Artist shows us what celebrities would look like today if they were still alive

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By VT

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A digital artist has revealed what some of the most beloved celebrities would look like if they were still alive today.

Many singers, actors, and other celebrities have left fans heartbroken after leaving this world way too soon.

Prominent figures like Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, and Michael Jackson may no longer be with us, but each one left a rich legacy that keeps their spirit alive.

What if they were alive today? How would they look? That's what online creator Hidreley Diao asked himself before he created portraits that provide an interesting glimpse into that fantasy.

Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales. Credit: Anwar Hussein / Getty

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Diao showcased a series that helps us see what would've happened if these celebrities had the opportunity to age gracefully.

Princess Diana: July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

The 36-year-old Princess of Wales - who became an international icon due to her activism and glamour - shocked the world when she tragically died in a car accident on August 31, 1997.

Despite her untimely death, her legacy is still being carried through charitable organizations such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, and the work of her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Here's what Diana would look like if she were alive today: 

Marilyn Monroe: June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962

Monroe was an actress/singer who became one of the world's most iconic figures. She is remembered both for being a sex symbol in Hollywood and for her tragic personal and professional struggles within the industry.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she was one of the most marketable Hollywood stars, starring in several commercially successful films that grossed $200 million.

 Marilyn Monroe
American actress, singer, model, and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. Credit: Sunset Boulevard / Getty

The late cultural icon sadly died at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962, at only 36 years old. An empty bottle of sleeping pills was found by her bed.

Here's what Monroe would look like if she were alive today: 

Freddie Mercury:  September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991

The late British singer-songwriter - who was open about his bisexuality - achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen, alongside Brian May, Roger Taylor, and later John Deacon.

Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona, his impressive four-octave vocal range, and his operatic masterpiece 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. Credit: Pete Still / Getty

The late rockstar tragically died from AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia at his London mansion on November 24, 1991, at the age of just 45 years old.

The day before his death, on November 23, 1991, Mercury released a statement, which read: "I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV-positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me."

"However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease," he added.

Here's what Mercury would look like if he were alive today: 

Elvis Presley: January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977

Presley was a popular singer widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of rock music’s prevalent performers from the mid-1950s until his death.

Throughout his remarkable career, the late icon helped popularize rock 'n' roll music in the US and won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings.

A major musical force, he had 18 Number 1 singles, including 'Don’t Be Cruel,' 'Good Luck Charm,' and 'Suspicious Minds,' as well as numerous gold and platinum albums.

Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley. Credit: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

On the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure at the age of 42. It was later ruled that his death was related to his prescription drug abuse.

He was buried on the Graceland property, near the gravesites of his mother, father, and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Here's what Presley would look like if he were alive today: 

Tupac Shakur: June 16, 1971 - September 13, 1996

Considered one of the most influential hip-hop icons of all time, Tupac is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members, the late rapper's conscious rap lyrical content addressed social injustice, violence, and the marginalization of Black Americans.

Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur. Credit: Steve Eichner / Getty

During the later part of his career, Tupac signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records, and became heavily involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry.

On September 7, 1996, he was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas and succumbed to injuries six days later. He died at age 25.

Following his murder, rapper Notorious B.I.G. was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud but he was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later.

Despite his short career, the rap icon was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2002 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Rolling Stone ranked him among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and he was also awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Here's what Tupac would look like if he were alive today: 

Bruce Lee: November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973

Lee was an American-born actor who was known for his martial arts skills that helped popularize martial arts films in the 1970s. He became renowned throughout the world due to the portrayal of Cantonese culture in his movies and for fighting against Asian stereotypes in the United States.

With a career spanning Hong Kong and the United States, Lee starred in feature-length Hong Kong martial arts films in the early 1970s: Lo Wei's The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Golden Harvest's The Way of the Dragon (1972), Golden Harvest and Warner Brothers' Enter the Dragon (1973) and The Game of Death (1978).

Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee. Credit: Archive Photos / Getty

On July 20, 1973, just one month before the premiere of Enter the Dragon, Lee sadly passed away in Hong Kong, China, at the age of 32.

The official cause of his unexpected death was a brain edema discovered in an autopsy to have been caused by a strange reaction to a prescription painkiller he was reportedly taking for a back injury.

Here's what Lee would look like if he were alive today:

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Known as the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson was a best-selling American singer, songwriter, and dancer.

He began his career as the lead singer of his family’s popular group, the Jackson 5, alongside brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy. The group scored four consecutive number-one pop hits with 'I Want You Back,' 'ABC,' 'The Love You Save,' and 'I’ll Be There'.

Jackson went on to embark on a solo career of extraordinary worldwide success, delivering hits from the albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987).

Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history, having sold 67 million copies worldwide and 34 million units in the United States. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks and spawned seven Top 10 hits, including 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Human Nature,' 'Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'' and 'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).'

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson. Credit: Phil Dent / Getty

Throughout his career, Jackson garnered 38 Grammy Award nominations and 13 wins. He was also honored with the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, his 2001 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The late icon tragically died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. An official coroner’s report revealed the father-of-three's cause of death was acute propofol intoxication.

Here's what Jackson would look like if he were alive today:

To see more of Hidreley Diao's work, check out his Instagram page.

Featured image credit: Rob Verhorst / Getty

Artist shows us what celebrities would look like today if they were still alive

vt-author-image

By VT

Article saved!Article saved!

