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.

More info: Instagram

#1

Sean Connery And James Bond

Sean Connery And James Bond

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

To 007 purists, Sean Connery will always be the definitive Bond.

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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.

#2

Heath Ledger And The Joker

Heath Ledger And The Joker

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#3

Hugh Jackman And Wolverine

Hugh Jackman And Wolverine

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

nothing to do with the post, just wanted to say I think he's a really nice guy.

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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

Michael J. Fox And Marty McFly

Michael J. Fox And Marty McFly

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

Nah. I'll remember him as Alex Keaton from tv show first.

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#5

Charlie Chaplin And The Tramp

Charlie Chaplin And The Tramp

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

Ohhhh My life is ruined forever. We always called him "Charlot" here in Italy !

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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

Mark Hamill And Luke Skywalker

Mark Hamill And Luke Skywalker

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

Poor Luke did not deserve the treatment he got in the new films.

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#7

Christina Applegate And Kelly Bundy

Christina Applegate And Kelly Bundy

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#9

Jack Nicholson And The Joker

Jack Nicholson And The Joker

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

I honestly don't think this was his most famous role.... my pick would have been Jack Torrance.

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#10

Sigourney Weaver And Ellen Ripley

Sigourney Weaver And Ellen Ripley

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

Ellen Ripley is the toughest chick in the movies. I admire her strength and resolve.

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#11

Elijah Wood And Frodo Baggins

Elijah Wood And Frodo Baggins

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

He seems ageless if you view any past pictures.

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#12

Brian Cranston And Walter White

Brian Cranston And Walter White

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

But I always thought he was best in "Malcolm in the Middle".

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#13

Neil Patrick Harris And Doogie Howser M.D.

Neil Patrick Harris And Doogie Howser M.D.

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#14

Henry Winkler And Fonzie

Henry Winkler And Fonzie

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#15

Drew Barrymore And Gertie (And E.T.)

Drew Barrymore And Gertie (And E.T.)

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#17

Al Pacino And Tony Montana

Al Pacino And Tony Montana

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nycRed714
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First you get the money, then you get the power, then you get the woman!

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#18

Ralph Macchio And Daniel Larusso

Ralph Macchio And Daniel Larusso

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

I can't decide if this is creepy or kind of sweet.

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#19

Sylvester Stallone And Rambo

Sylvester Stallone And Rambo

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

Rambo twists neck to the left, and he's dead ;)

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#20

Johnny Depp And The Hatter

Johnny Depp And The Hatter

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#21

Eddie Murphy And Axel Foley

Eddie Murphy And Axel Foley

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#23

Emilia Clarke And Daenerys Targaryen

Emilia Clarke And Daenerys Targaryen

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#24

Sylvester Stallone And Rocky Balboa

Sylvester Stallone And Rocky Balboa

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#25

Millie Bobby Brown And Eleven

Millie Bobby Brown And Eleven

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

Of course this is her most famous role, she’s 16!

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#26

Don Johnson And James "Sonny" Crockett

Don Johnson And James "Sonny" Crockett

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#27

Emilio Estevez And Andrew Clark

Emilio Estevez And Andrew Clark

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#28

John Stamos And Jesse Katsopolis

John Stamos And Jesse Katsopolis

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CatWoman312
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember watching a lifetime movie with him in it and he was some sort of crazy stalker killer that was interesting

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#29

Courtney Cox And Monica Geller

Courtney Cox And Monica Geller

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#30

Jim Carrey And Lloyd Christmas

Jim Carrey And Lloyd Christmas

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Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.