Classmates Share What Celebs Were Like Before They Were Famous

By Paula Tudoran 6 months ago

Will Ferrell - A Naked Promposal

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A friend's mom received an unforgettable invitation to a high school proposal that could only be pulled off by someone like Will Ferrell. Will showed up at her door completely naked to ask her to prom right in front of her parents. His unique style of humor was already on full display back then.

Bono - He Got an Unexpected Punchline

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This person's friend's dad punched Bono in school. Apparently, Bono wrote or sang a song for his friend's girlfriend, which didn't sit well. The next day, he got a punch right in the "money maker." The friend eventually married the girlfriend and now enjoys a peaceful life on a lettuce farm.

Neil Young - Best Buds and a Stolen Hearse

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This reader's father shared a deep friendship with none other than Neil Young during their high school years. Their adventures reached legendary status, with the duo even stealing a hearse together. This memorable escapade became a part of Neil Young's biography, immortalizing their bond.

Princess Mako of Japan - Royalty College Classmate

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Imagine sharing college classes with royalty! Princess Mako of Japan, the emperor's granddaughter, was this person's college classmate. To ensure her safety, bodyguards discreetly blended in as fellow students — a unique experience that few can claim.

Madonna - Known as
that
Notorious Girl

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This OP's mom had a firsthand look at Madonna's school days in Rochester, Michigan. She remembered Madonna as quite wild, and considering the pop icon's later reputation for pushing boundaries, it's not surprising to hear she was already making waves back then.

Tupac - He Was a Funny Guy

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Tupac, a fellow student in this OP's French class during 10th or 11th grade, left a lasting memory. Despite their shared struggles with French, Tupac's undeniable sense of humor had the entire class in stitches on numerous occasions. Even in those early days, his wit shone brightly.

Elvis Presley - He Was a Ladies' Man

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Long before Elvis Presley was captivating audiences worldwide, he was charming the ladies at school, including OP's grandma. Even during P.E. classes, Elvis's charisma was on full display. His early reputation as a ladies' man foreshadowed his future status as the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

OJ Simpson - A Gladly-Missed Opportunity

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While not directly related to this person, OJ Simpson once made a surprising move, asking OP's mom out in high school. Thankfully, she declined the offer. It's a rather curious twist of fate, considering the infamous path OJ would take later in life.

Nina Dobrev - The Two-Faced Star

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This person shared high school with Nina Dobrev, and her experiences were quite telling. While Nina was sweet to her friends, she didn't extend the same friendliness to others. The arrival of fame through Degrassi appeared to change her attitude, underscoring how success can transform even the most familiar faces.

Prince -
That
Quiet Kid

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Prince, the enigmatic music legend, had a surprisingly quiet high school persona. It's said he kept to himself, not mingling with many peers. Little did they know, this quiet kid would become a musical genius who'd leave an indelible mark on the world.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson - The Popular Athlete

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This OP's dad and Neil DeGrasse Tyson were high school buddies, and Tyson was quite the popular athlete. His athletic prowess, combined with his amiable nature, made him a beloved figure. Their signed yearbook stands as proof of their friendship and Tyson's humble roots before becoming a renowned astrophysicist.

Michelle Obama - The Honor Society Pal

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This OP's mom and Michelle Obama, known then as Michelle Robinson, shared their high school years. Both were members of the National Honor Society and acquaintances. Little did they know that Michelle would rise to become the United States First Lady, proving that sometimes, academic excellence paves the way for extraordinary futures.

Johnny Depp - The Class Clown

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Though not a direct classmate, Johnny Depp was a grade ahead of someone who occasionally crossed paths with him. Johnny's penchant for being the lead in everything, coupled with his status as the class clown/weirdo, made him an intriguing figure. Despite having only a few close friends, his charisma couldn't be denied.

Demi Lovato - She Was a Mean Girl

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In middle school, Demi Lovato, a grade below this OP, made quite an impression as the biggest mean girl in her class. Surprisingly, this image contradicts Demi's later claims of severe bullying. High school in Hollywood seemed to shape her differently than her early school days.

Michael Cera - An Awkward Hilarity

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This reader's boyfriend shared a close friendship with Michael Cera during their school years. Michael's reputation for being awkward and hilarious in real life rang true, with many amusing stories to attest to it. His quirky charm clearly transcends the screen.

