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Usually, we recognize actors only after the fact, once they become famous. But before they became well-established household names, they were known not for their name, but a character that they played. For example, who hasn't accidentally mixed up Macaulay Culkin with Kevin McCallister in the heyday of "Home Alone"? Or called Sylvester Stallone Rocky? Or mixed-up Lawrence Tureaud with Mr. T from the A-Team? You get the gist of it. Despite that, sometimes it doesn't even matter. The actors and the roles that they play often are so fused that they become inseparable in our minds.
Dutch graphic designer Ard Gelinck separates the inseparable and puts the two sides of the actor, the role and the performer, right next to each other for comparison. He does this in such a way that they seem to be hanging out and interacting with each other. And in a way, they are. It gives us a glimpse into the past, a throwback to the days long gone. It makes us reflect on how they and their careers have changed (or haven't) since they embodied the roles that we know them for.
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#1
Sean Connery And James Bond
Chewie Baron 5 years ago
He actually wore a wig in every Bond movie he starred in.
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Mónica Elisabeth Sacco 5 years ago
I'd love to see Mr Connery playing again 007. As old and handsome as he is now!
Gelinck has worked on these types of photo manipulations for about 10 years now, but don't worry—he doesn't seem to be running out of ideas any time soon. Quite the contrary. He continues to delight his 285k loyal followers on Instagram with regular uploads. And we've been covering most of them, so you can check out previous posts about him here, here, and here.
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#2
Heath Ledger And The Joker
Morgan Oviatt 5 years ago
AAAAA, wrong, i believe the answers you were looking for were Sir Ulrich von Leichtenshtein or Patrick Verona
#3
Hugh Jackman And Wolverine
Zophra 5 years ago
nothing to do with the post, just wanted to say I think he's a really nice guy.
RitaGG 5 years ago
Agreed. I know a gal who saw him in concert and he singled her out and sang to her. What a gentleman and entertainer!
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Nadine Bamberger 4 years ago
The horrible dehydration this poor man had to go through to look like that, such an unhealthy body image.
Elaine Dodge 5 years ago
Indeed, but only that bod in the X-men movies and Real Steel.
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He shared more about his experience with Bored Panda: "The 'Then and Now' series is quite old when you consider that me and my brother made the first image for it about 10 years ago," Gelinck told Bored Panda. "About 5 years ago, I edited pictures for a lot of Dutch celebrities and it was a success, so I then started working with foreign celebrity photos. The first one was Madonna, and she even posted my image on her own Instagram."
But the Queen of Pop hasn't been the only celebrity that has recognized and publicly admired his work. Among others are Rob Lowe, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, BeeGees, Jason Priestly, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Carice van Houten, Sylvester Stallone, Robbie Williams, Michael Douglas, Ricky Gervais, and many more that have also given him a shoutout. "When I think about it, the list is quite impressive," Gelinck said.
#4
Michael J. Fox And Marty McFly
Rabbit Carrot 5 years ago
Family Ties. I think to a non American audience though Back to the Future is where most people know him from.
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Don Enriquez 5 years ago
(Faints at the same time upon seeing each other) “I’M YOUUUNGGG >>>> <<<<<I’M OLDDDDDD”
#5
Charlie Chaplin And The Tramp
Max L. 5 years ago
Ohhhh My life is ruined forever. We always called him "Charlot" here in Italy !
Chiara1125 4 years ago
Oh my god I've never seen him without a mustache before. It's a different person!
The digital artist himself thinks that the reason his photomontages are popular is because people enjoy "taking a trip down memory lane." And it's somewhat true. Just looking at them, one can get serious throwbacks to their childhood, or flashbacks of the bustling '80s and '90s. Someone might even get an urge to rewatch their favorite shows or movies with these actors in them. Any way you look at it, Gelinck's work is an experience of its own. What do you think, Pandas? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
#6
Mark Hamill And Luke Skywalker
Pamela Scott 5 years ago
I agree! I hate those films!!! I am going to remember the books instead. What happened to the twins and Litttle Anni!?! I honestly think those were much better stories. I also hate everything they did to Han Solo and Chewie!!! Chewie failed to even the score cause he owed Han a life debt but didn't save him . They also destroyed Han's family storyline. That was so much better!!!
Load More Replies... Nevits Yibble 4 years ago (edited)
As a teenager I was blown away by Star Wars when it first hit the theaters. I saw it five straight times - I couldn't get enough. I watch it today... my god it's just an embarrassingly awful movie. It did not age well at all.
Nancy Jeckells 5 years ago
He looks very different in the later pic because he had an accident, car I think, between either the first and second film, or the 2nd and 3rd. You can see his nose is a lot different now, he had to have reconstructive surgery after the crash.
#7
Christina Applegate And Kelly Bundy
#8
Joaquin Phoenix And The Joker
Emma Knappe 5 years ago
Prolly just the way the creator positioned the pictures
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Christina Uhlir 5 years ago (edited)
This actor is not just a great actor, he is the wise and truly compassionate human being.
#9
Jack Nicholson And The Joker
Dippin Dot 5 years ago
I honestly don't think this was his most famous role.... my pick would have been Jack Torrance.
Ben Steinberg 5 years ago
Yeah, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...
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CatWoman312 5 years ago
Although he did a great job as the joker, The shining was his best roll
Hedwig Thuilot 5 years ago
To me, it would be: Randle P. McMurphy in "One flew over the chucoo´s nest"
bryant wishinski 5 years ago
Ya so I,m reading the comments and I too agree that this was NOT the role he will be remebered for. However when you see the many movies suggested here it is astounding. He has been in SO SO many masterpieces it is hard to pick just one. I give one more vote for Randal Mcmurphy.
#10
Sigourney Weaver And Ellen Ripley
#11
Elijah Wood And Frodo Baggins
Unnamed Hooman 4 years ago
The first thing I noticed about Frodo, was his eyes. Elijah wood has terrifying yet deep blue eyes that stare into my soul-
Anita Pickle 4 years ago
I still just picture him in Wilfred. He has been in so many movies and played the best characters, but my brain goes to Wilfred.
#12
Brian Cranston And Walter White
Christel Nellemann 5 years ago
He is a wonderfully horrible character in Sneaky Pete, a great great series , that is probl not known so widely featuring some really great actors. Great to see actors where talent is more importNt than a (boring; mimicless ) smooth exterior
Dee Slater 5 years ago
Hands down one the most impeccable series I've ever watched....if not THE most. Absolutely outstanding..beginning, middle and end. Game of thrones is also in my top three, very different production but still doesnt beat breaking bad as it had a poor ending. True genius in storytelling is when you can nail all three pillars
Dee Slater 5 years ago (edited)
Walter White is one of the best characters ever made. The creator of this masterpeice should be exceptionally proud
Load More Replies... #13
Neil Patrick Harris And Doogie Howser M.D.
Valerie Anne 5 years ago
I met him outside the stage door of a Broadway show he was in and the first thing that flew out of my mouth was, "Oh my God! Your Doogie Howser!" He was such a sweetheart! He laughed and signed my Playbill.
CatWoman312 5 years ago
I’m totally supportive, but I still can’t believe he’s gay! Especially after playing Barney and himself in Harold and Kumar go to White Castle
Michael Dworkin-Robertson 5 years ago
you do get the concept of ACTING, no? The characters they portray are NOT themselves....so why is it such a shock?
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Jade Fowler 5 years ago
Definitely think hes more famous for barney than Doogie i dont even know what doogie is from
#14
Henry Winkler And Fonzie
Paul Applewhite 5 years ago
"Hey Fonze, you ever dream about a girl?" "Eyyyyyyy! I'm not the dream-er, I'm the dream-ee!"
#15
Drew Barrymore And Gertie (And E.T.)
Wrata Drabek 5 years ago
I'm sorry what? ET? Not Charlie's Angels or Donnie Darko but Et? DAFUQ?
#16
Mike Myers And Austin Powers
Rabbit Carrot 5 years ago
Hard to choose really but I would say Wayne is his more famous role.
#17
Al Pacino And Tony Montana
Anita Pickle 4 years ago
I just recently watched Jack and Jill... How the hell did they get him to do that movie? 🤣
#18
Ralph Macchio And Daniel Larusso
Michael Dworkin-Robertson 5 years ago
wow, you just don't get the concept, do you? THEY ARE BOTH HIM PAST (IN THE ROLE HE PLAYED) AND HIM IN PRESENT DAY REAL LIFE...you really need some help
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Mama Panda 5 years ago
I would have loved to have seen him paired up with his role of Johnny from The Outsiders
Carsten Neubauer 5 years ago
Fun fact: he is older in this picture than Pat Morita was, when he played Mr. Miyagi!
#19
Sylvester Stallone And Rambo
Monty Is Fiennes 5 years ago
Thought the same thing...he looks like hes there under duress....
