This 2000s Heartthrob Deemed ‘Most Handsome’ Man Became Hardly Recognizable – What Happened?

This celebrity rose to fame after appearing in a box-office hit film franchise.

Years ago, he captivated many with his sophisticated and clean-cut appearance and was deemed the “most handsome.”

However, his more recent look is the opposite, which has sparked mixed reactions online, with some people pointing out that he looks unrecognizable. The star even changed his way of dressing and discussed the inspiration behind that.

Photos of a famed actor with an unrecognizable appearance prompted various opinions online. Some were curious about his new look, while others compared him to a homeless person.

The actor spotted arriving at "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on March 30, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In February 2022, he stepped out in Los Angeles in a tight white tank top, flaunting his toned arms, bushy gray beard, and thick, wavy salt-and-pepper hair. This new look was a stark contrast from the clean-cut appearance he maintained during his “Star Trek” fame.

Upon seeing this, some online users stated that he seemed like a homeless man. “Looks like he could fit in with the homeless people on the streets there. I guess times are tough for everyone,” said one person.

Another suggested, “He’s going for the homeless look. Someone toss him a bar of soap, he likely needs a scrubbing.” Two more users echoed the same sentiments while one wrote, “Looks 55 and homeless! Great character actor!!”

The celebrity seen on March 7, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, other people expressed curiosity, with one individual writing, “He was one nice looking guy, I wonder what happened?” Another asked the same question, adding, “It looks like he got stranded in the middle of the jungle for a year.”

“He used to be so hot, now he looks like he’s recovering from something,” someone else reminisced while making comparisons to the star’s current look. Moreover, others remarked that he appeared unrecognizable at first glance. “I’m impressed anyone recognized him. He looks raggedy,” wrote one.

One X user posted a collage of throwback images of the celebrity. “Bad procedure to keep up “Hollywood standards”? Was so handsome. Almost don’t recognize him now. Sad!” said the user. After seeing the star’s raggedy look, another person asked if that was really him, adding, “Didn’t recognize him…”

Although some had been critical of his appearance, others still perceived him to be attractive. One X user called him “One of the most handsome men on Earth.” Someone else said he voted the star as the “Most handsome man in cinema.”

The star at the 30th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation 94th Oscars viewing party on March 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

This actor was at the height of his career in the 2000s. He had several guest roles in television shows and made his feature movie debut opposite Anne Hathaway in “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” in 2004.

This was followed by other stints in films and TV shows, but the celebrity rose to superstardom after being cast as James T. Kirk in the hit franchise reboot of “Star Trek” in 2009.

From rocking sophisticated, clean, and attractive looks over the years, to looking barely recognizable today, here is the 2000s heartthrob who was deemed “most handsome” before.

In 2004, Chris Pine sported a clean-shaven look with short, dark brown hair styled neatly. His youthful face was smooth and free of any facial hair.

At the premiere of “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” Pine maintained a similar clean-shaven look, but with shorter, neatly styled hair. He still channeled a youthful look, with a fresh and vibrant aura.

By 2005, Pine’s appearance subtly evolved. His hair remained short but appeared slightly longer and more tousled, adding a hint of casual style.

Chris Pine at the New York City premiere of "Hostage," 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Pine blended polished sophistication and a relaxed style in 2013. His hair had a bit of volume and texture, giving it a modern and trendy look. This time, “The Contractor” star sported a light beard.

It was during this period that Pine’s love life made headlines. He was seen locking lips with a beautiful Icelandic beauty queen while in Paris. This reportedly occurred during dinner at an outdoor cafe after the lovebirds visited historic landmarks. They were later seen embracing while taking selfies.

In early 2014, Pine showcased a refined and elegant appearance. His hair was styled neatly which complemented his formal look while attending the Golden Globe Awards.

Pine, who appeared in the Western action movie, “Hell or High Water,” had a bit more texture and volume to his tresses and he sported a light beard.

Chris Pine attends the Celebration of Chris Pine's cover of Flaunt Magazine at Beautique on November 22, 2014 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In March 2022, Pine, who starred in “Just My Luck,” displayed a refined look with longer hair, featuring silver highlights that enhanced his sophisticated appearance.

By July, the 43-year-old adopted a more relaxed and approachable look while attending the Comic-Con. His hair was slightly longer, with a casual wave.

By October, Pine’s hair remained stylishly textured, adding a bit of casual flair. He sported a light stubble, introducing a hint of ruggedness.

At this time, Pine reportedly broke up with Wallis, well-known for starring opposite Tom Cruise in “The Mummy.” The couple had been dating since 2018 after they were first seen together at London’s Heathrow Airport. They confirmed their romance months later.

In March 2023, Pine showcased a modern style with his hair in a natural wave, giving a casual look. Meanwhile, his eyes reflected a confident and approachable demeanor.

Chris Pine visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at SXSW 2023 on March 11, 2023 in Austin, Texas. | Source: Getty Images

Later that month, Pine appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with a stylish and charismatic look. His hair remained neatly styled, maintaining a sleek appearance.

By November, he attended the “Wish” photo call, sporting a light beard. This introduced a mature and rugged element to the star’s clear complexion.

During this period, there were rumors about the woman he was seen with in Italy. In a Q&A, one person asked whether it was Pine’s girlfriend or employee. In response, one individual claimed that it was not his partner.

Chris Pine at the 49th Chaplin Awards at Lincoln Center on April 29, 2024 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Pine attended the 49th Chaplin Award Gala on April 29, 2024, in New York City. He looked dapper in a classic black tuxedo, sporting a salt-and-pepper hairdo. The celebrity also had a well-groomed beard, adding to his sophisticated appearance.

That same month, he also attended the premiere of his new movie, “Poolman” and talked about his transformation through the years. Pine said he has reached a point in his life where he does not care anymore.

“This whole film, what I love about what we did is it’s the joy of everything, of design, of clothes, of cinema, of film, of shooting on film, of characters and weird characters,” Pine revealed.

His look for the movie premiere was inspired by his style icon, Lapo Elkann. “The short shorts were definitely inspired by Tom Selleck. There’s no lie about that,” said Pine.

Pine, who currently has longer hair, divulged that he is now experimenting with early 80s Harrison Ford looks. He explained, “So I really like a penny loafer with like a Levi jean and a blazer, I think that’s pretty fly. And Tom Selleck. So I’m in an ‘80s thing.”

Pine, whose publicist made fun of his long hair once, has also been candid about his misfortune when it comes to his appearance. He disclosed in May 2024 that he lost a role due to his “awful skin.”

“I was going out for The O.C., a teenage melodrama. I can understand that they wanted to have pretty people doing pretty things. It’s no fun going out for roles when you have bad skin. It was one of the most traumatic points in my life,” Pine admitted.

Besides losing out on an acting gig due to his skin, Pine has experimented a lot with his appearance over time. He has gone bald and has sported a beard from time to time. However, now it seems he is in a phase of life where looks do not matter as much to him.