Before they became household names, many of America’s most beloved entertainers were high school students, and their yearbook photos from the late 1970s capture a glimpse of their youth.
Julianne Moore:
In the late 1970s, a young Julianne Moore, then a redheaded teenager, posed for her yearbook photo. Born in December 1960, this future Oscar-winning actress would go on to star in a diverse range of films, from “Hannibal” and “Boogie Nights” to “Still Alice,” showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility.
Her yearbook photo captures a glimpse of her youthful beginnings, a far cry from the acclaimed actress she would become.
Billy Ray Cyrus:
A handsome young man with a bright smile graced the pages of his high school yearbook. Born in 1961, this future country music star, Billy Ray Cyrus, would rise to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Achy Breaky Heart.”
His yearbook photo predates his successful music career, his role as father to Miley and Noah Cyrus, and his appearances on “Hannah Montana” and “American Horror Stories,” offering a glimpse of his early years.
James Gandolfini:
A happy-looking young man with a wide smile posed for his yearbook photo. This was James Gandolfini, who, though he tragically passed away at the young age of 51, would become a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
His yearbook photo captures a moment of youthful joy before his rise to fame as Tony Soprano in the acclaimed HBO series “The Sopranos,” a role that would define his career and leave a lasting impact on television history.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus:
A young woman with a warm smile appeared in her high school yearbook. This was Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who would become one of the most award-winning actresses in American television history.
Her yearbook photo precedes her iconic role as Elaine Benes on “Seinfeld,” a show that would catapult her to stardom and solidify her place as a comedic legend.
Star Jones:
A young woman with a confident smile posed for her yearbook photo. This was Star Jones, who would later become a well-known television personality, co-hosting “The View” and appearing on shows like “The Celebrity Apprentice” and “Divorce Court.”
Her yearbook photo captures a snapshot of her youth before her successful career in television and her public discussions of health issues.
Toby Keith:
A young man with a warm smile and a hint of a mustache appeared in his yearbook photo. This was Toby Keith, who would become a prominent country music singer known for hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “American Soldier,” and “Red Solo Cup.”
His yearbook photo predates his successful music career, his role as a father, including to country singer Krystal Keith, and his courageous battle with cancer, which tragically led to his passing in 2024.
