When someone glows up, they undergo a major and impressive transformation. Of course, when someone becomes a celebrity, they can suddenly afford much better hair or a fresh set of sparkly whites. Some of these amazing celebrity glow ups happened because of star power, others because of the natural passing of time, and others because of an upcoming role. Whatever the reason — these celebrities have transformed! Let’s take a look at the celebs that went through a major glow up…
40. Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley is best known for her role as Rebecca on Cheers, as well as for her performances in Summer School, Madhouse, and Drop Dead Gorgeous. The actress appeared on The Dr. Oz Show in 2012 and admitted to struggling with her body image since 2003. She then teamed up with Jenny Craig between 2004 and 2007, but continued to fluctuate in the years after.
Eventually, Alley signed on to celebrity talent show Dancing With the Stars, and credits the show for her glow up.
39. Bella Hadid
It can’t be denied that Bella Hadid has always been beautiful. The model first appeared on TV screens via The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where mom Yolanda Hadid raised her alongside sister Gigi and brother Anwar.
After Gigi became the world’s most sought after model, Bella followed in her footsteps. With the help of some high fashion and contouring — plus a little nip and tuck — the younger Hadid sister really came into her own. Bella Hadid, though you had a good head start, you certainly glowed up.
38. Milana Vayntrub
Audiences first met Uzbekistan-born American actress Milana Vayntrub when she played saleswoman Lily Adams in a string of AT&T commercials. The actress starred in Barbie commercials at five years old, and had several small roles in film and TV.
Since her time as Lily Adams, the actress has starred in This Is Us, and co-founded a social media movement to draw attention to the European migrant crisis. And, of course, Vayntrub reappeared as Lily Adams in AT&T’s 2020 commercial. Glowing.
37. Jonah Hill
Actor Jonah Hill got his first leading role in the Judd Apatow produced comedy Superbad. In the movie, Hill played a young Seth Rogan, alongside Michael Cera as a young Evan Goldberg. The teen comedy catapulted Hill onto the public stage, and he has stuck around ever since.
For the 2016 comedy-drama War Dogs, Hill gained 40 pounds and decided to lose the weight afterward. With the help of his 21 Jump Street co-star Channing Tatum, Hill had his glow up.
36. Alex Morgan
Professional soccer player Alex Morgan plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English FA. She was the youngest player on the USA’s national team at the 2011 World Cup, where the team took home silver medals. On the field, Morgan looks like a professional athlete would — with a ponytail and a uniform.
Off the field, though, Morgan helped write a series of kids books about soccer, scooped up a bunch of endorsem*nt deals, and had her acting debut. We’d say she’s looking pretty great.
35. Jake Gyllenhaal
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal has never looked bad per see — just a little rough around the edges. Born into a movie-making household, Gyllenhaal started acting as a child, but made his breakthrough in sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko in 2001.
Perhaps men just get better with age, because Jake Gyllenhaal is a chic Hollywood star at this point. As always, a full beard helps the cause, as does Gyllenhaal’s lustrous hair. At this stage of his career, the actor has absolutely had his glow up.
34. Ronda Rousey
California-born athlete Ronda Rousey was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal for judo. She went on to have a successful career in mixed martial arts, and then professional wrestling. During her time with each sport, Rousey became the only woman to win a UFC and WWE championship. Impressive!
As well as being a successful athlete, Ronda Rousey has also worked as an actress. Since her time competing in the Olympics, she has had several glow ups and looks more confident than ever!
33. Kendall Jenner
When audiences first met Kendall Jenner, she was just a child running around with baby sis Kylie on the first season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Viewers watched the soon-to-be supermodel when she had braces, wore no makeup, and paid random handymen to do her chores.
Jenner showed an interest in modeling from a young age, and obviously has the physique for the industry. With her incredible fashion sense, Kardashian-Jenner looks, and aloof personality, Jenner has had a serious glow up.
32. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been on our TV screens for almost her entire life. She starred in Barney & Friends as a child, had a recurring role in Hannah Montana, and snagged the lead role of Alex Russo in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place. The world was Selena’s for the taking, and she forged a successful career as an actress and a singer.
Much like the Jenner sisters, Gomez’s glow up is also a case of simply growing up. She is now a fully-fledged fashionista.
31. Beyoncé
First thing’s first — Beyoncé Knowles has always been a beautiful and talented artist. However, back in the ’90s and ’00s, the Destiny’s Child leading lady was seen in a string of terrible matching outfits and was a fan of metallic brown lipstick. We get it. It was the era, but we’re glad that Bey has glowed up since then.