Taylor Swift - A Humble Guitar Player

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Back in high school, Taylor Swift was just an awkward girl. According to a colleague, she didn't flaunt her musical talents until, one day, a group saw her performing on Good Morning America. Months later, she graced the annual talent show with "Our Song."

Zac Efron - An Avid Debater

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Zac Efron's high school days included participation in this person's speech and debate league. In one unforgettable debate, he took an unconventional approach by accusing someone of plotting to kill Oprah. His audacious tactic not only left a lasting impression but also secured him a victory in the debate arena.

Steve from Blue's Clues - The Dramatic Artist

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During high school, this OP's mom shared the drama department with none other than Steve from Blue's Clues. Steve was renowned for his kooky and artistic antics, which hinted at the creative path he would later tread. Despite his eccentricities, he remained super nice and was the epitome of an artsy soul.

Evanna Lynch - The Real-Life Luna Lovegood

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This OP's ex-boyfriend attended an acting camp in Ireland with Evanna Lynch, the actress who portrayed Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter. Surprisingly, Evanna was just like her on-screen character in real life, down to her distinctive voice. Meeting her must have felt like stepping into the wizarding world.

Bill Murray - He Was a Well-Liked Classmate

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This OP's dad's high school days included having Bill Murray as a classmate. Bill's amiable personality made him well-liked among his peers, setting the stage for a future in comedy and entertainment. Even then, his charm and humor were evident, leaving a positive mark on those around him.

Justin Bieber - The Divisive Star

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According to the babysitter for this OP's kids, Justin Bieber, a global pop sensation today, wasn't everyone's favorite back in school. She didn't hold back, labeling him a bit of a douchebag. It seems fame didn't always bring out the best in the young star.

Ludacris - He Was a Hilarious Classmate

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Before he was Ludacris, he was just Chris, lighting up this reader's high school with his humor. His knack for keeping everyone entertained hinted at the comedic brilliance he'd later bring to the music and film industry. Laughs were never in short supply when Chris was around.

Ewan McGregor - Known as a Nice Guy

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This reader's aunt had the pleasure of attending school with none other than Ewan McGregor. According to her, he was a pretty nice guy (meaning he wasn't that memorable). Their continued contact over the years shows that Ewan McGregor's kindness extended far beyond the school days.

Rob Schneider - He Was a Prank Victim

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Legend has it that this OP's mom's friends played a memorable prank on Rob Schneider at band camp by stringing his underwear up a flagpole. When confronted with this "painful memory," Rob confirmed the story with a good-natured chuckle, proving that humor transcends even awkward moments.

LeBron James - A Humble Superstar

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This OP witnessed LeBron James's rise to NBA superstardom from high school. Despite his impending fame, LeBron remained remarkably humble and down-to-earth during those formative years. It wasn't until after high school that his ego started to inflate, making his early humility all the more remarkable.

Bruce Willis - Dorm-Room Record Enthusiast

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In college, this person's dad and Bruce Willis bonded over music, spending hours listening to records in their dorm rooms. Bruce's college journey had its share of challenges, including struggles with alcohol and eventually dropping out. His later success in Hollywood proved doubters wrong, showing that perseverance pays off.

Nathan Fillion - An Election Fixer

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This OP's gym teacher had a tale to tell about high school with Nathan Fillion. In a memorable incident, Nathan supposedly fixed an election for a friend by promising to date nearly every girl in school if they voted for his buddy. This clever and humorous strategy earned him a reputation for creative problem-solving, even back then.

Marilyn Manson - Another Quiet Kid

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Surprisingly, Marilyn Manson, known for his provocative persona, attended OP's elementary and rival high school. Those who knew him back then described him as remarkably quiet but exceptionally intelligent — a stark contrast to his later theatrical image. He was, essentially, just a pretty normal kid in those early years.

Rebecca Black - A Kindergarten Buddy

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In kindergarten, Rebecca Black was this OP's "little buddy." She left a lasting impression with her adorable, well-spoken, and polite demeanor for a 5-year-old. Even as Rebecca moved on to bigger things, their occasional encounters and shared Facebook moments highlighted the enduring connection from those early school days.

Ellen DeGeneres - An Outgoing Persona

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This OP's aunt had the unique privilege of attending high school with Ellen DeGeneres. While they weren't best friends, Ellen was known for her outgoing and social nature even back then. In fact, OP's dad went biking with Ellen for a while, showcasing the friendly and approachable side of the future TV icon.

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