder was a designer, and this pic is from a fragrance release party.
Chomping on Some Cigars
After the shooting has wrapped, what are you to do as a young working actor but grab some cigars and start puffing to celebrate a job well done? That's what was going through the minds of actors Rob Lowe and Christian Slater during an afterparty at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
They have a few friends around them, but if they're noteworthy names, you'll have to figure them out for yourself. These two actors are all smiles, and in 1996 they knew that they had plenty of time ahead of them to make their names even bigger. And they both succeeded, more or less.
Long Before Tony Stark
It comes as a surprise to some people that Robert Downey Jr. was such a big name in the nineties. He was in plenty of movies and plenty of well-regarded movies, but his off-screen antics made it hard for him to break into the A-list. Stints in and out of rehab cooled his star before the Marvel Cinematic Universe came calling.
This picture has a young RDJ leaving or entering Madonna's New Year's Eve Party on December 31st, 1991, and it kinda looks like he's dressed as Charlie Chaplin. A flashy suit, a white scarf, and a bowler hat give him a unique look that really seems to work.
Talk About a Strange Crew
We bet that you know at least one or two on sight, and you might even be able to get three of them. From left to right is Tupac Shakur – probably the easiest to identify – followed by Sting, Madonna, and Ingrid Casares. Three musicians and an actress/businesswoman at the same table? It has to be a music event, right? Wrong, somehow.
This was taken at a dinner party for Gianni Versace in 1994, and all four of these people were living large in the limelight. We're a little surprised that Sting went with nothing but a wifebeater, but you do you, buddy.
Lips and Tattoos
The founding drummer for Motley Crue, Tommy Lee is pictured here giving one of his gal-pals a peck on the lips during the first Annual Eddie Van Halen Charity Golf Tournament Party at Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood. So which of Lee's many wives is in the picture? None of them, incredibly.
This picture is from 1994. He had divorced Heather Locklear a year before, and he wouldn't start his three-year marriage to Pamela Anderson until 1996, which means this was a swinging bachelor swinging all around town. Her name is Bobbie Brown, and she's most famous for being the girl in “Cherry Pie” by Warrant.
Before Joining the Jedi
While Ewan McGregor's most famous role – that of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the "Star Wars" prequels – wouldn't start for a few years after this picture, he was already on his way up. Here, the Scottish actor is posing for a photo at a party for his film “Brassed Off” in May of 1997 in New York City.
It deals with two things that fit together perfectly: brass bands and coal mines. Yes, really. Apparently, the movie did a lot to promote brass bands and similar styles of music while also pointing out some awful things that happened when coal mines closed.
She's a Tall One
Who knew that Mariah Carey had such a noteworthy height? This tall drink of water is seen being helped down from a long step at the 8th-anniversary party for the Z100 radio station held at the Palladium club.
Nowadays, she's most well-known for being the voice behind the sound of the holiday season, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” but she's had a long career of doing all sorts of things, including partying with lots of other famous people. All the while, she was so tall that she had to be helped down while wearing heels – she's five-eight without any extra footwear.
When Mullets Were In
Having some trouble placing those two? We're talking about the two on the left, but the way. We have no idea who is on the right. Those are a couple of country music standouts. Shania Twain is in the middle, and if you're a fan of her music, you probably already knew that. The majorly-mulleted man sitting to her right? It's Billy Ray Cyrus, a genuine hitmaker (with one hit, at least).
Yes, these days, he's more famous for being Miley Cyrus's father, but “Achy Breaky Heart” was always being played. This pic comes from the 34th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 1999.
Blondes Are In
Want to have a good time? Just find these two bubbly personalities, and they'll make sure you get into all the best parties. On the right is Alicia Silverstone, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for “Miss Match,” and next to her is Pamela Anderson, who clearly has a couple of golden globes herself.
They're arm in arm at some party in some place, but all those dirty little details don't really matter that much, do they? They're having a good time, and that's all that matters. In the world we're living in, sometimes you just have to go out and party.
Can't Help But Dance
How are these two party people, now? Well, he's quite a bit younger in this picture, but that's everyone's favorite A-lister, Brad Pitt. The woman in the picture next to him is E.G. Daily, an American actress and singer. They were at a listening party for one of Daily's albums in 1989, and it looks like they were having a grand old time.
An old adage about musical theater is that when you can't talk about your feelings, you sing, and when you can't sing anymore, you dance. We're just getting a single snapshot, but it looks like that's what is happening here.
Candle in the Wind
We all lost Princess Diana on August 31st, 1997, and the world has never been the same. How else are we supposed to get camera-loving royal family members in this day and age?
But, before that tragic event, the Princess of Wales got to spend some time going to fancy parties with friends like Liza Minnelli, such as in this picture. It was taken on September 19th, 1991, at the charity film premiere of “Stepping Out” at the Langham Hilton Hotel in London. Seems like a pretty fancy event, if all that white cloth has anything to say about it.
Impossible to Miss
If these two walk in the door, people notice. But who are they? You probably already know. On the left, we have the thrilling Kylie Minogue, best known for her genre-defining pop songs. On the right, we have Lenny Kravitz, who either has a ginormous head or is a lot closer to the camera than Kylie.
