Amazing Celebrity Glow Ups, Ranked
40. Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley is best known for her role as Rebecca on Cheers, as well as for her performances in Summer School, Madhouse, and Drop Dead Gorgeous. The actress appeared on The Dr. Oz Show in 2012 and admitted to struggling with her body image since 2003. She then teamed up with Jenny Craig between 2004 and 2007 but continued to fluctuate in the years after.
Eventually, Alley signed on to the celebrity talent show Dancing With the Stars and credits the show for her glow-up.
39. Bella Hadid
It can’t be denied that Bella Hadid has always been beautiful. The model first appeared on TV screens via The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where mom Yolanda Hadid raised her alongside sister Gigi and brother Anwar.
After Gigi became the world’s most sought after model, Bella followed in her footsteps. With the help of some high fashion and contouring — plus a little nip and tuck — the younger Hadid sister really came into her own. Bella Hadid, though you had a good head start, you certainly glowed up.
38. Milana Vayntrub
Audiences first met Uzbekistan-born American actress Milana Vayntrub when she played saleswoman Lily Adams in a string of AT&T commercials. The actress starred in Barbie commercials at five years old, and had several small roles in film and TV.
Since her time as Lily Adams, the actress has starred in This Is Us, and co-founded a social media movement to draw attention to the European migrant crisis. And, of course, Vayntrub reappeared as Lily Adams in AT&T’s 2020 commercial. Glowing.
37. Jonah Hill
Actor Jonah Hill got his first leading role in the Judd Apatow produced comedy Superbad. In the movie, Hill played a young Seth Rogan, alongside Michael Cera as a young Evan Goldberg. The teen comedy catapulted Hill onto the public stage, and he has stuck around ever since.
For the 2016 comedy-drama War Dogs, Hill gained 40 pounds and decided to lose the weight afterward. With the help of his 21 Jump Street co-star Channing Tatum, Hill had his glow up.
36. Alex Morgan
Professional soccer player Alex Morgan plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English FA. She was the youngest player on the USA’s national team at the 2011 World Cup, where the team took home silver medals. On the field, Morgan looks like a professional athlete would — with a ponytail and a uniform.
Off the field, though, Morgan helped write a series of kids books about soccer, scooped up a bunch of endorsement deals, and had her acting debut. We’d say she’s looking pretty great.
35. Jake Gyllenhaal
Actor Jake Gyllenhaal has never looked bad per see — just a little rough around the edges. Born into a movie-making household, Gyllenhaal started acting as a child, but made his breakthrough in sci-fi thriller Donnie Darko in 2001.
Perhaps men just get better with age, because Jake Gyllenhaal is a chic Hollywood star at this point. As always, a full beard helps the cause, as does Gyllenhaal’s lustrous hair. At this stage of his career, the actor has absolutely had his glow up.
34. Ronda Rousey
California-born athlete Ronda Rousey was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal for judo. She went on to have a successful career in mixed martial arts, and then professional wrestling. During her time with each sport, Rousey became the only woman to win a UFC and WWE championship. Impressive!
As well as being a successful athlete, Ronda Rousey has also worked as an actress. Since her time competing in the Olympics, she has had several glow ups and looks more confident than ever!
33. Kendall Jenner
When audiences first met Kendall Jenner, she was just a child running around with baby sis Kylie on the first season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Viewers watched the soon-to-be supermodel when she had braces, wore no makeup, and paid random handymen to do her chores.
Jenner showed an interest in modeling from a young age, and obviously has the physique for the industry. With her incredible fashion sense, Kardashian-Jenner looks, and aloof personality, Jenner has had a serious glow up.
32. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been on our TV screens for almost her entire life. She starred in Barney & Friends as a child, had a recurring role in Hannah Montana, and snagged the lead role of Alex Russo in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place. The world was Selena’s for the taking, and she forged a successful career as an actress and a singer.
Much like the Jenner sisters, Gomez’s glow up is also a case of simply growing up. She is now a fully-fledged fashionista.
31. Beyoncé
First thing’s first — Beyoncé Knowles has always been a beautiful and talented artist. However, back in the ’90s and ’00s, the Destiny’s Child leading lady was seen in a string of terrible matching outfits and was a fan of metallic brown lipstick. We get it. It was the era, but we’re glad that Bey has glowed up since then.
As a solo artist, Bey really came into her own. Her aesthetic matches her pioneering albums and draws upon aspects of African-American culture.
30. Mariah Carey
Legendary vocalist Mariah Carey released her debut album in 1990 and it ended up topping the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks in a row. Carey went from working part-time jobs to competing with Whitney Houston and Madonna — and picked up several Grammys for her first album.
Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling artists of all time and has the diva persona to match. The pop icon is always dressed to the nines, and is considered a “multiracial heroine.”
29. Kim Kardashian
In the years before her world domination, Kim Kardashian was just another rich Valley girl. She organized the closets of her celebrity friends, and she tagged along to parties and events with Paris Hilton.
Following the huge success of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kiki managed to transform into a fashion maven, and a true celebrity icon. She is now married to rapper Kanye West, and has four beautiful children. She also runs several successful businesses and is studying to become a lawyer.
28. Demi Lovato
Much like Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato got her start on kid’s TV show Barney & Friends, and starred in a string of Disney vehicles. She played Mitchie Torres in the Camp Rock movies, and Sonny in Sonny With a Chance. From there, Lovato released a pop-rock album, and has been releasing music ever since.
Demi Lovato has faced difficult times during her career. She even released both a book and a documentary about her struggles. No longer a fresh-faced Disney girl, Lovato is now a self-assured woman.
27. Seth Rogen
When it comes to celebrity men, it doesn’t take much to glow up. Basically, famous men need a stylist, better facial hair, and an air of confidence — with that, they’re done. Take Seth Rogan as an example. The actor’s first leading role was in Judd Apatow comedy Knocked Up, where he played a slacker with no direction in life.
After a string of successful acting, writing, and directing jobs, Rogen started to look more like the Hollywood A-Lister he is.
26. Drake
In 2017, Canadian rapper Drake released a song called “Glow” that featured Kanye West. The entire song is about the pair’s glow up, with Drake repeatedly stating, “Watch out for me, I’m about to glow.” Well, they weren’t lying.
Drake first appeared in Canadian soap Degrassi: The Next Generation, before releasing his first mixtape in 2006. Since hitting the big time, the rapper has transformed into a chic and well-groomed male celeb, carving out his own aesthetic amongst hip-hop’s finest.
25. Dylan and Cole Sprouse
Dylan and Cole Sprouse have been glowing up throughout their entire careers, mainly because they’ve been acting since they were literal babies. The twins starred in Big Daddy with Adam Sandler, and went on to land the leading roles in Disney show The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
The brothers became two of the richest children alive in the mid-’00s, and then the richest teenage twins in the world. Now men, the Sprouse brothers have grown into their heartthrob looks.
24. Taylor Swift
When Taylor Swift was only 14 years old, her family relocated to Nashville so she could pursue a career in country music. At that time, the singer was known for her blonde curls, feline eyes, and innocent country girl persona. She had success with her early records and opened country music up to a huge new market.
Years and albums later, Taylor Swift has transformed into a self-assured, pioneering, and award-winning entertainer. Her glow up includes some experimental fashion choices, and an assortment of new haircuts.
23. Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence has been acting from a young age, making her breakthrough in 2010’s Winter’s Bone. Before she was cast in the lead role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Lawrence was an unassuming actress from Kentucky.
Of course, Lawrence became a mega movie star, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Silver Linings Playbook. She is an outspoken and boisterous celebrity figure, described as down-to-earth, self-deprecating, and grounded. JLaw is also a celebrated fashionista.
22. Emma Watson
Isn’t Emma Watson so cute in this early red carpet photo? The Harry Potter actress first played brainy student Hermione Granger when she was just 10 years old, though her red carpet choices were for someone much older. Thankfully, as time passed (and income increased), Watson transformed into a glamorous Hollywood actress.
Not content with being just a gorgeous celebrity, Watson is also an activist and was the UN Women Goodwill ambassador. Fully glowed up, the actress is self-possessed and striking.
21. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
When Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi first burst onto the scene, it was as the breakout member of the Jersey Shore cast. With her bouffant hair and heavily fake tanned skin, Snooki was a reality TV dream. At the height of the show’s popularity, Polizzi was making $150,000 per episode, and went on to star in spin-off Snooki & Jwoww.
Snooki married Jionni LaValle in 2014, and together they have three kids. The reality star has embraced a more sophisticated look, leading us to declare a glow up.
20. Adele
Much has been said about singer Adele’s glow up, particularly because lots of people loved the singer before she went through a radical transformation. The London-born singer-songwriter found a special place in people’s hearts with her down-to-earth attitude and beautiful vocals.
A 15-time Grammy award winner, Adele was beloved for being successful and looking different than other celebs. The “Hello” singer looks like a totally different person now, but we’re excited to see what this new Adele can offer.
19. Harry Styles
Harry Styles was eliminated from The X Factor in the early stages, but brought back to form new boyband One Direction. As we know, the group went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Today, Styles has found success as a solo artist. He has also tried his hand at acting…
Since his time with One Direction, Styles has fully leaned into his creative and gender-fluid aesthetic. He is regularly seen wearing pink, sheer blouses, and heeled boots — and was even co-chair of the Met Gala in 2019.
