I am Alper Yesiltas, a lawyer and photographer living in Istanbul, Turkey. I've been imagining scenes and capturing memories for about 19 years now. During that time, some of my photos have been edited worldwide in books, magazines, exhibitions, and websites and were awarded in several photo contests.

I would like to share with you the first collection of images of my AI-based project called "As if nothing happened". Behind this project lies the question of "how would people look photo-realistically if some great events had not happened to them". I look forward to your feedback and suggestions.

More info: Instagram | rarible.com | twitter.com

#1

Freddie Mercury

AI-generated image depicting an elderly celebrity with glasses and suspenders.

I wish he hadn't got that disease.

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Headless Roach
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Especially with his voice still alive in my head

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Mrs. Jan Glass
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That f*****g disease stole too many. I've had more than one student tell me that Gen X/Boomers are "homophobic" because there aren't nearly as many queer people from older generations than there are now. No, sweeties, it's because a huge percentage of our queer folk died of AIDS in the 80s and 90s. Thanks, Reagan and Conservative Christians!

Demongrrrrl
Community Member
Premium
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If AIDS was God's punishment for sinners, then Lesbians are the Chosen People. They have lowest rate of infection.

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GoGoPDX
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is so sad. I wish we had the medical breakthroughs we have now back in the 80s and 90s. So many amazing people would still be alive today. RIP Freddie and the millions of others that have died from this horrible disease!

Joy
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lovely portrait of what might have been. I really love this 🤍

ispeak catanese
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was such a handsome talented man. He and Prince have been such a loss. 😢

Detroit Citizen
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would sit a listen to this guys stories. He looks like that awesome Grandpa we all want but didnt deserve. RIP Legend!

Alyssa Keezer
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wayne Co citizen here👍 Freddie here looks a little too straight laced but it’s no less the sophisticate Freddie.😊💖

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Tiny Dancer
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grandfatherly, but you know he's still a kickass rocker on the side. Maybe he's just tearing the roof off his local pub on weekends, but he'd still have a foot in the biz. Freddie's such an agonizing loss even after more than 30(!) years.

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With the development of AI technology, I've been excited for a while, thinking that "anything imaginable can be shown in reality". When I started tinkering with technology, I saw what I could do and thought about what would make me the happiest. I wanted to see some of the people I missed again in front of me and that's how this project emerged.

RELATED:
    #2

    Heath Ledger

    AI-generated image of a celebrity, imagined alive today, with curly hair and a thoughtful expression.

    I wish he hadn't been affected by the exhaustion of his role.

    Report

    GoGoPDX
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was one celebrity OD death that shocked me. I honestly did not know he struggled with SAD.

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me too @GoGoPDX. It was such a surreal day. My ex and I had just watched A Knights Tale the night before. The brightest stars shine so bright but so short. RIP my guy.

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    TrD
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reports say his role as the joker didn’t lead to his death. It was a completely separate od.

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one freaks me out. It looks so real. Like he blessed us with this picture letting us know he's ok now and is happy.

    Emie N.
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heath Ledger would have been in his early 40's but he looks 50's here.

    Esme love and squalor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agree- this one seems too mature for the projected age of early 40’s

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    Tamra
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is really good.

    Marlowe Fitzpatrik
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like he got some Tom Hanks mixed into his genes there.

    Derek BD
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought Art Garfunkel... but how Garfunkel looked in his 20s. 😜

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    Arizona Sunflowers
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You only changed his hair, his face is just the same as when he played the Joker.

    Andrew Keane
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People really need to watch the documentary about him which featured footage he took most of his adult life.The accounts from his friends and family showed he was a person who could never sit still. He always had trouble getting to sleep long before he The Dark Knight. It’s always something that worried them about him.

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    #3

    Janis Joplin

    AI-generated image of a celebrity, imagined if alive today, with long wavy hair and a patterned vest.

    I wish she hadn't sought the inspiration she needed elsewhere.

    Report

    Danni
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Her story breaks my heart, So much talent and so little support and love. she deserved better.

    Joy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks so beautiful and captivating here. In this reality, Joplin looks like affection and warmth personified.

    Mrs. Jan Glass
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A powerhouse. Just imagine the collaborations, for starters.

    Daniel Yamada
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take another little piece of my heart, now baby. You know you got it.

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish she received the inspiration she emmited.

    SinéadQ
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful woman. Tragic death.

    Seedy Vine
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gorgeous as ever! 🦪💔

    Tiny Dancer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been blessed to have a few people in my life that fully embodied Janis' soul. Only just realized how much they looked almost exactly like this. Fantastic. The ancient wisdom in those eyes.

    Patti Wagner
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful and talented lady!

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    The hardest part of the creative process for me is making the image feel "real" to me. The moment I like the most is when I think the image in front of me looks very realistic as if it was taken by a photographer.

    I am using various software programs. The time it takes for me to create one fully finished image varies, but I would say it takes a while for an image to feel "real" to me.