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Soggy Crumpet 5 years ago
Seriously! That’s what I was thinking. Can’t believe they didn’t pick one of the most iconic American movies ever for him.
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Michael Gillespie 5 years ago
Rambo more famous than Rocky??? Pretty sure the Rocky franchise was what started his career
Pamela Scott 5 years ago
Would be neat to see this one updated with his new hair style and Rockie!
#20
Johnny Depp And The Hatter
Hilary Mol 5 years ago
He got PANNED for this character! This should be Jack Sparrow or Sweeney Todd, or even Edward Scissorhands.
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CatWoman312 5 years ago
There are so many characters they could have picked for him. This one wouldn’t even come to mind
Analyn Lahr 5 years ago
That's not his most famous role. Sparrow is the one he's been the most. And I think Scissorhands made him.
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
Who decided their "most famous role" Hatter would be on the end of a very long list for me.
#21
Eddie Murphy And Axel Foley
Roadkill The Brave 5 years ago
I don't care what anyone says Beverly Hills Cop 3 is still one of my favorite movies. I know a lot of people hate that one but I was a kid when I watched it and it still makes me laugh and smile even today.
Barry Watt 5 years ago
Thanks because Axel Foley is the one on the right :P
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Tim Conrad 5 years ago
The kid has his own money...and I mean his OWN money
Load More Replies... Mama Panda 5 years ago
That is not Axel Foley. The character didn't dress like this. The big gold pendant is a dead giveaway!
Caroline Overill 5 years ago
Antonio Fargas was asked why he looked so much better older than Paul Michael Glaser or David Soul looked. He said "Black don't crack" looks like he was right.
Cassie Yun 5 years ago
i was just watching beverly hills cop today. can't believe it's been 36 years.
Hannah Edwards 4 years ago
Trading Places, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, I loved him back in the day!
Chiara1125 4 years ago
Lmao they look like a gay couple where the older guy is happy that he scored a young dude
#22
Jeff Cohen And Chunk
Morgan Oviatt 5 years ago
Dude, why would you pick the day he had the chicken pox, man? has he done any films since then? Let the lawyer do his thing.
#23
Emilia Clarke And Daenerys Targaryen
#24
Sylvester Stallone And Rocky Balboa
Jen High 5 years ago
The John Stamos phot as Jesse Katsopolis is actually a Stamos photo from his stint on General Hospital
Missy Barton 5 years ago
I feel like there was probably a better picture for you to post this comment on
Load More Replies... #25
Millie Bobby Brown And Eleven
Signe Manat Hansen 5 years ago
The point is the difference between the character and the actor. Not their age.
Melissa Nunya 5 years ago
Before stranger things she had never been in anything more than a one episode character. She's a little young to be declared to be her most famous role.
John Biedzynski 5 years ago (edited)
In 2013 she guest starred in two episodes of "Once Upon A Time In Wonderland", and in 2014 she had a lead role in a BBC paranormal drama-thriller series called "Intruders".
Load More Replies... #26
Don Johnson And James "Sonny" Crockett
Nicole Mayers 5 years ago
He really did. His daughter is a splitting image of him.
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#27
Emilio Estevez And Andrew Clark
Nick 5 years ago
Hmmm, I think it's a toss up with Billy the Kid. Again, depends on the age of the person responding I think.
Phillip Olson 5 years ago (edited)
I'd say Gordon Bombay from Mighty Ducks.
Load More Replies... Morgan Oviatt 5 years ago
Men at work? Freejack? I know he did the breakfast club, but this makes it seem he only did that.
#28
John Stamos And Jesse Katsopolis
CatWoman312 5 years ago (edited)
I remember watching a lifetime movie with him in it and he was some sort of crazy stalker killer that was interesting
Mandy Steffan 5 years ago
Not Jesse. This is pre Full House John Stamos. So many great Uncle Jesse photos that were missed out on. :(
Sandra Raituma 5 years ago
Jesse Katsopolis is not in this picture at all. He looked way different in Full House. One is him as a teenager, and one is him much older.
#29
Courtney Cox And Monica Geller
Roos ter Mors 5 years ago
This looks more like the girl from the Bruce Springsteen video clip.
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Alisa Barth 5 years ago
She was on Family Ties as Michael J Fox’s girlfriend. I think that’s where the pic on the right is from.
Stacie Terreault 5 years ago
More likeBruce Springsteen video and Michael J Fox’s girlfriend on Family Ties.