18. John Krasinski
As prankster Jim Halpert in The Office, John Krasinksi was sweet but not striking. Jim Halpert was an ordinary man, and Krasinksi played a believable salesman working at a mid-level paper company.
However, after years on the show and widespread attention, Krasinski began to morph into more of a Hollywood hunk and leading man. He married actress Emily Blunt before directing and starring in the horror movie A Quiet Place alongside his wife. What a difference a beard makes!
17. Margot Robbie
Obviously, Australian actress Margot Robbie is one of the most beautiful women on the planet. However, it has been pointed out that Robbie’s early red carpet looks weren’t so great, and didn’t accentuate just how stunning the actress is. The Bombshell star’s early looks were a little more girl-next-door than Hollywood star, but she got there eventually.
Nowadays, Robbie is seen in designer gowns and striking makeup. She founded her own production company, and took home the Academy Award for Best Actress for I, Tonya.
16. Rihanna
Obviously, Robyn Rihanna Fenty has always been stunning. However, since she first appeared on the scene, the Barbadian pop star has blossomed into a full-on fashionista. The singer released her first album in 2005 and won her first Grammy Award for “Umbrella” in 2007.
Rihanna isn’t just one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, but also the founder of critically-acclaimed cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, and pioneering fashion brand Fenty. It’s no wonder she constantly knocks it out of the park style-wise. Go RiRi!
15. Simone Biles
The incredible Simone Biles is America’s most decorated gymnast, with 30 Olympic and World Championship medals. While competing, the athlete wears leotards or tracksuits, with her hair tied back from her face. Biles took a break from competitive gymnastics in 2017 and competed in Dancing With the Stars.
She has since continued competing and is dating NFL player Jonathan Owens. In recent pictures, Simone Biles is looking fresh-faced and fleeky. We’re not sure if you can glow up beyond gold medals, but it looks like she is.
14. Susan Boyle
When Scottish singer Susan Boyle first appeared on the Britain’s Got Talent stage, the audience and the judges were against her (seriously – check out the YouTube video). A rural everywoman, Boyle had been raised to think she had a learning disability when she was actually misdiagnosed and really has Asperger syndrome.
After shocking the world with her vocal talent, Boyle’s debut album became the UK’s best-selling debut album ever. Having performed in front of the Royal Family, Boyle has been through a considerable glow up.
13. Giada De Laurentiis
Italian-American celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has her own show on the Food Network and co-hosts the Today show. The chef studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and her show — Everyday Italian — debuted in 2003. De Laurentiis was known for her risqué fashion sense, favoring low necklines and cutouts over traditional chef’s whites.
Over the years, Giada De Laurentiis’s style has evolved, with more trendy pieces and a slightly more demure feel. We’re definitely counting that as a glow up.
12. Delta Burke
Between 1986 and 1991, actress Delta Burke starred as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the sitcom Designing Women. Since that time, the press has harassed Sugarbaker over her body, and she has addressed the topic by talking about her time in pageants in the 1970s.
Delta Burke was advised by her doctor to get her blood glucose under control, or else she would end up on insulin. The actress has since transformed and is now an advocate for people living with diabetes. You glow girl!
11. Lindsay Lohan
Child star Lindsay Lohan has seen many ups and downs throughout her life. Her breakthrough was The Parent Trap in 1998, and she went on to star in Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Lohan lost her fresh-faced freckly sheen in the mid-’00s and had gotten in trouble with the law several times for reckless behavior.
Lindsay Lohan has since reappeared in the showbiz world, including stints on various reality TV shows. She released the lead single from her new album in April 2020 and has announced several upcoming film roles.
10. Miley Cyrus
You can’t deny that pop star Miley Cyrus is a chameleon, especially since her most famous role saw her inhabit two different personalities at once. The Hannah Montana star started off sweet and country, then went through a grunge phase, and then started twerking with Robin Thicke.
We’ve seen country Miley singing “Jolene” with godmother Dolly Parton, engaged Miley with now ex-fiancé Liam Hemsworth, and now metal Miley who plans to release an album of Metallica covers. This girl is always glowing up.
9. Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick started karting at 10 years old and is now the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She has had a huge impact on the sport for women, and has inspired thousands of girls to become interested in motorsports and competitive racing.
After many years in the spotlight, the athlete has naturally had her own glow up. A beautiful woman, Patrick has appeared in music videos for Jay-Z and Maroon 5, and was featured in several TV shows. Lookin’ good.
8. Ariana Grande
Florida-born Ariana Grande kickstarted her career in the hit Broadway show 13 when she was still a teenager. She became famous through the Nickelodeon show, Victorious — and later with Sam & Cat. At that time, Ariana looked like a kid, and her character Cat Valentine sported bright red hair.
