How vintage magazines predicted Hollywood stars would age versus reality — how many got it

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.

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.

What Happened

But fashions changed a lot over those 15 years and Billy opted for a more pared-back look – though he kept his signature moustache. Kim Fields made it big as an '80s child star as Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life.

• In 2004, Star Magazine predicted the future looks of the Friends stars for 2024 and apparently foretold a puffier, grey future for Aniston.

• 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.

Key Details

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 1998 prediction for the footballer's 2020 looks had his teeth falling out and his hairline taking a big step back.

• 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.

• 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".

Why It Matters

The actress' style might have shifted but her dazzling grin stayed the same. England's football favourite David Beckham was the sporting sensation of the '90s, particularly when he teamed up with Spice Girl Victoria.

• 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.

• 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.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by HELLO! Magazine as more details emerge