Even Hollywood’s brightest stars, known for their glamorous event appearances, have occasionally been mistaken for being homeless when photographed during casual outings. Here’s a glimpse of their relaxed looks on regular days, contrasting sharply with their red-carpet appearances.
Celebrity sightings have often sparked harsh criticism from social media, where users judge these stars for their less-than-glamorous looks. From action movie stars to rom-com leading men, here are some A-list celebrities who have been mistaken for being homeless due to their casual appearances.
The actor seen arriving at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on May 9, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Heartthrob from the ’90s
In August 2023, an action movie star made a public appearance that sparked mixed reactions among his fans. This wasn’t the first time his outdoor look drew attention.
The actor was spotted sitting on the ground outside Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach. He wore a gray baseball cap, a khaki shirt, dark trousers, and tan lace-up boots. His long beard, now graying, complemented the laid-back ensemble as he sipped from a bottle of Gatorade.
This appearance occurred just before the Dogstar concert on August 10, 2023. When a photo of him surfaced, some fans were less than impressed.
The Facebook post featuring the picture drew sharp criticism. One user commented, “What a grub, just like Johnny Depp; they look like they just crawled out of a dumpster. No style, no panache.” Another added, “Also the ‘MOST DIRTY,'” along with a laughing emoji.
The actor pictured outside of the Crescent Ballroom on August 11, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
Others expressed disappointment in seeing the celebrity in such a state. “I’m sorry, but I don’t like seeing (him) like this,” one wrote, while another questioned, “Why does he have to look like a homeless rugged person?”
One fan criticized the contrast between the actor’s character and his appearance, stating, “One thing is being nice and humble and another thing being dirty and careless. I’m sorry, but this is not good to me.”
The actor spotted outside of the Crescent Ballroom on August 11, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
Another questioned his choice of attire despite his wealth: “No offense, but why go out in public dressed like a homeless man when you have money and a home you could stay in?”
Some speculated about his appearance, with one asking, “Is he doing a movie or something? I hope so because he looks awful, and he does not need to look like a homeless.”
Keanu Reeves attends the MOCA Gala 2024 on April 13, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rom-com Leading Man
While Keanu Reeves was just having a regular day dressed casually, a fellow actor portrayed a homeless man in a movie. In August 2024, old images of a veteran actor disguised as a homeless man resurfaced, leaving many astonished to discover the star behind the guise.
Years after these photos were first taken, people remain amazed by how the star blended into the role. At 75, he has portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his illustrious Hollywood career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The actor on the set of “Time Out Of Mind,” in 2014 | Source: Getty Images
One such role required him to transform into a homeless man in 2014. At the time, few realized that the celebrity was filming a movie, and even fewer recognized him. To this day, AmoMama readers are still surprised by the images of him in character.
The actor on the set of “Time Out Of Mind,” 2014 | Source: Getty Images
As he wandered the streets of New York City, Richard Gere was entirely unrecognizable to those around him. He mentioned that no one made eye contact with him for over 40 minutes in one of the busiest places in the Big Apple. He remarked that if he had been himself in that situation, he wouldn’t have lasted 30 seconds.
Photos from the time show Gere dressed in a charcoal beanie, beige scarf, long-sleeved shirt, and olive pants. In some shots, he is also seen wearing a slightly dirty raincoat and sitting beside actor Ben Vereen, who played another homeless man in the film.
The actor and Ben Vereen on the set of “Time Out Of Mind,” 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Additional images depicted Gere carrying plastic bags as he walked through the city, with only a few passersby noticing him during the filming.
Unbeknownst to most at the time, the public figure was portraying a character named George, a man striving to mend his estranged relationship with his daughter Maggie, played by actress Jena Malone.
The actor on the set of “Time Out Of Mind,” 2014 | Source: Getty Images
George seeks refuge at a homeless shelter called “Bellevue Hospital,” where he befriends another client who aids him in his quest to reconnect with his daughter. The film in which Gere played this role is titled “Time Out of Mind.“
AmoMama readers who recently revisited our throwback post featuring this viral moment are still in awe that the homeless man in those photos was Gere. “I wouldn’t have recognized him,” one reader admitted.
The actor on the set of “Time Out Of Mind,” 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Another shared, “Wow! I remember him in [‘Pretty Woman’], an old movie.” Along with their surprise, many also noted how his role as George brought attention to the serious issue of homelessness.
Richard Gere attends The Red Sea International Film Festival’s “Women in Cinema” Gala on May 18, 2024, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Cutie from the 2000s
This celebrity, who first gained fame through a blockbuster film franchise, was once celebrated for his sophisticated and clean-cut appearance, earning him the title of most handsome.
