Top 10 Celebrity Ugly Ducklings

Today, this English entertainer rocks the Greek God facade and doesn’t shy away from societal issues, but this confident look didn’t just emerge out of nowhere. It’s taken some trial and error, as Russell Brand once presented himself to the world with a curiously stern gaze and fresh shave. BUT when you’re trying to instigate a cultural revolution, one must simply grow out the Jesus locks and complete the look with a healthy Che Guevara-style beard. In this case of ugly duckling turned dashing gent, the revolution has been televised and maybe revised a time or two.

Maybe it’s the personality and DJ skills that attracted Taylor Swift to this Scottish DJ, but let’s be honest - his Ryan Gosling GQ vibe probably had something to do with it as well. Yeah, Calvin Harris seems in control of his grooming game nowadays, but just a few short years ago, he was going with the chilled out, college student appearance. Thankfully, at least for Calvin, the manifestation of money, fame and power has transformed your average-looking bro into a recognized face and brand all over the world.

For this entry, the term “ugly duckling” may be a stretch, but then again, some kids aren’t as naturally photogenic as some of their peers. But while “Transformers” star Megan Fox was admittedly never teased in school for her looks, she did find trouble relating to others given her gruff personality, which might’ve played a small role in the longstanding rumor that she actually used to be a man. Perhaps Megan Fox isn’t the greatest actress around, but she’s certainly come a long way.

It’s been a few years since the last new release from this popstar with the reportedly staggeringly high IQ, but back in 2005, Ke$ha and her mother actually appeared in an episode of “The Simple Life.” And while the would-be star maybe didn’t seem ready for a larger spotlight, she’d already transformed from her younger days as a student. Needless to say she seems to be constantly evolving into a more staggeringly beautiful woman with each stage of her life, and it seems the tradition won’t stop anytime soon.

#6: Adam Levine

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You may recognize this inked-up musician as a judge on NBC’s “The Voice” and certainly as the dynamic vocalist of Maroon 5, but when you take a look at images from the old days, Adam Levine was far from the sex symbol he is today. Like any rock star rebel knows, a little facial hair and body ink does the body good, especially when you’re entering the final stage of ugly duckling turned full-fledged pop culture icon.

#5: George Clooney

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What can we say? Some men just get better looking with age, and no moderncelebrity exemplifies this more than Mr. Salt and Pepper himself, George Clooney. Sure, you’re probably familiar with young “Facts of Life” George, but are you familiar with ‘70s bowl cut Clooney? Back then, the future “sexiest man alive” briefly had to deal with Bell’s Palsy, which partially paralyzed the face…. and today? Well, he’s THE face of American cinema.

Early in her career, this future “Mad Men” star dated Ashton Kutcher, the man who reportedly told her to quit acting. Of course, she promptly proved him very, very wrong, and it just so happens the future Betty Draper had matured into a fine looking young woman by the 2000s and put in the necessary hustle to build a substantial Hollywood career. We think everyone can agree that this early portrait doesn’t reflect a sex symbol in the making.

#3: Joe Manganiello

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When his athletic dreams were thrown off course by a nasty injury, this future “Magic Mike XXL” star turned to the theater and made his feature film debut as Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man.” And if you take a close look at Joe Manganiello in his awkward teens, you just might be able to recognize that unmistakable look of confidence, almost as if he’s saying “Yeah, I’m a skinny twerp now, but I will someday marry a Colombian goddess named Sofia Vergara.” And... he was right.

#2: Ryan Seacrest

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When you’re a celebrated TV host, you naturally have that special something that endears you to audiences. With just one glance at a young Ryan Seacrest, it’s easy to see that he was ready for the cameras at an early age. This duckling turned reality icon may not have had a strong thread game back in his Georgia days, but no one can deny that young Seacrest still radiated confidence like few others on our list. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Demi Moore Shia LaBeouf Zac Efron Joe Jonas Taylor Swift

Oh, Neville Longbottom, how we’ve watched you grow over the years from a snarly-toothed pure-blood to a dapper gentleman ready for the world. As an actor, Matthew Lewis appeared in eight Harry Potter films. After making his debut in the original 2001 production, no one in his or her right mind could have imagined the character all grown up, boasting more of a Bond presence than that of a chubby comic relief character. But hey, life happens, and we all grow out of that awkward phase into something more polished sooner or later. Good on you, Matthew! Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite celebrity ugly duckling? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo!