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Jason Momoa's massive transformation in then-and-now photos will leave you stunned as he turns 44

The Aquaman actor has come a long way from his beach running days

Jason Momoa attends Apple TV+ original series "See" Season 3 Los Angeles premier at DGA Theater Complex on August 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, California
Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
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It's another year around the sun for Jason Momoa, who turns 44 today, August 1! The actor has become one of the biggest names in Hollywood for his larger than life screen persona.

A large part of his appeal, however, is in his personal appearance. The Hawai'i born star stands tall and proud with his imposing stature, facial hair, and impressive mane.

However, Jason hasn't always sported the locks that have made him an identifiable household name, especially not in the beginning of his career.

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He made his first onscreen appearance in the revamped version of the classic action drama Baywatch, titled Baywatch: Hawaii, playing the role of Jason Ioane from 1999-2001.

His earliest appearances as part of the cast saw him rocking a much shorter do and a wiry but still muscular frame, sporting a clean-shaven face and wind-swept hair.

MORE: Jason Momoa responds to ex-wife Lisa Bonet's tribute from Lenny Kravitz

The suave TV star made his move to a more distinctive style the following year, however, when he appeared at a fashion show in 2001 sporting longer, shoulder-length hair.

Jason Momoa at the Roseland in New York City, New York© Getty Images
Jason sported much shorter, more beach-friendly locks in his early 20s as a "Baywatch" star

The Game of Thrones star has stated in interviews that he cherishes his hair, stating in a previous interview that his ex-wife, Lisa Bonet, was a big fan of his locks.

MORE: Jason Momoa inspires fans with drastic hair transformation for a good cause

In a 2018 interview with The Daily Telegraph, he stated: "My wife would leave me if I cut my hair so I just don’t cut my hair. I am not cutting my hair for a while, I will tell you that much."

Jason Momoa at the Mercedes Benz & Unicef Fashion For  Freedom© Getty Images
He began growing out his hair not long after, however

In the interview, he also explained that his reasons for keeping the hair were just as professional as they were personal, given that he was playing Aquaman in the DC film universe.

MORE: Jason Momoa supported by fans as he bids farewell to beloved series

"I am going to be playing this guy for a while and I don't want to wear a wig," he said. "I think we are good for the next two years." He is set to reprise the role in the sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which will be released on December 20, 2023 delays caused by Covid-19.

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO -- Episode 4090 -- Pictured: Actor Jason Momoa during an interview on August 4, 2011© Getty Images
The actor proudly sported the scar on his left eyebrow after his 2008 altercation and surgery

Another identifying factor is the Fast X star's distinctive facial scar above his left eyebrow. In November, 2008, the actor was slashed across the face with a piece of broken glass during a tussle at a bar in Hollywood.

MORE: Jason Momoa admits his children complain about seeing him die in his films

He fully recovered but had to undergo facial reconstruction surgery as a result, ending with 140 stitches and his scar, which is a lot more prominent in his later projects like Game of Thrones and the aforementioned Aquaman.

Jason Momoa attends the Tom Ford AW20 Show at Milk Studios on February 07, 2020 in Hollywood, California© Getty Images
His distinct look has now made him an instantly recognizable Hollywood figure

In a New York Post interview in 2011, Jason bemoaned the fact that prior to receiving his scar: "I got called 'pretty boy' my whole life," explaining that the noticeable attribute gave him an edgier look. "If anything, it's like, 'Good', it's not my thing now."