In the seventh grade, I decided that it would be a great idea to rock low pigtails with a massive white headband. Was that bad enough? Absolutely. Did it stop there? That would have been too easy. I also decided to wear large diamond flower studs, which were perfectly designed to reflect camera flashes. Add all of this to my sassy Paul Frank shirts and lack of makeup, and you have a fashion guru in the making.
Regardless of the fame and success that may come to people during their lifetime, we all have had to suffer through the horror that is taking a yearbook photo. If humans were designed to take beautiful yearbook photos, life would be a much less entertaining place. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that even Hollywood’s most desirable celebrities were once creatures of the deep.
Some stars that we have grown to love should seriously consider thanking puberty in their award acceptance speeches. Their transformations from ugly ducklings to beautiful swans give all of us common folks hope that our best days are still ahead of us. So, let’s take a look at some of the best worst celebrity yearbook photos, shall we?
David Schwimmer
Thanks to the show "Friends," Rachel's haircut swept the nation in the 90’s. I’d like to believe that with a haircut (and hoop earring) this sweet, we should have been envious of Ross’s curly locks.
Avril Lavigne
If I was a skater boy, and she told me that she’d see me later (boy), I think I would cut my losses…
Nicholas Cage
By the looks of his solemn expression, it seems to me that Mr. Cage finally had to sit through his performance in "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice," too.
Winona Ryder
Could this be the skater boy of young Avril’s dreams?! Or just an aspiring member of the band Green Day?
Tom Hanks
His beard in the movie "Castaway" was actually inspired by this haircut (probably).
Taylor Swift
She would like everyone to know that she and chokers are never, ever, ever getting back together. Like, ever.
George Clooney
Are we sure this isn’t a young version of the Coconut Head kid from "Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide?!"
Kate Hudson
Kate probably tried to use this yearbook photo to get her a role in the movie "The Matrix." I guess the butterfly necklace wasn’t what the filmmakers were looking for.
Liam Hemsworth
Thank you, sweet gracious heavens, for whatever holy powers swept up Liam Hemsworth and turned him into the hot piece of man he is today.
Zooey Deschanel
We all feel your pained, fake smile, Zooey. We really do.
Last, but definitely not least:
Channing Tatum
Channing’s bottom lip was so thick and juicy, Outback Steakhouse tried to make it their summer meal special.
So when looking back at these...beautiful...photos, remember, things can only get better from here.