As a solo artist, Bey really came into her own. Her aesthetic matches her pioneering albums and draws upon aspects of African-American culture.
30. Mariah Carey
Legendary vocalist Mariah Carey released her debut album in 1990 and it ended up topping the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks in a row. Carey went from working part-time jobs to competing with Whitney Houston and Madonna — and picked up several Grammys for her first album.
Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling artists of all time and has the diva persona to match. The pop icon is always dressed to the nines, and is considered a “multiracial heroine.”
29. Kim Kardashian
In the years before her world domination, Kim Kardashian was just another rich Valley girl. She organized the closets of her celebrity friends, and she tagged along to parties and events with Paris Hilton.
Following the huge success of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kiki managed to transform into a fashion maven, and a true celebrity icon. She is now married to rapper Kanye West, and has four beautiful children. She also runs several successful businesses and is studying to become a lawyer.
28. Demi Lovato
Much like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato got her start on kid’s TV show Barney & Friends, and starred in a string of Disney vehicles. She played Mitchie Torres in the Camp Rock movies, and Sonny in Sonny With a Chance. From there, Lovato released a pop-rock album, and has been releasing music ever since.
Demi Lovato has faced difficult times during her career. She even released both a book and a documentary about her struggles. No longer a fresh-faced Disney girl, Lovato is now a self-assured woman.
27. Seth Rogen
When it comes to celebrity men, it doesn’t take much to glow up. Basically, famous men need a stylist, better facial hair, and an air of confidence — with that, they’re done. Take Seth Rogan as an example. The actor’s first leading role was in Judd Apatow comedy Knocked Up, where he played a slacker with no direction in life.
After a string of successful acting, writing, and directing jobs, Rogen started to look more like the Hollywood A-Lister he is.
26. Drake
In 2017, Canadian rapper Drake released a song called “Glow” that featured Kanye West. The entire song is about the pair’s glow up, with Drake repeatedly stating, “Watch out for me, I’m about to glow.” Well, they weren’t lying.
Drake first appeared in Canadian soap Degrassi: The Next Generation, before releasing his first mixtape in 2006. Since hitting the big time, the rapper has transformed into a chic and well-groomed male celeb, carving out his own aesthetic amongst hip-hop’s finest.
25. Dylan and Cole Sprouse
Dylan and Cole Sprouse have been glowing up throughout their entire careers, mainly because they’ve been acting since they were literal babies. The twins starred in Big Daddy with Adam Sandler, and went on to land the leading roles in Disney show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
The brothers became two of the richest children alive in the mid-’00s, and then the richest teenage twins in the world. Now men, the Sprouse brothers have grown into their heartthrob looks.
24. Taylor Swift
When Taylor Swift was only 14 years old, her family relocated to Nashville so she could pursue a career in country music. At that time, the singer was known for her blonde curls, feline eyes, and innocent country girl persona. She had success with her early records and opened country music up to a huge new market.
Years and albums later, Taylor Swift has transformed into a self-assured, pioneering, and award-winning entertainer. Her glow up includes some experimental fashion choices, and an assortment of new haircuts.
23. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence has been acting from a young age, making her breakthrough in 2010’s Winter’s Bone. Before she was cast in the lead role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Lawrence was an unassuming actress from Kentucky.
Of course, Lawrence became a mega movie star, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Silver Linings Playbook. She is an outspoken and boisterous celebrity figure, described as down-to-earth, self-deprecating, and grounded. JLaw is also a celebrated fashionista.
22. Emma Watson
Isn’t Emma Watson so cute in this early red carpet photo? The Harry Potter actress first played brainy student Hermione Granger when she was just 10 years old, though her red carpet choices were for someone much older. Thankfully, as time passed (and income increased), Watson transformed into a glamorous Hollywood actress.
Not content with being just a gorgeous celebrity, Watson is also an activist and was the UN Women Goodwill ambassador. Fully glowed up, the actress is self-possessed and striking.
21. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
When Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi first burst onto the scene, it was as the breakout member of the Jersey Shore cast. With her bouffant hair and heavily fake tanned skin, Snooki was a reality TV dream. At the height of the show’s popularity, Polizzi was making $150,000 per episode, and went on to star in spin-off Snooki & Jwoww.