Mandy Steffan 5 years ago
Yep. Definitely about 5-10 years before Monica existed. Poor Monica got cheated.
#30
Jim Carrey And Lloyd Christmas
Brian Gray 5 years ago
Ace Ventura, Stanely Ipkus, Riddler there all good
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ArhomR 5 years ago
Looks like he had them done, no crinkle when he smiles.
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Elizabeth White 5 years ago
Stanely Ipkus (the Mask) will always be my go-to Jim Carrey with the Riddler a near second. Ace Ventura was definitely memorable, but those two are the ones I wanted to watch multiple times. Oh, and don't forget Truman Show.
#31
Bill Skarsgard And Pennywise
Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
His dad is still hot too (Stellan Skarsgard). He seems to age at about 1/4 the normal rate.
nycRed714 5 years ago
And his brother...the absolutely gorgeous Alexander - eric Northman on True Blood
Load More Replies... #32
Dwight Schultz And Howling Mad Murdock From The A-Team
#33
Tom Hanks With Richard Drew From The Man With One Red Shoe
Private Custard 5 years ago
Or Josh Baskin, or Captain Richard Phillips, or Robert Langdon, or Walter Fielding, or Pep Streebek, or Forrest Gump, or Jim Lovell, or Captain Miller.........or countless other, more famous roles!
#35
Dolph Lundgren And Ivan Drago
#36
Fred Savage And Kevin Arnold
#38
Dustin Hoffman And Dorothy Michaels
#39
Mayim Bialik And Blossom Russo
Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
I think Amy might look too similar since the series just aired, where there's more of an age difference here.
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#40
Ron Howard And Richie Cunningham
Mama Panda 5 years ago
It would have been neat if the artist had added Opie into this photo. He was so cute back then!
#41
Molly Ringwald And Claire Standish
#42
Gaten Matarazzo And Dustin Henderson
#43
Hendry Thomas And Elliott (And E.T.)
#44
Malcolm-Jamal Warner And Theo Huxtable
#45
Tom Cruise And Maverick
Analyn Lahr 5 years ago
I'd rather see him next to Lestat. But guess Interview With a Vampire isn't as well known as Too Gun, is it?
CatWoman312 5 years ago
Wouldn’t it be his Top gun character since he’s done like 1343 of them?
#46
Tony Danza And Tony Micelli
#47
Denzel Washington And Dr. Phillip Chandler
#48
Keshia Knight Pulliam And Rudy Huxtable
#49
Mr. T And B. A. Baracus From The A-Team
Private Custard 5 years ago
Actually, Lawrence Tureaud is Mr. T (Hence the T). The A-Team character was B. A. Baracus (left)
Pretty Pangolin 5 years ago
Wow, it's been decades and I still had to look twice - he barely looks any older.
#50
Jason Priestley And Brandon Walsh From Beverly Hills 90210
#51
Anthony Michael Hall As Brian Johnson
#52
David Hasselhoff And Michael Knight
#53
Ally Sheedy And Allison Reynolds
#54
Leonardo DiCaprio And Luke Brower
Ola Polowczyk 5 years ago
The character from "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"
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#55
David Schwimmer And Ross Geller
#56
Alyssa Milano And Samantha Micelli
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What do you think ?
Danielle VanWyck 5 years ago
How is anyone trying to say Johnny Depp’s biggest role was the mad hatter
Suzanne Barrow 5 years ago
I think the problem is that he's such a prolific actor it'd be really hard to choose. I personally would've gone with Captain Jack, or maybe Edward Scissorhands. But I didn't make these, so...
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Christina Eneroth (Eneroth3) 5 years ago
Whata bout George Clohny and the coffee pod commercial?
Harry Nesbit Jr. 5 years ago
Really cool! Thank you for taking time to create these photos. Brought back a lot of memories. One of my favorites was Michael J. Fox (Back To The Future). Thanks again!
Danielle VanWyck 5 years ago
How is anyone trying to say Johnny Depp’s biggest role was the mad hatter
Suzanne Barrow 5 years ago
I think the problem is that he's such a prolific actor it'd be really hard to choose. I personally would've gone with Captain Jack, or maybe Edward Scissorhands. But I didn't make these, so...
Load More Replies... Christina Eneroth (Eneroth3) 5 years ago
Whata bout George Clohny and the coffee pod commercial?
Harry Nesbit Jr. 5 years ago
Really cool! Thank you for taking time to create these photos. Brought back a lot of memories. One of my favorites was Michael J. Fox (Back To The Future). Thanks again!
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