They say that time flies when you’re having fun. But the older I get the more I think it flies regardless. Every year feels shorter somehow; it’s truly a wild ride. I think maybe that’s why we get so nostalgic – we have these moments where we have to stop and just appreciate the sheer amount of time that exists between that memory and this moment, and how much we’ve changed, almost unbeknownst to us, in the meantime.
I don’t know if that kind of whimsical reflection is what artist Ard Gelinck had in mind when he started his Instagram feed @ardgelinck, but it’s definitely the feeling it evokes in me when I scroll through it. Ard specializes in creating before and after progression pictures of celebrities and well known figures – but instead of the usual side-by-side format, he photoshops them together as though the older self is visiting the younger. It’s really quite something. Here are 10 spectacular examples. (Any ages mentioned are as of the writing of this post; mid 2020)
10. Robert De Niro
This screen legend is currently 76 years old.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-C20JyDpY2/
9. Janet Jackson
This powerful musical persona is now 54.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQOxFtjTAI/
8. Neil Patrick Harris
It’s been a minute since his Doogie Howser days – NPH is now 46.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAOCPVSD4Dt/
7. Bette Midler
This funny, multi-talented performer is now 74.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CALb02ojgRe/
6. Smokey Robinson
This music icon is still performing at age 80.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAI52pgjJrG/
5. Drake
This well-known Canadian rapper is currently 33.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGSrVclA8z/
4. Sylvester Stallone
The man who brought Rocky to life is incredibly still doing action flicks at age 74.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CADtZh4jqsu/
3. Bono
This U2 front man is celebrating his 60th birthday this year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAA8ghRjRcP/
2. Little Richard
Piano legend Little Richard passed away earlier this year at 87.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_-i0HfDPwj/
1. Billy Joel
Another famous piano man, Billy Joel, is still touring at a hearty pace at 71.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_92dGpjMBv/
To quote one of the great philosophers of the late 80’s, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Who would you like to see Ard take on for his next post?
Tell us in the comments.