Snooki married Jionni LaValle in 2014, and together they have three kids. The reality star has embraced a more sophisticated look, leading us to declare a glow up.
20. Adele
Much has been said about singer Adele’s glow up, particularly because lots of people loved the singer before she went through a radical transformation. The London-born singer-songwriter found a special place in people’s hearts with her down-to-earth attitude and beautiful vocals.
A 15-time Grammy award winner, Adele was beloved for being successful and looking different than other celebs. The “Hello” singer looks like a totally different person now, but we’re excited to see what this new Adele can offer.
19. Harry Styles
Harry Styles was eliminated from The X Factor in the early stages, but brought back to form new boyband One Direction. As we know, the group went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Today, Styles has found success as a solo artist. He has also tried his hand at acting…
Since his time with One Direction, Styles has fully leaned into his creative and gender-fluid aesthetic. He is regularly seen wearing pink, sheer blouses, and heeled boots — and was even co-chair of the Met Gala in 2019.
18. John Krasinski
As prankster Jim Halpert in The Office, John Krasinksi was sweet but not striking. Jim Halpert was an ordinary man, and Krasinksi played a believable salesman working at a mid-level paper company.
However, after years on the show and widespread attention, Krasinski began to morph into more of a Hollywood hunk and leading man. He married actress Emily Blunt before directing and starring in the horror movie A Quiet Placealongside his wife. What a difference a beard makes!
17. Margot Robbie
Obviously, Australian actress Margot Robbie is one of the most beautiful women on the planet. However, it has been pointed out that Robbie’s early red carpet looks weren’t so great, and didn’t accentuate just how stunning the actress is. The Bombshell star’s early looks were a little more girl-next-door than Hollywood star, but she got there eventually.
Nowadays, Robbie is seen in designer gowns and striking makeup. She founded her own production company, and took home the Academy Award for Best Actress for I, Tonya.
16. Rihanna
Obviously, Robyn Rihanna Fenty has always been stunning. However, since she first appeared on the scene, the Barbadian pop star has blossomed into a full-on fashionista. The singer released her first album in 2005 and won her first Grammy Award for “Umbrella” in 2007.
Rihanna isn’t just one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, but also the founder of critically-acclaimed cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, and pioneering fashion brand Fenty. It’s no wonder she constantly knocks it out of the park style-wise. Go RiRi!
15. Simone Biles
The incredible Simone Biles is America’s most decorated gymnast, with 30 Olympic and World Championship medals. While competing, the athlete wears leotards or tracksuits, with her hair tied back from her face. Biles took a break from competitive gymnastics in 2017 and competed in Dancing With the Stars.
She has since continued competing and is dating NFL player Jonathan Owens. In recent pictures, Simone Biles is looking fresh-faced and fleeky. We’re not sure if you can glow up beyond gold medals, but it looks like she is.
14. Susan Boyle
When Scottish singer Susan Boyle first appeared on the Britain’s Got Talent stage, the audience and the judges were against her (seriously – check out the YouTube video). A rural everywoman, Boyle had been raised to think she had a learning disability when she was actually misdiagnosed and really has Asperger syndrome.
After shocking the world with her vocal talent, Boyle’s debut album became the UK’s best-selling debut album ever. Having performed in front of the Royal Family, Boyle has been through a considerable glow up.
13. Giada De Laurentiis
Italian-American celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has her own show on the Food Network and co-hosts the Today show. The chef studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and her show — Everyday Italian — debuted in 2003. De Laurentiis was known for her risqué fashion sense, favoring low necklines and cutouts over traditional chef’s whites.
Over the years, Giada De Laurentiis’s style has evolved, with more trendy pieces and a slightly more demure feel. We’re definitely counting that as a glow up.
12. Delta Burke
Between 1986 and 1991, actress Delta Burke starred as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the sitcom Designing Women. Since that time, the press has harassed Sugarbaker over her body, and she has addressed the topic by talking about her time in pageants in the 1970s.
Delta Burke was advised by her doctor to get her blood glucose under control, or else she would end up on insulin. The actress has since transformed and is now an advocate for people living with diabetes. You glow girl!
11. Lindsay Lohan
Child star Lindsay Lohan has seen many ups and downs throughout her life. Her breakthrough was The Parent Trap in 1998, and she went on to star in Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Lohan lost her fresh-faced freckly sheen in the mid-’00s and had gotten in trouble with the law several times for reckless behavior.