Once Ariana Grande transitioned into pop music, she blossomed into the petite, high-pony wearing pop star that we know her as today. Known for her ginormous hair, quirky fashion sense, and gorgeous voice, the singer has officially glowed up.
7. Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ Adam Wiles worked in a local fish processing factory in order to buy his DJ equipment. He became popular on social media platform Myspace, got booked for a dance festival, and changed his name to Calvin Harris.
The DJ has now released five albums, and his collaboration with Rihanna, “We Found Love” was number one in 25 countries. Harris’ glow up is all about the haircut and beard. Now, he looks less Oasis, and more like one of Taylor Swift’s ex-boyfriends (which he is).
6. Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy is an acclaimed actress and comedian, and has been working since the late 1990s. She starred in Gossip Girl, Samantha Who?, and Mike and Molly — picking up some awards along the way. McCarthy became even more well-known after starring in Bridesmaids. She then starred in comedies The Heat and Spy, among others.
McCarthy started a plus-size clothing range for larger women, and is a strong proponent of body positivity. With her chic red carpet looks, we’d say Melissa has had her glow up.
5. Kylie Jenner
Most of the Kardashian-Jenner women have gone through a glow up, but Kylie Jenner’s might be the most shocking. When viewers first met Kylie, she was 10 years old and starring on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Audiences would watch her grow into a teenager, and suddenly start looking radically different.
At first, Kylie Jenner denied having cosmetic work done to her face, but eventually, she admitted to enhancing her lips. Since then, she’s gone full-on billionaire.
4. Chris Pratt
Without a doubt, Chris Pratt is one of the most obvious glow ups we’ve ever seen. The actor was well-loved for his role as schlubby but sweet office moron Andy Dwyer in sitcom Parks and Recreation, but went through a major transformation for his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Following his transformation into a leading man, Pratt landed a role in two Jurassic World movies, and two Avengers movies. Now married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, he is a full-on heartthrob.
3. Khloé Kardashian
OK, we might have said that Kylie Jenner had the biggest glow up out of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, but some people might argue that title belongs to Khloé. Third sibling Khloé struggled with her family’s newfound fame, especially because she is taller than her petite elder sisters, Kim and Kourtney.
KoKo struggled with her appearance throughout Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and eventually developed a love for exercise. She brought this to her makeover show Revenge Body, and has radically changed her appearance.
2. Justin Timberlake
Who can forget the 1990s horror that was NSYNC’s fashion sense? Justin Timberlake was an all-American Disney kid, starring on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club before he became the youngest member of the hugely successful boy band. While in the band, Timberlake sported some seriously suspect blonde curls, and dated pop princess Britney Spears.
Thankfully, as the years have gone by, JT has had quite the glow up. He’s been married to actress Jessica Biel since 2012, and looks much more polished.
1. Matthew Lewis
Truth be told, the entire concept of celebrity glow ups derives from Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis. The British actor played anxious Neville Longbottom in the fantasy franchise, and then astonished audiences when he appeared on the cover of Attitude magazine looking more manly than usual.
This became known as “The Neville Longbottom Effect,” and spawned memes, merchandise, and even the phrase “Longbottoming.” This glow up is a combination of money and aging, but boy, we have to give it to Matthew Lewis.
Roy Rogers’ Life Through Rare Vintage Photos
Early Life
Roy Rogers had a very humble start to his life. Originally named Leonard Slye, he was born to Andrew “Andy” Slye and Mattie Slye née Womack on November 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The family lived in a small tenement building on the second street – the very same place where Riverfront stadium would be built later. However, soon after Rogers’ birth, the family decided to make some changes in their lives which set Rogers’ journey in motion as well.
Up the Ohio River
Soon after Rogers’ birth, the Slye family decided to seek out their fortune in greener pastures, away from the city life. In 1912, Andrew Slye and his brother Will built a 12 by 50 ft houseboat out of salvaged lumber and decided to sail their way up the Ohio River to Portsmouth, Ohio. The family purchased a plot of land in Portsmouth where they intended to build a house, but the Great Flood of 1913 forced them to live in the houseboat for a few more years. This is where Roy Rogers spent the earlier part of his childhood.
Love for Horses
A few years after moving to Portsmouth, the Slye family relocated again in 1919, this time to Duck Run, a farm outside Lucasville, Ohio. Roy’s father, Andrew Slye took a job in a shoe factory in Portsmouth, only coming home on weekends and bringing gifts along. One of the notable gifts was a horse, on which Roy Rogers learned the basics of horsemanship. He had always possessed a love for horses, and this gift from his father was what set him up to be a true western star.