He also has immense dreads and a head that could comfortably house a classroom of engineering students. Kravitz's most famous song (probably) is “American Woman,” but it seems that he's made the change to Aussie gals. Honestly, is Kylie a tiny person? Or does Kravitz have the biggest head in the world?
Liv-ing It Up
What does a young, famous, attractive person do when she's bored? Hang out with other young, famous, attractive people, of course! Here we see Liv Tyler – daughter of Steven Tyler and famous for her roles in “Armageddon” and the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy – and Stella McCartney partying at a Versace party in New York City.
Stella is the daughter of Paul and Linda McCartney, and she works primarily as a fashion designer. While we can't speak about how close these two really are, it certainly looks like they're friendly. Being born to famous rock musicians has got to form a friendship quickly.
It's the Best Place to Dance
As one of the world's most popular supermodels in the eighties and nineties, Stephanie Seymour had her pick of fun when she wanted it. And in this pic, she's spotted having some fun with her gal pals at a bachelorette party. She and another are jumping up onto the table to show off their dance moves.
While we've never personally danced on a table, we're told it is a great place to make sure all the attention is on you while you show off your stuff. But it's not like a supermodel doesn't have any places to make sure she's noticed, so we don't know.
Are You Sure That's Who It Is?
Apparently, that's Leonardo DiCaprio, but it honestly doesn't look that much like him. In this pic, he's sneaking out the back of the film premiere for “The Beach,” which was a 2000 movie starring DiCaprio as an amoral backpacker looking for the perfect place to relax.
It was an adaptation of a novel, but as is usual, the movie could hardly live up to the novel itself. It stands at about twenty percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is bad. Real bad. Apparently, not even Leo can salvage something like this. That's probably why he was sneaking out, but he was too slow for the paparazzi.
All Sorts of Misguided People
Here we see a bunch of people partying with PETA. You know that organization that has its head so far buried in the sand, they're hearing Chinese? That one. We've got, in a left-to-right manner, River Phoenix, Kate Pierson, KD Lang, Chrissie Hynde, Lene Lovich, Liza Minelli, and Fred Schneider schlepping for this terrible organization in New York.
A lot of the people here don't look like they were having too much fun. We assume the roast beef was done to perfection. We don't actually know how most of those people are in real life, but that's probably for the best.
Partying With a Couple of Friends
If you're Joan Rivers, you get to hang out with whomever you so choose. And, true to that fact, here she is at a Gossip party at Club USA in New York on April 28th, 1993. She's hanging out with a couple of studs who have decided it's warm enough to go shirtless. That, or it's just that type of club, if you know what we mean.
Joan Rivers was a comedian and television personality, which means she probably knew the best way to cut loose, even if that meant you had to spend time with handsome, muscular men with nice smiles. We guess that's just how it's done.
A Who's Who
Want to know who you're looking at? You probably recognize that world-weathered guy in the front there – that's none other than the immortal Iggy Pop, who now looks more or less the same now as he does in this photo. Behind him, sipping from a drink with a cigarette between his fingers, is Johnny Depp.
Even in 1995, Depp was making waves as an actor, and here he is slumming it with the likes of Iggy Pop and the woman to his right, someone named Kate Moss. We aren't familiar. Nah, we're kidding. She's one of the most famous supermodels ever. In fact, this party was in her honor, for a book she had released.
Getting All the Boogies Out
If you were really lucky while going club-hopping in the early nineties, you might have seen these two beauties getting busy on the dance floor. Despite the black-and-white nature of the photo, this picture comes to us from November 29th, 1990, and it features a pair of supermodels named Naomi Campbell on the left and Christy Turlington on the right.
They're having some fun at an... AIDS benefit. Not your typical party spot. Well, we guess you have to have fun somewhere, right? Right. At least they got to dance a little bit. Being a supermodel is a lot of work, we assume.
Always Blowing Smoke
Even before he became Gandalf the Gray and thrilled us with his magic, Ian McKellen was a fan of smoke rings, as this picture shows us. He's here seated with playwright Larry Kramer at the opening night of the Broadway play “Indiscretions.”
Sure, it might not be a wild party – they're having drinks at the table, for Pete's sake – these aren't young men, not even in 1995. That does make us wonder why this picture is in black and white if it wasn't all that long ago. We thought that this was taken in the sixties or something like that, but not even McKellen is that old.
Big Smiles Everybody, Big Smiles
Lori Loughlin was all about the limelight in 1990. She had one of the starring roles in “Full House,” which was one of the most popular shows on television at the time. While Loughlin's biggest role was that of Aunt Becky, she still has plenty of other well-known parts, like the main role on “When Calls the Heart.”
Here she is about ready to have some fun with a little bit of arm candy. His name is Billy Hufsey, and he had quite the list of credits of his own, including a famous poster he posed for in a towel and not much else.
George Michael Busting a Groove
With both a popular band and a staggering solo career, of course George Michael was going to enjoy his time in the clubs in the nineties. This pic is from back at the beginning of the decade, 1990, and he wasn't about to let the good times stop rolling just yet.
There was no way for careless whispers in this club – that place looks loud, and that's the way it's supposed to be. What was going to happen to George Michael every time he went to a club? He just had to have faith that it would be something good.