Lindsay Lohan has since reappeared in the showbiz world, including stints on various reality TV shows. She released the lead single from her new album in April 2020 and has announced several upcoming film roles.
10. Miley Cyrus
You can’t deny that pop star Miley Cyrus is a chameleon, especially since her most famous role saw her inhabit two different personalities at once. The Hannah Montana star started off sweet and country, then went through a grunge phase, and then started twerking with Robin Thicke.
We’ve seen country Miley singing “Jolene” with godmother Dolly Parton, engaged Miley with now ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth, and now metal Miley who plans to release an album of Metallica covers. This girl is always glowing up.
9. Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick started karting at 10 years old and is now the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She has had a huge impact on the sport for women, and has inspired thousands of girls to become interested in motorsports and competitive racing.
After many years in the spotlight, the athlete has naturally had her own glow up. A beautiful woman, Patrick has appeared in music videos for Jay-Z and Maroon 5, and was featured in several TV shows. Lookin’ good.
8. Ariana Grande
Florida-born Ariana Grande kickstarted her career in the hit Broadway show 13 when she was still a teenager. She became famous through the Nickelodeon show, Victorious — and later with Sam & Cat. At that time, Ariana looked like a kid, and her character Cat Valentine sported bright red hair.
Once Ariana Grande transitioned into pop music, she blossomed into the petite, high-pony wearing pop star that we know her as today. Known for her ginormous hair, quirky fashion sense, and gorgeous voice, the singer has officially glowed up.
7. Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ Adam Wiles worked in a local fish processing factory in order to buy his DJ equipment. He became popular on social media platform Myspace, got booked for a dance festival, and changed his name to Calvin Harris.
The DJ has now released five albums, and his collaboration with Rihanna, “We Found Love” was number one in 25 countries. Harris’ glow up is all about the haircut and beard. Now, he looks less Oasis, and more like one of Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriends (which he is).
6. Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy is an acclaimed actress and comedian, and has been working since the late 1990s. She starred in Gossip Girl, Samantha Who?, and Mike and Molly —picking up some awards along the way. McCarthy became even more well-known after starring in Bridesmaids. Shethen starred in comedies The Heat and Spy, among others.
McCarthy started a plus-size clothing range for larger women, and is a strong proponent of body positivity. With her chic red carpet looks, we’d say Melissa has had her glow up.
5. Kylie Jenner
Most of the Kardashian-Jenner women have gone through a glow up, but Kylie Jenner’s might be the most shocking. When viewers first met Kylie, she was 10 years old and starring on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Audiences would watch her grow into a teenager, and suddenly start looking radically different.
At first, Kylie Jenner denied having cosmetic work done to her face, but eventually, she admitted to enhancing her lips. Since then, she’s gone full-on billionaire.
4. Chris Pratt
Without a doubt, Chris Pratt is one of the most obvious glow ups we’ve ever seen. The actor was well-loved for his role as schlubby but sweet office moron Andy Dwyer in sitcom Parks and Recreation, but went through a major transformation for his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Following his transformation into a leading man, Pratt landed a role in two Jurassic World movies, and two Avengers movies. Now married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, he is a full-on heartthrob.
3. Khloé Kardashian
OK, we might have said that Kylie Jenner had the biggest glow up out of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, but some people might argue that title belongs to Khloé. Third sibling Khloé struggled with her family’s newfound fame, especially because she is taller than her petite elder sisters, Kim and Kourtney.
KoKo struggled with her appearance throughout Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and eventually developed a love for exercise. She brought this to her makeover show Revenge Body, and has radically changed her appearance.
2. Justin Timberlake
Who can forget the 1990s horror that was NSYNC’s fashion sense? Justin Timberlake was an all-American Disney kid, starring on The All-New Mickey Mouse Clubbefore he became the youngest member of the hugely successful boy band. While in the band, Timberlake sported some seriously suspect blonde curls, and dated pop princess Britney Spears.
Thankfully, as the years have gone by, JT has had quite the glow up. He’s been married to actress Jessica Biel since 2012, and looks much more polished.
1. Matthew Lewis
Truth be told, the entire concept of celebrity glow ups derives from Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis. The British actor played anxious Neville Longbottom in the fantasy franchise, and then astonished audiences when he appeared on the cover of Attitude magazine looking more manly than usual.
This became known as “The Neville Longbottom Effect,” and spawned memes, merchandise, and even the phrase “Longbottoming.” This glow up is a combination of money and aging, but boy, we have to give it to Matthew Lewis.
