What These 12 Celebrities Looked Like Before Fame

From a very young and questionable age, I have been obsessed with celebrity biographies. Britney Spears' semi-autobiographical Heart to Heart that she wrote with her mom was the first book I ever owned in the biography genre until I was gifted Leonardo DiCaprio's, which was the highlight of my elementary school career. Like many people, I am endlessly interested in celebrity origin stories, and you know what comes with that usually untapped area of stars' lives? Obscure pictures of their youth. That said, I've decided to wrangle up a bunch of photos of celebrities before they were famous, so you can share in my weird preoccupation.

The best thing about these photos is that it shows the humans behind these larger than life figures. And, in turn, it'll help you relate to them more — especially those who went through their own endearing awkward stages despite now being exceptionally beautiful. To which I say, what is your secret?! Surface observations aside, though, there's something that is simply quite fun about seeing celebrities before they had stylists and changed their hair and their whole personas. In a way, it gives the rest of us perspective. No one is perfect, not even those who we set the standards by.

Here are 12 sweet pictures of celebrities before they became famous:

1. Katy Perry

When she was a Katy kitten, if you will.

2. Miley Cyrus

Back when she was Destiny Cyrus.

3. Ryan Reynolds

Be still my heart.

4. Beyonce

I have to say, she truly hasn't changed all that much.

5. Lady Gaga

In just a few short years, this unassuming adolescent would rock a meat dress and win Grammys.

6. Liam Hemsworth

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

7. Rihanna

Who knew she'd become Bad Gal RiRi?

8. Justin Timberlake

JT on Star Search is what it's all about.

9. Selena Gomez

What a precious baby.

10. Drake

Drake, P.D. (Pre-Degrassi).

11. Chris Pratt

At his Andy Dwyer-iest.

12. Nicki Minaj

Who has yearbook pictures this nice?! Explain yourself, Nicki.

You are welcome, fellow celebrity trivia buffs.