30 Celebrity Red Carpet Photos You Won't Believe Are 30 Years Old

Hollywood events included many more jean jackets three decades ago.

In 1989, Cher famously wondered if she could turn back time and now, that's exactly what we're going to do. We went back to the late '80s and early '90s to collect some vintage red carpet photos that perfectly encapsulate the style of the era, when big hair and even bigger clothes were en vogue. As you take a look back, you won't believe how little Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were, what Robin Williams' facial hair looked like, or that baggy jean jackets were ever acceptable for Hollywood premieres. These 30 celebrity red carpet photos from 30 years ago will certainly make you grateful that fashion-wise, the past is in the past.

1
Ellen DeGeneres

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Has there ever been a more 1990 look than this one Ellen DeGeneres sported to a Los Angeles event? It's hard to believe, but the monochromatic suit and round glasses were so fashionable at the time—as are the white pump and white stockings behind the talk-show host.

2
Michael Bolton and Kenny G

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Actually, this might be the most late '80s/early '90s celebrity photo of all time. In 1990, singer Michael Bolton and saxophonist Kenny G were sporting oversized dark suits, high-collar white shirts, and curls for days.

3
Kelly Ripa

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Before she was waking up America every morning on Live with Kelly and RyanKelly Ripa was strutting down red carpets looking like a mix of Miss America and a refined Englishwoman with those long satin gloves.

4
Sara Gilbert and Lecy Goranson

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This photo shows just how much the cast of Roseanne has grown up. Young stars Sara Gilbert and Lecy Goranson, better known as Darlene and Becky Conner, rocked polka dots and rosettes, respectively, in 1990.

5
Tom Cruise

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Tom Cruise has never looked anything less than his best on the red carpet and this photo from 1990, right after his huge success with Born on the Fourth of July, proves it. And for more on Mr. Cruise, here are 50 Crazy Tom Cruise Facts You Won't Believe Are True.

6
Heather Locklear

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One of the era's style icons, Heather Locklear, had her own twist on trendy monochromatic style. This 1990 look includes geometric circles and triangles on her blazer, adding as much overall texture as her wispy bangs do.

7
Candice Bergen and Grant Shaud

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Murphy Brown stars Candice Bergen and Grant Shaud were late '80s and '90s royalty, and here Bergen was wearing enough gold to prove it.

8
Demi Moore

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To Demi Moore's credit, this 1990 outfit is totally fashionable today. The high-waisted jeans, the casual T-shirt and the cardigan are definitely still in style. And as you can see, the now long-haired actress was still sporting her Ghost 'do at this time.

9
Mayim Bialik

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Long before she was playing a neuroscientist on The Big Bang TheoryMayim Bialik was just a youngin' in a bomber jacket (that we're pretty sure says MacGyver on it). With her headband and floral earrings, the then-star of the sitcom Blossom was the epitome of a stylish teen.

10
Mel Gibson

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Before various controversies marred his reputation, Mel Gibson was one of the hottest stars of the late '80s and '90s. In his oversized jacket and plaid shirt, he was just a casual Hollywood hunk out on the town in Los Angeles.

This photo was taken five years after he was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1985, but five years before Braveheart rode into theaters.

11
Tori Spelling

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Donna Martin has certainly graduated! But in 1990, Beverly Hills 90210 star Tori Spelling showed us all exactly what a permed pompadour should look like during a night out in L.A.

12
Rosie O'Donnell

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If you'll believe it, this is what Rosie O'Donnell wore to the 1992 Emmys, the biggest night in TV. She is absolutely crushing the crushed velvet game. Literally.

13
Robin Williams

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Shortly after comedian Robin Williams earned praise for his serious turn in Dead Poets Society, he walked the red carpet with a mustache and a fancy patterned shirt.

14
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

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Yes, Full House premiered more than 30 years ago, launching a long career for its adorable twinsMary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The two shared the role of Michelle Tanner and also shared a lot of ridiculously ruffly and floral ensembles in their early red carpet days.