    #4

    Michael Jackson

    AI-generated image of a smiling man with curly hair and a beard in a vintage shirt.

    I wish he hadn't faced vitiligo.

    Report

    New Everywhere
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely love seeing this. Michael was naturally super handsome and it would've been wonderful to see him like this

    Kitty1019
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, after all the plastic surgery, specifically on his nose, he never would have looked like this. But it would've been great if he had.

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    Natalie H
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mean if he hadn’t ruined his face with all those ridiculous surgeries. If he’d just left his face alone, look how handsome he would have been!! He could have shown the world that vitiligo is beautiful, instead of destroying himself. So sad

    Fenchurch
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed. Vitiligo was not the problem. Makeup isn’t what killed him…

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    Rachel Cobb
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it was more of Dysphoria/Low esteem mix,

    Danniee Gyrl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was a very Handsome young man...

    v
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vitiligo had nothing to do with the way he had his face carved down.

    Christianne White
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would have been beautiful if he actually could have come close to looking like this, sigh he chiseled away so much of his natural beauty and became a different person.

    Biliegh Berrie
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing. It's sad he felt he had to do all those surgeries. This is a beautiful pic

    Louieeeeee
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Listen I can understand wanting MJ to have been more confident in his appearance, but Vitiligo is not something to be wished away. It’s just a skin pattern. There’s no reason for you to feel bad for him because he had vitiligo. Vitiligo is beautiful, and pity like this, treating it like some sort of illness, is not the way to normalize differences

    Alyssa Keezer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No pity from me on the vitiligo. He should’ve worn it w pride.❤️💜

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    Gay-Froggie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yall I'm seeing a lot of these comments saying he died from his vitiligo- that's not true.. he wasn't able to sleep at night so he would take anesthesia I believe so he could sleep. Well the doctor who gave it to him was supposed to stay in the room with him until he fell asleep, but the doctor went into the other room (also gave Mr. Jackson too much of the medication) . Michael could've been saved if he was watched and taken care of properly. Hope this informed you on the true passing of this amazing man.

    Marcella Savage
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ironically, he probably would have died anyway due to lack of rem sleep. Propofol doesn't let the user experience ren sleep. Complications from that would have been fatal, even though he probably woke up feeling like he had a good night's sleep. Another way his doctor let him down. Fatally.

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    Rachel Blankenship
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom has vitiligo and she is beautiful. Like a porcelain doll. And she has no strange, surgery fetishes

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    #5

    Kurt Cobain

    AI-generated image of a celebrity, with long hair, sitting inside a vehicle, looking towards the camera.

    I wish he had decided to stay.

    Report

    GoGoPDX
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow!! I always think of Kurt as older than me. I was 14 and a HUGE Nirvana fan when he died. It always breaks my heart when I realize that he was only and will forever be 27! Still so young and so much life ahead of him. This picture really gets me right in the heart!

    Vincent Dekker
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah the same for me. I was also 14 and hugh fan.

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    Deborah Harris
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow he looks so old, I think he is forever immortalised in his youth for everyone x

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wasnt a fan of grunge back in the day. I do really appreciate Nirvana now. But this is so surreal.

    Anna Gram
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was so handsome, he would have aged better in my opinion

    Kymeber Wells
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He's not really dead !he's hangin out with Jim Morrison hendrix, Stanley and the rest of the beautiful souls in another realm !if you listen real quietly you'll hear them jammin in the wind!!!RIP Pisces Brother

    LapCat
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still miss him ❤️

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WOW - that is the spitting image (where did we get the phrase?) of my neighbor, Bill.

    Cindy Irvin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow...looks just like my ex bf. Spooky!

    soakingwetbread
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i feel like he would look younger cus dave doesnt look that old

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    There are 10 images so far in this project, I want to extend it but I want to do it in a selective way, so the process is a little bit slow for me. For future projects, there are various things I imagine about real life using AI technology. Like "Life in 2050" and "Alternate Museum".

    #6

    Jimi Hendrix

    AI-generated image of an elderly musician in vintage attire.

    I wish he hadn't sought the inspiration he needed elsewhere.

    Report

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see this and can picture him in retirement jammin out on a stoop teaching the younger generations how to shred.

    Nat Rich
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plucking his strings with his dentures lol

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    Valerea King
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Couldn't you imagine him as a grandpop? He'd def be the coolest with the best stories

    Pjerrot
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks s bit like Einstein 😂

    Larry Andrews
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can you add one w Hendrix smiling? He looks so sad and beat down here.

    Helena Zancani
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like he's giving off Liberal Arts College Philosophy Professor vibes.

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    #7

    John Lennon

    AI-generated image of an elderly man with white hair and beard, smiling broadly against a plain background.

    I wish he hadn't been in New York that day.

    Report

    GoGoPDX
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine the world and the music we would have.

