From the 1980s to the early Noughties, we were obsessed with what it meant to be a celebrity in the modern world. When the 2020s felt oh so far away, it was easy to get excited about this new age waiting on the horizon and wonder what the future held for the celebrities that defined pop-culture at the time.
It's fair to say that most of these predictions missed the mark – with some often unflattering futures pegged for certain celebs. Read on to see what the magazines of the day thought the likes of Jennifer Aniston, David Beckham and Billy Dee Williams had in store...
© Getty Images,Star MagazineJennifer Aniston looks completely different from her 2024 prediction
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston has been the last word in A-list style since she starred as fashionista Rachel Green on Friends. After all, you know you're an icon when people take your headshot to the hairdressers.
In 2004, Star Magazine predicted the future looks of the Friends stars for 2024 and apparently foretold a puffier, grey future for Aniston. Clearly, this one was way off the mark.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,Ebony MagazineBilly Dee Williams was an '80s heartthrob who was happy to change his style with the times
Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee Williams was the suavest addition to the Star Wars franchise in 1980 as intergalactic heartthrob Lando Calrissian.
Back in 1985, Ebony Magazine took a look into the crystal ball for several of the decade's finest stars, predicting their looks in the year 2000. But fashions changed a lot over those 15 years and Billy opted for a more pared-back look – though he kept his signature moustache.
You may also like
© Corbis via Getty Images,Ebony MagazineKim Fields' 2000 prediction was pretty close to her real life looks
Kim Fields
Kim Fields made it big as an '80s child star as Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life and in TV films like Children of Divorce. It makes sense, then, that Ebony would try and look into the future of this star on the rise.
Apart from some seriously '80s fashion choices, the magazine's prediction was fairly close to reality. The actress' style might have shifted but her dazzling grin stayed the same.
© Getty Images,FourFourTwo MagazineDavid Beckham looks startlingly different from 1998's prediction
David Beckham
England's football favourite David Beckham was the sporting sensation of the '90s, particularly when he teamed up with Spice Girl Victoria. But FourFourTwo Magazine foretold a less... flattering future.
The 1998 prediction for the footballer's 2020 looks had his teeth falling out and his hairline taking a big step back. Clearly, this one didn't pan out.
© Getty Images,Star MagazineDavid Schwimmer diverged from Star Magazine's prediction
David Schwimmer
Palaeontologist Ross Geller won plenty of viewers' affections on Friends, despite his romantic ups and downs, in large part thanks to David Schwimmer's classic good looks.
But Star Magazine foretold a different future for the actor. Far from the pasty, grey haired look they thought he'd opt for in 2024, David's hair is a fetching salt-and-pepper and his complexion is, fortunately, far more healthy.
© WireImage via Getty Images,Ebony MagazineDebbie Allen is still finding success on screen today
Debbie Allen
Debbie Allen was a favourite of the '80s screen in Fame and on A Different World. In 1985, Ebony predicted that, come 2000, she would have "settled gracefully into the role of motherhood" and be "deeply involved in some phase of the entertainment business".
Both predictions were certainly true as she welcomed a second child in 1987, though with far fewer grey hairs, and she's still acting today with credits on shows like Grey's Anatomy.
© Getty Images,Star MagazineLisa Kudrow's 2004 prediction is far from reality
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow's Phoebe Buffay was a bohemian icon with long blonde hair and enviable maxi skirts. Free-spirited, creative and musically-inclined, she was an irreplaceable part of the Friends gang.
In 2004, Star Magazine also couldn't see Lisa without her lighter hair, though they'd added a side-swept fringe and toned it down to grey. In reality, Lisa's got a fresh glow and kept her signature blonde locks.




