Star Awards Then & Now: You Won’t Believe How These Celebs Looked Back In The Day

Once upon a time at the Star Awards, our favourite celebs were serving fresh-faced, youthful looks that captured all the innocence (and questionable style choices) of their early days. 

Fast forward to 2025, and it’s clear — Singapore’s stars have levelled up, big time. Ahead of the upcoming Star Awards 2025 (which is also its 30th anniversary), we dove deep into our archives (and maybe stalked a few IG feeds) to bring you the most jaw-dropping glow-ups of the decade.

1. Jesseca Liu

2006 vs 2024

In 2006, Jesseca Liu was the picture of fresh-faced innocence, just stepping into the spotlight with her first leading role in Rhapsody In Blue and a nomination for Best Actress at the Star Awards that year. 

Her look back then was unmistakably early-career: soft, natural makeup and a youthful glow — very much the “girl-next-door” vibe Singaporeans fell in love with. Jumping to 2024, the Malaysian-born actress is again nominated for Best Actress for her role as Gao Shu Ya in Unforgivable. 

Now an All-Time Favourite Artiste award recipient, she continues to stun with a sophisticated, polished style — we can’t wait to see what our YYDS (永远的神, or yǒng yuǎn de shén, meaning “forever idol”) has in store for us at this year’s Star Awards. 

2. Desmond Tan

2015 vs 2024

Handsome then, even more handsome now. Desmond Tan’s glow-up from 2015 to 2024 isn’t just any run-off-the-mill style revolution — it’s a full-on life upgrade. 

In 2015, he was already winning hearts with his boyish charm and rising star status. That year, he played a “Hokkien beng” lawyer in the Channel U drama Second Chance, took on a lead role in the third season of the English drama Mata Mata, and returned for the second season of the sitcom Spouse For House, for which he’d previously earned a Best Comedy Actor nomination at the Asian Television Awards.

Today, he’s embracing a whole new role: doting dad. With a daughter born in March 2024 and another baby (a boy!) on the way later this year, Desmond’s Instagram is now filled with sweet family moments and wholesome dad energy. The once single heartthrob is now juggling red carpet appearances with bedtime stories, and he’s made it clear that family comes first — his daughter even did the honours for their second child’s adorable gender reveal. From eligible bachelor to proud papa of (almost) two, Desmond’s transformation is proof that fatherhood looks seriously good on him. 

3. Rebecca Lim

2015 vs 2024

Rebecca Lim’s Star Awards evolution from 2015 to 2024 is a story of both personal and professional transformation. In 2015, Rebecca was at the peak of her career, clinching both Best Actress and a Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes award at the Star Awards for her role in Yes We Can!, and landing high-profile endorsement deals with major brands. 

By 2024, Rebecca has evolved into a true A-lister and a new mum, welcoming her son in January. The 38-year-old’s neon green dress at Star Awards 2024 definitely got people talking — neon isn’t the easiest colour to wear, but she still managed to carry it off with her signature poise. 

Having just given birth two months before the show, Rebecca clearly chose comfort over convention, showing that confidence and authenticity matter more than following every fashion rule. Even in a polarising shade, she made the look her own and reminded everyone that real style is about feeling good in your own skin. 

4. Fann Wong

1995 vs 2023

In 1995, Fann Wong was just 24 years old when she made history at the Star Awards by becoming the first actress to win Best Actress, Best Newcomer, and Top 5 Most Popular Female Artistes all in the same year for her breakout role in Chronicle of Life. 

Nearly three decades later, the last time she appeared at the Star Awards was in 2023, where she took the stage in a sleek black gown to accept the Best Programme Host trophy on behalf of her husband, Christopher Lee, who was away in Taiwan for work. Fann’s witty delivery of Christopher’s thank-you speech — complete with a playful pat on her own shoulder — reminded everyone why she’s still one of local showbiz’s most beloved and entertaining icons.

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5. Zoe Tay

1995 vs 1994 vs 2024

Zoe Tay, affectionately known as Ah Jie, has been the undisputed queen of local showbiz for decades. In 1994, at the inaugural Star Awards, the then 26-year-old was crowned the very first Most Popular Female Artiste — a title she would go on to win for ten consecutive years. 