However, his current look sparked mixed reactions online, with many noting that he appears unrecognizable. While some are curious about his transformation, others have compared him to a homeless person.
The actor pictured on March 7, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In February 2022, the actor was seen in Los Angeles sporting a tight white tank top that highlighted his toned arms, along with a bushy gray beard and thick, wavy salt-and-pepper hair, contrasting the clean-cut image he had during his “Star Trek” days.
This new look led some online users to comment that he resembled a homeless person. “Looks like he could fit in with the homeless people on the streets there. I guess times are tough for everyone,” one remarked.
Another quipped, “He’s going for the homeless look. Someone toss him a bar of soap, he likely needs a scrubbing.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one stating, “Looks 55 and homeless! Great character actor!!”
The actor photographed on March 7, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, others expressed curiosity and concern. One person wrote, “He was one nice-looking guy, I wonder what happened?” while another added, “It looks like he got stranded in the middle of the jungle for a year.”
Others reminisced about his former appearance, with one saying, “He used to be so hot, now he looks like he’s recovering from something.” Many noted how unrecognizable he had become, with one user commenting, “I’m impressed anyone recognized him. He looks raggedy.”
The actor seen on March 7, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Another posted a collage of Chris Pine’s earlier photos, lamenting, “Bad procedure to keep up ‘Hollywood standards?’ Was so handsome. Almost don’t recognize him now. Sad!” Another person simply admitted, “that’s chris pine? didn’t recognize him [sic].”
Chris Pine attends the 2024 iHeartPodcast Awards on March 11, 2024, in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Former Child Star of the ’80s
Once the quintessential ’80s heartthrob, this actor’s recent transformation has left fans doing a double-take. His current look is very different from the clean-cut image that once made him a household name.
In recent months, the internet has been abuzz about this celebrity who has become nearly unrecognizable. Known for his polished and sophisticated style, his recent appearance on a New York City film set has sparked a wave of reactions online.
The actor on the film set of the “Black Rabbit” TV series on June 13, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Fans who once admired his neatly styled hair and sharp attire are now seeing a rugged, more laid-back version of the star. In April 2024, passersby in New York City were taken aback by a familiar face — though many needed a moment to recognize him.
The actor unveiled a dramatically different look on the set of an upcoming TV series. Gone were the clean-shaven face and neatly cropped hair fans loved. Instead, he sported shoulder-length, wavy hair and a full, medium-length beard.
The actor on the film set of the “Black Rabbit” TV series on June 13, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
He was dressed in a navy blue sweater and jeans, and his new style projected a casual, earthy vibe that was different from his previous polished image. This unexpected transformation quickly became a hot topic on social media.
One user on X quipped, “He just needs to shave and cut his hair to his shoulder.” Another remarked, “He looks like a slovenly 20-year-old college student with his beard.”
The actor on the film set of the “Black Rabbit” TV series on June 13, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Other social media platforms lit up with comments from fans who were shocked by Jason Bateman’s new appearance. “He looks like a completely different man,” one user exclaimed. Another shared, “They showed him on the screen at the Knicks game and my brain was not comprehending.”
One surprised fan on TikTok commented, “Omg, I had no idea that was him!!” One X user noted, “[He] looks unrecognizable.” Someone else asked if the actor was homeless, while another questioned why he looked like a homeless person.
Jason Bateman attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar party on March 10, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
One of the Sexiest Men Alive
In March 2023, this actor unexpectedly visited an antique store in search of guitars, surprising the staff with his presence. The owner of Hemswell Antique Centres, Robert Miller, who has run the store for over 20 years, noted that the star was very down to earth.
Miller described the visit as pleasant, as the celebrity appeared relaxed and comfortable, spending considerable time browsing, playing the guitars, and making himself at home. However, photos from the visit sparked some criticism of the star’s style.
The Hollywood star was dressed in an all-gray ensemble, with a worn-out jacket featuring a few holes and pants resembling patched denim with unfinished hems sticking out. He completed the outfit with a blue denim hat, checkered scarf, maroon gloves, and signature blue glasses.
One user commented that they couldn’t understand why such a good-looking man would wear such “horrid clothes,” though he was still praised for pulling off his unconventional style. Some users felt his outfit was ideal for antique shopping, while others bluntly remarked that he looked homeless.
Despite the mixed reactions, fans were thrilled to see Johnny Depp out and about, noting that he looked “homeless and happy” at the same time.
Johnny Depp attends the UK premiere of “Jeanne Du Barry,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Keanu Reeves, Richard Gere, Chris Pine, Jason Bateman, and Johnny Depp have each undergone transformations that have surprised fans and sparked conversations. As these icons evolve, their changing appearances continue to captivate and influence public perception.