Born to Perform
Roy Rogers’ rise to fame was no accident. Although it came much later in life, he was already popular in his neighborhood due to his extraordinary talents. Since the location of the farm was in a rural area, the sources of entertainment were limited – with no radio to listen to. The Slye family would often invite neighbors for square dances, during which Rogers would sing, play the mandolin and call the dances. He also learned to yodel during this time. These early performances helped him discover his passion for entertainment, which he soon followed.
High School Days
Roy Rogers, who was still Len Slye back then, attended high school in McDermott, Ohio. He was a bright kid, but he would never graduate. After his second year in high school ended, the family moved back to Cincinnati again in 1927, where his father worked in another shoe factory. He realized that his family needed financial help, so he joined his father at the factory in Cincinnati. He tried to balance work and studies by attending night school, but he kept falling asleep, and soon called it quits on his education.
Beginning of a Legend
The Slye family relocated a few times more, and in 1931, they lived in Inglewood, California. This is where Rogers would get his first chance to shine. Rogers appeared on a radio show called Midnight Frolic. His singing and yodeling caught the interest of a local music group called “The Rocky Mountaineers”. The group toured around several states, playing in local bars and radio shows. They eventually changed their name to “The O-Bar-O Cowboys”. The group was only moderately successful, but it planted the seeds for Rogers to become an entertainer.
First Marriage
Rogers began dating Lucile Ascolese in 1932, whom he met during the acquisition of a palomino colt named Golden Cloud, which Rogers renamed as Trigger. Ascolese was an admirer of Rogers, and they tied the knot in 1933. However, their honeymoon phase was short-lived. The couple soon realized they weren’t right for each other, and felt that they rushed into a commitment too soon. Their relationship turned sour fast, and Rogers and Ascolese split up in 1936.
Second Marriage
Although his first marriage failed terribly, love soon blossomed in Rogers’ life again. During his tour with The O-Bar-O Cowboys, Roy met Grace Arline Wilkins in 1933 in Roswell, New Mexico, where she called in and promised to bake him a pie if he sang “The Swiss Yodel”. Rogers followed through, and the two kept in touch. After his marriage with Ascolese ended, Rogers and Wilkins began dating – and eventually married in June 1936.
The O-Bar-O Cowboys
Roy Rogers hoped to make his big break with the O-Bar-O Cowboys but it failed poorly. Many musical artists struggle in the first steps of their careers, and it was no different for Rogers. He went on tour with the Cowboys across several states, and they were fairly popular locally and in radio stations. However, the timing was ill-fated. The Great Recession soon hit hard, and people did not have enough to pay for concerts, thus ending their tour in complete failure.
Sons of the Pioneers
Rogers’ success with The O-Bar-O Cowboys didn’t see much light, and the musical group split up by 1933. Rogers looked to form a new group, and he teamed up with Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer to form The Pioneers Trio. The Pioneers Trio was later joined by Hugh Farr, a fiddle player who added a bass voice. Whilst performing for a radio show, an announcer changed their name to “Sons of the Pioneers”, stating they were too young to be pioneers themselves. The group graciously accepted the renaming and went along with it.
Success
Roy’s rise to success began with music – whilst working with the Sons of the Pioneers. Since their rechristening by the radio announcer, their popularity grew widely. By the summer of 1934, their popularity extended beyond the Los Angeles area. In the same year, they also signed a recording contract with Decca Label. The Sons of the Pioneers paved the way for Roy to get into films. The Sons had a few parts in movies as background character roles, but Roy made himself stand out and eventually found himself landing a few minor gigs in Hollywood.
Entry to Film
Rogers began to take his career as an entertainer seriously, and from 1935, he began to take baby steps into the film industry. He would often appear in supporting roles at the beginning of his career. He made his big break in 1938 when he auditioned for a “singing cowboy” star for Republic Pictures. Rogers got the part, and he made his starring debut in 1938 in the film Under Western Stars. The film was very popular and paved his way into Hollywood.
The Split of the Sons of the Pioneers
Rogers found his first big musical success through the Sons of the Pioneers, where he worked with musicians like Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer, and Hugh Farr – with whom he would remain friends for life. However, due to contract complications, he eventually had to leave the group. The group was contractually obligated with Columbia Pictures to appear in a few films. Thus, in order to seriously pursue his film career, he had to leave the Sons of the Pioneers to sign up with Republic Pictures.
Married Life
Roy Rogers married Grace Wilkins in 1936, and they were extremely happy together. However, tragedy struck when they began trying for a baby. Doctors informed them that due to medical reasons, they would not be able to conceive naturally. The couple was demoralized, but this did not stop them from attempting to have a family. Roy and Grace adopted Cheryl Darlene Rogers in 1941 – their first and newest addition to the family.
