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Before They Were Famous: Childhood Photos of Your Favorite Black Stars

Before They Were Famous: Childhood Photos of Your Favorite Black Stars

We’re taking a trip down memory lane with childhood photos of Will Smith, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington and others.

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Photo: Alekandra London, Matthias Nareyek, Slaven Vlasic (Getty Images)

Some stars were meant to be entertainers. From a young age they were destined to take over the world. We were curious about where the path to stardom began for some of our favorites, so we fired up the time machine and took a nostalgic look back at the biggest Black stars before they were famous. For an early look at the most popular musicians, film and TV stars, check out these celebrities when they were still kids.

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Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx

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Screenshot: Bored Panda

The superstar entertainer has a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances. A talent that began when he was growing up in Texas.

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Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx

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Photo: Leon Bennett (Getty Images)
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Beyonce

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According to Miss Tina Knowles, anyone who came to their house knew they would be sitting through a show because her daughters were born entertainers.

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Beyonce

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Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood (Getty Images)
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Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba

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Screenshot: UZO ADUBA/INSTAGRAM

Tbis award-winning actress has kept us fascinated with all of her characters from the minute we started binging her work.

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Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba

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Photo: Amy Sussman (Getty Images)
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Rihanna

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Screenshot: Instagram

Her rise from humble beginnings to superstardom and billionaire entrepreneur has inspired millions to join her Navy.

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Rihanna

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Will Smith

Will Smith

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Screenshot: Instagram

He started as the Fresh Prince, but now we call him king of the box office. And yes, he’s an Oscar winner. They can’t take that from him.

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Will Smith

Will Smith

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Photo: Hector Vivas (Getty Images)
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Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars

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Screenshot: Catherine McGann/Getty Image

One look at this tiny Elvis and it’s clear he had one career path in mind.

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Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic - Leave The Door Open (Live from the BET Awards)
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Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

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Screenshot: Instagram

This adorable little one grew up to be one of our favorite actresses/activists. Her matching hair bows and shirt tell us she already had a keen sense of style.

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Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

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Erica Campbell

Erica Campbell

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Screenshot: Instagram

We’re sure she was already raising up her voice in worship from a young age.

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Erica Campbell

Erica Campbell

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Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama

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Screenshot: Essence

Who knew this little girl from Chicago was destined for fame-changing greatness?

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Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama

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Photo: Erika Goldring (Getty Images)
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Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe

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Even from a young age, this model/actor knew how to find the camera.

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Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe

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Photo: Roy Rochlin (Getty Images)
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Eva Marcille

Eva Marcille

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An adorable little boss in the making.

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Eva Marcille

Eva Marcille

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Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer (Getty Images)
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Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss

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The singer/actress/TV personality clearly knew she was headed for a career in the spotlight.

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Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss

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Photo: Monica Schipper (Getty Images)
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Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

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This little guy was already giving off class clown vibes.

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Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

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Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer

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The former child star’s career began when she was young, but we always knew she could do anything.

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Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer

KeKe Palmer performs #dualipa “Don’t start now “
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Christina Milian

Christina Milian

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Screenshot: Instagram

A cutie pie who rocked a bold sense style right from the start.

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Christina Milian

Christina Milian

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Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue (Getty Images)
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