15
Harry Connick Jr. and Jill Goodacre

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This is truly a rare celebrity sighting: a Hollywood couple that was together in 1990 and is still together today. Singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. and model and actress Jill Goodacre got married shortly after this photo was taken. And now, they have two adult children and a teenager. Time flies!

16
Macaulay Culkin

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We could just slap aftershave on our baby-smooth faces and scream at how little Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin was in this photo, taken at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1990.

17
Laura Dern

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David Lynch's frequent leading lady, Laura Dern, was a picture of 1990 perfection with her oversized hat and jean jacket. Just a couple years after this photo was taken, she'd go on to capture America's hearts as Dr. Ellie Sattler in Jurassic Park.

18
Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson

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Here are the late Burt Reynolds and his former wife Loni Anderson at the 1991 Emmys. His iconic facial hair has never looked better and she's showing off '90s sequins and Aqua Net-cemented hair.

19
Brooke Shields

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Who knew Brooke Shields loved alligators so much? As a dirty blonde in 1990—years before she'd get her own TV show, Suddenly Susan—Shields was clearly into big reptiles and big hair.

20
Jason Priestly and Shannen Doherty

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Beverly Hills 90210 heartthrobs Jason Priestly and Shannen Doherty were the king and queen of the proverbial Hollywood prom in the early 1990s.

21
Candace Cameron and Jodie Sweetin

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At a casual Hollywood event in 1990, TV sisters Candace Cameron and Jodie Sweetin of Full House fame rocked slicked back French braids, as every other '90s teen girl did.

22
Sharon Stone

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The '90s bouffant has never looked better than it does on Sharon Stone, pictured here in 1990, the same year she starred in Total Recall.

23
Joey, Matthew, and Andy Lawrence

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The Lawrence brothers were all child stars of varying levels of fame: oldest Joey Lawrence starred on Blossom; middle brother Matthew found his fame via Mrs. Doubtfire; and the baby of the bunch, Andy, became a Disney Channel staple a little later on. While we can't really fault the oldest and youngest brothers' looks, all we have to say about Matthew's seersucker spectacle is, "Whoa!"

24
Geena Davis

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Geena Davis was a Hollywood queen in the late 1980s and early 1990s, thanks to her roles in Beetlejuice and Thelma & Louise. This matching cropped jacket and pantsuit is almost as quintessential of the era's style as her clip-on earrings and curly updo are.

25
Val Kilmer

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Val Kilmer was a bit of a villain 30 years ago after his turn as Iceman in Top Gun. We're not exactly sure what he was going for here on a Hollywood red carpet in 1990, but his kale boutonniere and the pencil behind his ear are absolutely a look.

26
Daryl Hannah

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Daryl Hannah is as close as Hollywood has ever gotten to a real-life mermaid. The Splash star ditched the tail and went for a more subdued look, with her denim jacket and prairie skirt, at a premiere in 1990.

27
Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns

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Everyone wanted a mom and dad like Growing Pains parents Carol (Joanna Kerns) and Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) in the late '80s. They were the perfect picture of suburban bliss.

28
Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett

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Another long-lasting Hollywood couple, Ryan O'Neal and Farrah Fawcett looked timeless together in 1990. They were together until her tragic death in 2009.

29
Carol Burnett

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Paisley? Check! Gold accents? Check! Black tights with black pumps? Check and check! Comedian Carol Burnett was really embracing all things '90s with this red carpet look.

30
Luke Perry

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Never has double denim looked as good as it did here on the late Luke Perry. It's clear to see why the Beverly Hills 90210 star was a teen idol, winning over children of the 1990s and breaking their hearts when he died unexpectedly earlier this year. And for more on other celebrities we've lost, Here's How Old These 100 Iconic Celebrities Would Be If They Were Alive In 2019.

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Jaimie Etkin
Jaimie is the Editor-in-Chief of Best Life. Read more
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