A digital artist has revealed what some of the most beloved celebrities would look like if they were still alive today.

Many singers, actors, and other celebrities have left fans heartbroken after leaving this world way too soon.

Prominent figures like Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Bruce Lee, and Michael Jackson may no longer be with us, but each one left a rich legacy that keeps their spirit alive.

What if they were alive today? How would they look? That's what online creator Hidreley Diao asked himself before he created portraits that provide an interesting glimpse into that fantasy.

Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales. Credit: Anwar Hussein / Getty

Using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Diao showcased a series that helps us see what would've happened if these celebrities had the opportunity to age gracefully.

Princess Diana: July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

The 36-year-old Princess of Wales - who became an international icon due to her activism and glamour - shocked the world when she tragically died in a car accident on August 31, 1997.

Despite her untimely death, her legacy is still being carried through charitable organizations such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, and the work of her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Here's what Diana would look like if she were alive today: 

Marilyn Monroe: June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962

Monroe was an actress/singer who became one of the world's most iconic figures. She is remembered both for being a sex symbol in Hollywood and for her tragic personal and professional struggles within the industry.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, she was one of the most marketable Hollywood stars, starring in several commercially successful films that grossed $200 million.

 Marilyn Monroe
American actress, singer, model, and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. Credit: Sunset Boulevard / Getty

The late cultural icon sadly died at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962, at only 36 years old. An empty bottle of sleeping pills was found by her bed.

Here's what Monroe would look like if she were alive today: 

Freddie Mercury:  September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991

The late British singer-songwriter - who was open about his bisexuality - achieved worldwide fame as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen, alongside Brian May, Roger Taylor, and later John Deacon.

Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona, his impressive four-octave vocal range, and his operatic masterpiece 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. Credit: Pete Still / Getty

The late rockstar tragically died from AIDS-related bronchial pneumonia at his London mansion on November 24, 1991, at the age of just 45 years old.

The day before his death, on November 23, 1991, Mercury released a statement, which read: "I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV-positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me."

"However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease," he added.

Here's what Mercury would look like if he were alive today: 

Elvis Presley: January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977

Presley was a popular singer widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of rock music’s prevalent performers from the mid-1950s until his death.

Throughout his remarkable career, the late icon helped popularize rock 'n' roll music in the US and won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings.

A major musical force, he had 18 Number 1 singles, including 'Don’t Be Cruel,' 'Good Luck Charm,' and 'Suspicious Minds,' as well as numerous gold and platinum albums.

Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley. Credit: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

On the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure at the age of 42. It was later ruled that his death was related to his prescription drug abuse.

He was buried on the Graceland property, near the gravesites of his mother, father, and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Here's what Presley would look like if he were alive today: 

Tupac Shakur: June 16, 1971 - September 13, 1996

Considered one of the most influential hip-hop icons of all time, Tupac is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

Born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members, the late rapper's conscious rap lyrical content addressed social injustice, violence, and the marginalization of Black Americans.

Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur. Credit: Steve Eichner / Getty

During the later part of his career, Tupac signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records, and became heavily involved in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry.

On September 7, 1996, he was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas and succumbed to injuries six days later. He died at age 25.

Following his murder, rapper Notorious B.I.G. was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud but he was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later.

Despite his short career, the rap icon was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2002 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Rolling Stone ranked him among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and he was also awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Here's what Tupac would look like if he were alive today: 

Bruce Lee: November 27, 1940 - July 20, 1973

Lee was an American-born actor who was known for his martial arts skills that helped popularize martial arts films in the 1970s. He became renowned throughout the world due to the portrayal of Cantonese culture in his movies and for fighting against Asian stereotypes in the United States.

With a career spanning Hong Kong and the United States, Lee starred in feature-length Hong Kong martial arts films in the early 1970s: Lo Wei's The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), Golden Harvest's The Way of the Dragon (1972), Golden Harvest and Warner Brothers' Enter the Dragon (1973) and The Game of Death (1978).

Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee. Credit: Archive Photos / Getty

On July 20, 1973, just one month before the premiere of Enter the Dragon, Lee sadly passed away in Hong Kong, China, at the age of 32.

The official cause of his unexpected death was a brain edema discovered in an autopsy to have been caused by a strange reaction to a prescription painkiller he was reportedly taking for a back injury.

Here's what Lee would look like if he were alive today:

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

Known as the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson was a best-selling American singer, songwriter, and dancer.

He began his career as the lead singer of his family’s popular group, the Jackson 5, alongside brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy. The group scored four consecutive number-one pop hits with 'I Want You Back,' 'ABC,' 'The Love You Save,' and 'I’ll Be There'.

Jackson went on to embark on a solo career of extraordinary worldwide success, delivering hits from the albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987).

Thriller remains one of the best-selling albums in history, having sold 67 million copies worldwide and 34 million units in the United States. The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks and spawned seven Top 10 hits, including 'Thriller,' 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' 'Human Nature,' 'Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'' and 'P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing).'

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson. Credit: Phil Dent / Getty

Throughout his career, Jackson garnered 38 Grammy Award nominations and 13 wins. He was also honored with the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, his 2001 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The late icon tragically died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. An official coroner’s report revealed the father-of-three's cause of death was acute propofol intoxication.

Here's what Jackson would look like if he were alive today:

To see more of Hidreley Diao's work, check out his Instagram page.

Featured image credit: Rob Verhorst / Getty