Surprises and Heartbreaks
Whilst doctors informed them otherwise, Roy and Grace were overjoyed to realize that they were wrong about the couple’s inability to get pregnant. Grace was pregnant soon after the adoption of their first daughter, and in 1943, they welcomed Linda Lou Rogers into the world. In 1945, Grace was pregnant once again. She gave birth to their first son, Roy Jr. in 1946. However, it came with heartbreak for Roy as well. Grace passed away a few days later due to complications, leaving Roy Rogers devastated and widowed.
New Blossoms
Grace’s loss was a big blow to Rogers emotionally, having spent more than a decade together. He was still determined to raise his three children by himself, but he didn’t need to. Soon after Grace’s passing, Roy reconnected with the charming actress Dale Evans. Roy had met Evans earlier on the set of a film in 1944. After Grace passed away, the two found themselves with feelings for one another, and they married each other in 1947. The two remained married until he passed away in 1998.
The Wedding
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans met on set in 1944, and fell in love after his second wife, Grace Arlene passed away in 1946. They wed each other in 1947 – but it was undoubtedly a tumultuous event, which was a cause for laughs a few years afterward. The wedding was held in a ranch in Davis, Oklahoma. The minister was delayed because of a snowstorm and had to ride up there on horseback. A fire also started in one of the upstairs bedrooms – which Roy and his best man put out, but it left Dale confused and wondering where her groom was for several minutes at the altar.
Film Success
Since his first great gig in 1938, Rogers soon made a name for himself. He was arguably the biggest advocate of the Western genre with his unique charisma and natural talent for music. He worked in popular movies like King of the Cowboys and Son of Paleface. He retained the position of the number one actor in Westerns for over a decade, a legacy that would eventually be taken over by legends like John Wayne and John Ford.
A Man of Business
Roy Rogers was not only talented in the field of entertainment, but in the field of commerce as well. He knew what he was worth. So in 1940, he wrote into his contract that he would preserve the rights to his name, likeness, and voice. This had some serious implications. He gained tons of money from the merchandising of his identity and characters. There were Roy Rogers toys, comics, and action figures – all of whose profits were kept by Rogers.
Cutting Ties
Rogers’ first contract was with Republic Studios, which offered him the lead position of Under Western Stars in 1938. Whilst his film career with Republic was very successful, he wanted to move into television, a move that was vetoed by the studio. Later, Rogers discovered that Republic were trying to make TV shows out of his films during the peak of popularity. Rogers owned the rights to his name and was able to stop them. He was dropped from the contract by Republic, which worked out for the best, as it gave birth to The Roy Rogers Show.
Emergence in Television
Having achieved insurmountable success in radio and film, Rogers challenged the field of television next. He ventured into The Roy Rogers Show – a western television series that portrayed Rogers as a cattle rancher who brought justice to the city. He represented a western version of Batman, if you will. The show ran from 1951 to 1957, and still maintains an astonishing rating of 7.2 on IMDB. The show also featured his wife Dale Evans, along with his horse Trigger, and was appreciated by viewers around the US.
The Flipside of the Coin
Rogers’ career was not all highs, though. Just like a mountain has its ups and downs, so did Rogers’ time in television. Five years after The Roy Rogers Show ended, Rogers and Evans began to film The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show in 1962. This show, however, did not see the light of success. It was canceled before the first season, and foreshadowed the demise of Rogers’ and Evans’ stardom – no longer being the center of the Hollywood western genre the way they once were.
Trigger
Rogers’ love for horses was well known in Hollywood, and his favorite was Trigger – the palomino colt he had acquired in California. Trigger accompanied him in several films and competed with him in terms of popularity. Trigger learned over 150 tricks and even outshined Rogers in some performances. They worked together in several films, including Rainbow Over Texas and Song of Nevada. Trigger even got his own musical film called My Pal Trigger.
Hall of Fame
Rogers was a popular figure both in the musical and the film scene, and it was only natural that he received recognition for it. He was one of the most popular figures in country music at that time. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame twice – the only person to accomplish that. His first induction came as a member of Sons of the Pioneers, and the second as Roy Rogers himself.
Walk of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame was not enough for Rogers; he pushed boundaries in Hollywood as well. He’d been recognized by the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and so, he received three stars to his name for his work in radio, film, and television. Later in life, he received several other awards and accolades. In 1983, he was awarded the Golden Boot award. This followed him in 1996 when he received the Golden Boot Founders’ Award as well.
