Many celebrities have lookalikes who share similar physical attributes, such as hair color or stature.
However, there are instances where two stars bear such a striking resemblance that they are frequently mistaken for each other by fans, photographers, and even fellow celebrities.
Here are 10 examples of celebrities who have experienced this phenomenon.
John Stamos and Rob Lowe
John Stamos and Rob Lowe, both famous for their roles in sitcoms and good looks, are often mistaken for each other by fans. Stamos once recounted on Instagram how a fan mistook him for Lowe, and rather than correcting her, he went along with it and took a photo with her. So, the fan left with a picture with Stamos instead of Lowe.
Meryl Streep and Glenn Close
Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, both highly acclaimed actresses with numerous awards, are frequently mixed up due to their consistent presence in Hollywood despite their age.
Streep, in a 2012 interview with the New York Times, acknowledged the confusion but expressed her admiration for Close. She emphasized that they both don’t mind being mistaken for each other, stating simply, “I adore her.”
Daniel Radcliffe and Eijah Wood
Daniel Radcliffe and Elijah Wood, famous for portraying iconic fantasy characters like Harry Potter and Frodo Baggins, are frequently mistaken for each other by fans despite their distinct roles. Wood mentioned during a 2016 interview on Conan that the confusion between them has persisted over the years, contrary to his expectations that it would diminish as they aged. Despite their similarities becoming an internet joke, both actors still frequently encounter fans who mistake one for the other.
Sarah Hyland and Mila Kunis
Sarah Hyland and Mila Kunis, despite an eight-year age gap, are often mistaken for each other due to their similar looks. Kunis, known for That ’70s Show, is married with children, while Hyland, of Modern Family fame, is engaged. Although their radiant smiles contribute to the confusion, fans usually distinguish between them. When Teen Vogue mistakenly used a picture of Hyland in an article about Kunis, fans were quick to point out the error.
Theo James and James Franco
Theo James and James Franco, despite an age difference, are often mistaken for each other due to their striking resemblance. Franco, at 43, is older than James, who is 36. Despite Franco’s greater fame, paparazzi have still confused the two. James recounted an incident where photographers mistook him for Franco, snapping pictures and asking questions before realizing their mistake and losing interest when James spoke, perhaps giving himself away with his willingness to engage.
Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry
Zooey Deschanel and Katy Perry, known for their similar appearances, often get mistaken for each other in Hollywood due to their blue eyes, dark curly hair, and similar facial features. Despite their friendly relationship, Deschanel admitted in a 2009 MTV interview that she dislikes being confused for Perry. Fans mistook her for Perry due to their resemblance, unaware of their differing lifestyles.
Christopher Abbott and Kit Harington
Christopher Abbott and Kit Harington, known for their distinct on-screen roles in Girls and Game of Thrones respectively, are often mistaken for each other by fans despite their different characters. The resemblance between them is significant, particularly noticeable if you’ve seen Abbott in The Sinner series. While Harington is more widely recognized due to his prominent role, Abbott is also gaining recognition, making it likely that Harington might be mistaken for him in the future.
Elizabeth Banks and Chelsea Handler
Elizabeth Banks and Chelsea Handler, both blonde comedians, often face confusion on the red carpet due to their striking resemblance. This mix-up is so frequent that both women are fully aware of their celebrity doppelgänger status. When they met at a party, they bonded over their shared experiences of being mistaken for each other. Banks revealed that she typically goes along with the confusion, as she holds Handler in high regard and doesn’t mind being mistaken for her. Fortunately, they both have a good sense of humor about the situation.
Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester
Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester, who are just six years apart in age, are often mistaken for siblings due to their nearly identical appearance. They met in 2003 on a Clearasil commercial set and quickly became close friends, later co-starring in the film The Roommate. Fans frequently struggle to tell them apart, highlighting their uncanny resemblance.
Javier Bardem and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Javier Bardem, renowned for his performance in No Country For Old Men, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known for his roles in Supernatural and The Walking Dead, share such a remarkable physical resemblance that fans often struggle to differentiate between them. Morgan has acknowledged this similarity and revealed that fans frequently mistake him for Bardem. However, he expressed a desire to meet Bardem in person to dispel any confusion and prove that they are indeed two distinct individuals.