Usually, we recognize actors only after the fact, once they become famous. But before they became well-established household names, they were known not for their name, but a character that they played. For example, who hasn't accidentally mixed up Macaulay Culkin with Kevin McCallister in the heyday of "Home Alone"? Or called Sylvester Stallone Rocky? Or mixed-up Lawrence Tureaud with Mr. T from the A-Team? You get the gist of it. Despite that, sometimes it doesn't even matter. The actors and the roles that they play often are so fused that they become inseparable in our minds.

Dutch graphic designer Ard Gelinck separates the inseparable and puts the two sides of the actor, the role and the performer, right next to each other for comparison. He does this in such a way that they seem to be hanging out and interacting with each other. And in a way, they are. It gives us a glimpse into the past, a throwback to the days long gone. It makes us reflect on how they and their careers have changed (or haven't) since they embodied the roles that we know them for.

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#1

Sean Connery And James Bond

Two famous Hollywood actors dressed formally, styled to reflect their iconic roles, posed together indoors.

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Gelinck has worked on these types of photo manipulations for about 10 years now, but don't worry—he doesn't seem to be running out of ideas any time soon. Quite the contrary. He continues to delight his 285k loyal followers on Instagram with regular uploads. And we've been covering most of them, so you can check out previous posts about him herehere, and here.

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    #2

    Heath Ledger And The Joker

    Actor Heath Ledger standing beside his iconic Joker character in purple suit at an awards event, famous Hollywood actors role.

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    #3

    Michael J. Fox And Marty McFly

    Two famous Hollywood actors posing with their iconic roles, sitting on a car with a dog nearby in an outdoor setting.

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    He shared more about his experience with Bored Panda: "The 'Then and Now' series is quite old when you consider that me and my brother made the first image for it about 10 years ago," Gelinck told Bored Panda. "About 5 years ago, I edited pictures for a lot of Dutch celebrities and it was a success, so I then started working with foreign celebrity photos. The first one was Madonna, and she even posted my image on her own Instagram."

    But the Queen of Pop hasn't been the only celebrity that has recognized and publicly admired his work. Among others are Rob Lowe, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Annie Lennox, BeeGees, Jason Priestly, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Carice van Houten, Sylvester Stallone, Robbie Williams, Michael Douglas, Ricky Gervais, and many more that have also given him a shoutout. "When I think about it, the list is quite impressive," Gelinck said.

    #4

    Charlie Chaplin And The Tramp

    Famous Hollywood actors posing with their iconic roles in vintage style black and white portrait by Ard Gelinck

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    #5

    Mark Hamill And Luke Skywalker

    Mark Hamill posing with his iconic Star Wars character Luke Skywalker, highlighting famous Hollywood actors with their roles.

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    The digital artist himself thinks that the reason his photomontages are popular is because people enjoy "taking a trip down memory lane." And it's somewhat true. Just looking at them, one can get serious throwbacks to their childhood, or flashbacks of the bustling '80s and '90s. Someone might even get an urge to rewatch their favorite shows or movies with these actors in them. Any way you look at it, Gelinck's work is an experience of its own. What do you think, Pandas? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

    #6

    Christina Applegate And Kelly Bundy

    Two famous Hollywood actors posing together in a photoshoot showcasing their iconic roles by Ard Gelinck.

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    #7

    Joaquin Phoenix And The Joker

    Hollywood actor posing with his iconic Joker role character, showcasing famous Hollywood actors and iconic roles by Ard Gelinck.

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    #8

    Jack Nicholson And The Joker

    Hollywood actor posing with his iconic Joker role, dressed in vibrant costume and makeup, symbolizing famous Hollywood actors.

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    #9

    Sigourney Weaver And Ellen Ripley

    Actress Sigourney Weaver posed with her iconic character Ripley from the Alien movie series in a creative Hollywood actors edit.

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    #10

    Elijah Wood And Frodo Baggins

    Famous Hollywood actor posing next to his iconic Lord of the Rings character holding a sword and wearing a cloak.

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    #11

    Brian Cranston And Walter White

    Bryan Cranston posing as himself and as his iconic Breaking Bad character in a creative Hollywood actors and roles image.

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    #12

    Neil Patrick Harris And Doogie Howser M.D.

    Hollywood actor and his iconic young doctor role posing together for a creative portrait by Ard Gelinck

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    #13

    Henry Winkler And Fonzie

    Hollywood actors hanging out with their iconic roles, showcasing classic characters and memorable moments by Ard Gelinck

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    #14

    Drew Barrymore And Gertie (And E.T.)

    Drew Barrymore and child actor posing with E.T. character, famous Hollywood actors hanging out with their iconic roles.

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    #15

    Mike Myers And Austin Powers

    Famous Hollywood actor posing with his iconic role in a colorful suit giving a thumbs up in a studio setting.

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    #16

    Al Pacino And Tony Montana

    Famous Hollywood actors relaxing and posing together, showcasing their iconic roles in a casual setting by Ard Gelinck.

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    #17

    Ralph Macchio And Daniel Larusso

    Famous Hollywood actor posing with his iconic film role character by Ard Gelinck in a creative photo series.

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    #18

    Sylvester Stallone And Rambo

    Sylvester Stallone posing as himself alongside his iconic Rambo character in a cinematic Hollywood actors art piece.

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    #19

    Johnny Depp And The Hatter

    Famous Hollywood actor with his iconic Mad Hatter character holding a rabbit in a creative studio photo.

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    #20

    Eddie Murphy And Axel Foley

    Famous Hollywood actors posing with their iconic roles in a creative art piece by Ard Gelinck.

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    #21

    Jeff Cohen And Chunk

    Famous Hollywood actors hanging out with their iconic roles showing playful and relaxed interaction outdoors.

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    #22

    Emilia Clarke And Daenerys Targaryen

    Famous Hollywood actors posing with their iconic roles in a creative artwork by Ard Gelinck, showcasing character and actor side by side.

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    #23

    Sylvester Stallone And Rocky Balboa

    Famous Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone with his iconic Rocky Balboa role in boxing gloves and championship belt.

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    #24

    Millie Bobby Brown And Eleven

    Young actress hanging out with her iconic Stranger Things role, blending real and character in creative Hollywood actors art.

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    #25

    Don Johnson And James "Sonny" Crockett

    Famous Hollywood actors posing together by the beach, showcasing iconic roles in a creative photo by Ard Gelinck

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    #26

    Emilio Estevez And Andrew Clark

    Actor standing next to his iconic role in a varsity jacket, posing in front of school lockers for famous Hollywood actors series.

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    #27

    John Stamos And Jesse Katsopolis

    Two famous Hollywood actors posing together, highlighting iconic roles in a creative photo by Ard Gelinck.

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    #28

    Courtney c*x And Monica Geller

    Famous Hollywood actor posing alongside her iconic TV role in a creative digital artwork by Ard Gelinck.

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    #29

    Jim Carrey And Lloyd Christmas

    Famous Hollywood actor Jim Carrey smiling next to his iconic character Lloyd Christmas in a casual outdoor setting.

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