Popularity
Being a celebrity has its quirks, and even more so during the ’40s and ’50s. As one of the top western actors of his time, Rogers had a very dedicated fan base. Rogers handled his fame graciously. He would constantly receive letters from fans who would praise him, ask for his autograph, or even ask to meet him. He once received over 78,000 fan letters in a month. There were even reports of fan clubs dedicated to his horse, Trigger!
Memorabilia
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were immensely popular in their lifetimes, and they even had a whole museum for it. The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans museum was set up in 1967 and included a collection of memorabilia that were presented by Roy himself. The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans museum was set up in Branson, Missouri, and included several artifacts from the couples’ careers. The museum eventually closed down in 2009 due to decreasing visitor rates.
Rejections
Roy’s entry to a film career, however, was not easy. Hollywood back then put a lot of emphasis on looks, and many big stars were turned down at first because studios were not happy with their appearance. Rogers was no different. In 1937, he appeared for a screen test for Universal Film Studios. The studio turned him down because apparently, he looked too young. Rogers got the last laugh though, turning out to be one of the biggest stars on the planet.
Becoming Roy Rogers
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Rogers was born as Leonard Slye. So how did he become Roy Rogers? And why did he choose the name Roy Rogers, in particular? In Hollywood, studios often change the screen names of actors to get the right feel. Leonard Slye began acting with the pseudonym, Dick Weston. In 1938, when he first signed a deal with Republic Studios, they bestowed the name “Roy Rogers” upon him – as a tribute to the recently deceased Will Rogers.
Charity and Public Appearances
Roy Rogers knew he was popular, but he never let it get to his head. Instead, he used his popularity to achieve other means – such as giving back to the public in the form of charity and appearances. One of his favorite things to do was visit sick children in hospitals, as Rogers was the most popular amongst the younger demographics. He would even take Trigger with him sometimes, who could climb stairs and navigate hospital floors.
Political Views
Hollywood celebrities get a lot of spotlight from their fans, which is why many celebrities eventually turn to politics after they retire. For example, Ronald Reagan served as the President of the United States. Rogers was asked to make a bid for the House of Representatives, but he was adamant in his position. He maintained a neutral stance in politics, citing that he had fans across the political spectrum and didn’t want to upset any of them.
The Muppet Show
Running from 1976 to 1981, The Muppet Show created by Jim Henson was one of the greatest shows to ever hit the television. The show was star-studded with guest appearances, and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were also invited. In an episode in 1979, Rogers and Evans appeared as a couple on the show – the only one besides Robert Shield and Lorene Jansson, and Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge. The episode premiered on May 17, 1979.
Sidekicks
What comes to your mind when you think of westerns? Desert rodeos, train robberies, a hero in a cowboy hat, and of course, a sidekick! Movies back then always included a sidekick with the hero, and Rogers was joined by one as well. His sidekicks were often the same faces. He often co-acted with veteran sidekick actors such as Smiley Burnette, George Hayes, and Pat Brady, who were acclaimed by the audience as well.
Food for Thought
As we’ve already established, Rogers was a very intelligent and capable businessman – creating a merchandising franchise of his own name. But he was not only limited to toys and action figures. He founded restaurants as well. In 1968, Rogers agreed to give the Marriott Company a license to establish a series of restaurants by his name. The Roy Rogers Restaurants popped up throughout the Mid-Atlantic and the North-East. As of 2019, there are still 48 locations of Roy Rogers Restaurants in the US.
Racehorses
Trigger was not the only horse that was loved by Rogers. He had been a fan of horses since his childhood, and he had a penchant for raising them as well. He was particularly fond of a racehorse he owned, who was called Triggairo. Triggairo was moderately successful in his field, just like his owner. Triggairo won 13 races in the race tracks, including the El Encino Stakes in 1975, a prestigious annual race run held in Arcadia, California.
Love for Creation
Roy Rogers did not settle for acting in TV shows and movies alone, although he was certainly earning a lot of dough from it. He eventually decided to take matters into his own hand so that he could create his own projects the way he wanted to. He set up his own production company “Roy Rogers Productions” – the same company that made The Roy Rogers Show. The company also produced Brave Eagle, the first television show with a Native American as the lead character.
To the Skies
Roy didn’t stop at horses alone. Indeed while people see him and his horse-riding intertwined immensely in his character, Roy Rogers was a fan of other modes of transportations as well. He wanted to soar high and had a passion for flying aircraft. With his wealth, he bought a World War II-era plane- the Cessna AT-17 Bobcat. This plane wasn’t just for show though, as he also earned a pilot’s license along with it.
Family Man
Roy Rogers was a family man and his wife Dale Evans shared the notion. While they already had a family owing to having children from their previous marriages, their boundless love did not stop there. They wanted more siblings for their children. Despite being struck with the news that they would be unable to conceive any children, they did not give up. They saw adoption as a suitable option and hence the other four children named Dodie, Debbie, Mimi, and Sandy came to be a part of a larger than life family.