    Luis Gomez
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was abusive with women and the other Beatles knew about it.

    DubstepBlade
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SING IT! 🎶Imagine all the people!🎶

    Atreïdes
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Living for today? Kinda selfish and materialistic, honestly.

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    Elaine Morinelli
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aw my favorite Beatle! Looks great though but I miss him.

    DoctorMike Reddy
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The John Lennon picture looks just like me

    Charles Houghtby IV
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jimi, Janis, and John Lennon are proof time travel will never be invented D';

    Arizona Sunflowers
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel this is a much more apropo picture of how John would’ve looked old. Great aging.

    cat oob
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I seriously doubt that John would have got contacts at this age. he was almost blind without his glasses and it looks strange without them here

    Helena Zancani
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would hang out with this guy around a camp fire.

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    #8

    Bruce Lee

    Elderly man with white hair smiling, recreated using artificial intelligence to show how celebrities might look today.

    I wish he hadn't taken that painkiller that day.

    Report

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rick the Dragon Steamboats twin. (80's WWE/WWF). But i still wouldnt mess with Mr Lee. Nope.

    Viktor
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks a bit too young for me. Should be 82 now

    kalisamoore856
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bruce!! Martial Arts Legend at his best!!

    Christine Ellison Cook
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're very good at this! You captured those smiling eyes that Bruce had! ✌& ❤

    MygrandsonscallmeNia
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love his talent! The LP Man movies, are about the Master that taught him everything he Knew.

    Rakesh Pandey
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looking so distinguished and handsome!

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    #9

    Elvis Presley

    AI-generated image of a celebrity smiling, wearing a patterned shirt, imagined as if they were alive today.

    I wish he decided to live a life where he paid more attention to the health of his heart.

    Report

    zak
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks more like Jay Leno than Elvis to me 😆

    Jennifer Checki
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So his hair would have turned white but otherwise, he would have looked younger (and thinner) than he did in the last 5 years of his life? Okay. Who am I to argue with CGI?

    Ghost Of Panda Rats Past…
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thinks it more like what he WOULD have looked like if he took care of himself better and loved a longer and healthier life.

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    Jknbt
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    too much drugs, also trying to live like he was still a 20 y.o. when he was 40.... it's okay to get older folks, don't take drugs so you can still act young... age gracefully & have fun on the way... spoiler alert: the recent Elvis movie was a complete bummer & downer at the ending... Elvis did not have to die so soon, miss him...

    Irish woman abroad
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you watched the movie, then you'll know they were shovelling pills into him to keep him performing, he was drinking and overeating because of depression, and in the end, like Michael Jackson, all of that dangerous mix finished him off.

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    Troll Bob
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nope... not a chance. My dad was born the same year Elvis was born.. This is not the face on an 87 year old. Time takes it's toll..

    Iam Knucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Let's not forget he's also a pedophile. Whoever is running this AI really seems to like ignoring pedophiles.

    atlas heyzal
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He died of a aortic aneurysm in his stomach caused by constipation for all the pain killers he was given. I wish someone had given him some castor oil. Completely unnecessary.

    Hae'vyn Smith
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iß it just me or does his head look far too big for his bodu

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    #10

    2pac

    Artificial intelligence rendering of a celebrity, showing how they might look today.

    I wish he hadn't been involved in that event that would cause him to face the mafia.

    Report

    Jennifer Checki
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting that the OP knows who killed him, since law enforcement does not. 🤦‍♀️

    Kevin Sutton
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's common knowledge that Orlando Anderson shot him in retaliation for the beatdown at the casino earlier that evening. Him and his uncle have confessed!

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    Joy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An exceptionally astute and lovely looking man. A poet too with some rough lyrics which didn't hold back. He alleviated the game. The Golden Age of hip-hop is now mumbles and ash. Tupac will live on as a legend so his killers achieved nothing.

    Shellie Kirby
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Big 2pac fan & I don't like this AI photo of him for whatever reason it sits wrong with me!

    Melody Agilar
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason it looks like Tupac blended with Steve Harvey

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    Dizz2K7 Gaming
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt he would've gained that much weight.

    Detroit Citizen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kinda looks like Montel Williams (US talk show host circa 80-90's). But being Pac I wouldnt get on his bad side. Once a G always a G

    Diemond Star
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg you are so right, he does look like Montel Williams with a bit of weight gain.

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    Ed Sherrell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is horrible. It looks like a 65 or 70 year old man. Pac would only be 50 or so if he were still alive. I seriously doubt he would look anything like this.

    Darlene V
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i dont like this one. i dont think he would've aged like this. fat and very wrinkly. his big round eyes are completely gone. his bushy eyebrows and curly lashes are gone. not feeling it.

    Yara Johnson
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP did Tupac dirty. He was handsome & still would look basically the same with a few wrinkles, like Snoop does today - not like a cross between current James Earl Jones & Uncle Ruckus.

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