Sorrows Under the Smile
Pictures of Roy were always characterized by his immensely charming and cheerful smile. It is the same smile that made people unaware of the tough and dark times he had to go through. As popular and inspiring as he was an icon of the Western genre, there was a lot of sadness and sorrow in his life that tends to take many people by surprise. His first marriage fell apart and he lost his second wife to childbirth. Unfortunately, his sorrows continued with his children.
Loss
Losing your own child is an indescribable sadness and both Rogers and Evans felt that when their biological daughter, Robin, who passed away right in front of their eyes because of heart failure. Their world had been shattered and the news of them being unable to conceive children made it even more painful. Despite this tragedy, Rogers and Evans awoke with a newfound compassion and undying love for children and life.
Boundless Love
While adopting is seen as a viable option in this day and age, back then it was met with disdain. However, it did not bother Roy in the slightest. Five of his nine children were adopted and they were all loved and cared for greatly and equally. One of his adopted kids came from a previous marriage – Cheryl Darlene Rogers. After losing Robin, their biological daughter, the couple adopted four more children: Mimi, Dodie, Sandy, and Debbie.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Roger had lost three of his nine children. The oldest daughter, Cheryl Darlene Rogers grew up to be quite similar to her father. She lives an adventurous and romantic life with a similar love for western film and music as well as traveling. She had fallen in love and later married her high school friend Larry Barnett. The two live happily together roaming the countryside in their trailer alongside their seven children. Truly like father, like daughter.
Influential and Inspirational
Considering how much of an influence Roy Rogers was in the film and music industry then, it is not much of a surprise to see how much he had inspired his own kids to pursue the arts. Acting and performing were natural to them and no other better example is there except for Mimi Rogers. She grew up to be an iconic American actor with recurring roles in popular TV shows such as Mad Men, The X-Files, and Bosch. She was also the first wife of Tom Cruise, another charismatic actor much like Roy himself.
Rough Beginnings
While Roy Rogers is often seen as the epitome of charisma and confidence his path to Hollywood wasn’t so easy at first. He was faced with difficulty and failure due to his shy nature and struggled to perform in many shows including his own radio show. Yet Roy’s attempts to overcome his shyness and triumph over it make his story both relatable as well as inspirational. He believed that he could do it and never gave up.
Turning Sadness Into Strength
The Rogers and Evans couple had to go through several hardships in their personal life. They lost Robin to Down syndrome, and another daughter passed away due to mumps before her second birthday. Knowing what it is like to deal with Down syndrome, the parents realized the importance of raising awareness about the condition. Dale Evans later wrote a book called Angel Unaware, which highlighted the care that she and Rogers gave to the baby.
Being Parents
Rogers and Evans were immensely successful in their careers, and were the hottest couple in Hollywood for quite a while. They knew this could affect their kids, and cause them to grow up spoiled. Luckily, Rogers and Evans were role models as parents. They raised their kids on a ranch – away from stardom and surrounded by nature. They wanted to keep their children away from Hollywood, but even then, their son Dusty acted in two movies even before leaving high school.
Later Movies
Between 1935 and 1951, Roy Rogers was a name in every American household. Everyone had heard of him – either through movies, radio, or television. During that time, he appeared in at least two films a year. However, once his family began to grow, he started to take things a bit more slowly. Whilst sometimes he still acted in as many as eight films in a year, he began to concentrate more on his family and slowly deviated from the glamor of Hollywood.
Riverfront Stadium
Not only is Roy Rogers popular, but his residences are popular as well. His place of birth – the original home of the Slye family – was a tenement building in Cincinnati. The building was later demolished to make room for the Riverfront Stadium, one of the most popular stadiums in America, responsible for being the host to several Cincinnati sports teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL and the Cincinnati Reds of MLB. Rogers later joked that he was born on second base.
The California Ranches
In 1955, Rogers and Evans purchased a 168-acre ranch near Chatsworth, California along with a hilltop ranch house. After their daughter Debbie was killed in a bus accident in 1964, they moved away to the Double B Bar Ranch in Apple Valley, California where he and Evans raised their children. The Double B Bar Ranch which was estimated to be worth $3.7 million in 2019, when it was looking for a buyer.
Death
Roy Rogers passed away on July 6, 1998, in his home in Apple Valley, California. He was 86 years old, with his wife Dale Evans and other family members at his side. Besides his frail age, he had also undergone numerous heart surgeries in his later years, which contributed to his death. Known as “King of the Cowboys”, he may have left the world, but still resides in our hearts – beloved for his extraordinary performances, superb musical skills, and firm personality.
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