By 1995, Zoe’s star power only grew brighter as she continued to dominate the Top 5 Most Popular Female Artistes list and earned a Best Actress nomination for her role in Love Dowry. 

Fast forward to 2024, and Ah Jie was still the epitome of timeless glamour, turning heads on the Star Awards red carpet in a vintage coral Tom Ford gown and proving that her style and star power are as iconic as ever. 

6. Ann Kok

1996 vs 2024

Ann Kok made headlines at the 1996 Star Awards when she turned up in a sheer black top with a black bra underneath — a look that was considered downright scandalous at the time and cemented her reputation as one of local TV’s boldest stars. She was known for her daring style and voluptuous figure (who can forget that unforgettable drama scene from Love Concierge where she ripped off her shirt?), making her a talking point both on and off screen.

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Ann took a hiatus from acting after her last TV drama, Hello From The Other Side, in 2019 and returned to the screen in 2022 with the 130-episode Channel 8 series Healing Heroes after a break of about three years. She continues to stay busy, taking a lead role in the new dialect series We Are Number 1, which premiered in March 2025.

7. Chen Liping

1997 vs 2024

Back in 1997, Chen Liping — everyone’s favourite “Aiyoyo Lao Shi” — was the picture of youthful exuberance, turning heads with blue and purple hair extensions and bold green eyeshadow, a look that would definitely be considered a fashion disaster by today’s standards. But she’s come a long way since those experimental days. 

In 2024, the 59-year-old was spotted at the Star Awards in a striking white gown with dramatic furry feather sleeves, radiating elegance and confidence.

Beyond fashion, she’s also enjoying a strong year in her acting career, playing the gambling-addicted foster mother Zhu in the hit 2025 Mediacorp drama Emerald Hill, which became Singapore’s most-watched local series of the year. 

8. Jeanette Aw

2002 vs 2005 vs 2024

Jeanette Aw charmed audiences in the early 2000s as the fresh-faced Mo Jingjing in Holland V, a role that won her the Most Popular Newcomer award at the Star Awards and launched her into the spotlight. 

By 2005, she was already a household name, clinching her first Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes trophy and captivating fans with her sweet, approachable image. And then, of course, there's The Little Nyonya in 2008 that catapulted her to household name, though she lost out on a Best Actress win to castmate Joanne Peh.

Jeanette’s class and allure these days are unmistakable — both her Star Awards outfits and the looks seen on her Instagram posts show her glowing with timeless, polished, and sometimes edgy style, proving she truly ages like fine wine.

9. Christopher Lee 

1997 vs 2023

Christopher Lee was only 26 years old when he made a memorable entrance at the Star Awards in a crisp white shirt paired with an apron — a look that had everyone comparing him to a char kway teow hawker rather than a rising TV heartthrob. 

That same year, he clinched the Best Actor award for his role in The Price of Peace, becoming the youngest ever recipient of the honour at the time. 

Chris hasn’t been a regular face at the Star Awards in recent years, thanks to his packed filming schedule in Taiwan and other overseas commitments. However, we've seen him rocking up to other awards and events looking like an absolute silver fox.

At the Star Awards this year, he’s up for Best Actor for his role in Kill Sera Sera. His cooking variety show Dishing With Chris Lee S2 has also been nominated for the Best Entertainment Programme. With such a big milestone and a major nomination on the line, maybe — just maybe — he’ll finally make a surprise appearance on the red carpet. Our fingers are crossed.

10. Chen Hanwei

1995 vs 2024

In 1995, Chen Hanwei was already making waves as a nominee for Best Actor with his role in Twin Bliss, and took home the Most Popular Male Artiste award at just 26 years old. Back then, Hanwei was known for his earnest, boyish charm and his breakout performance as the caring 'Fang Lao Shi' or Teacher Fang in Morning Express, which made him a household name.

Nearly three decades later, in 2024, the 55-year-old remains a leading man in local entertainment, showing no signs of slowing down. This year, he is running for Best Supporting Actor at the Star Awards 2025 for his role in Unforgivable.

11. Xiang Yun

1998 vs 2024

Xiang Yun was already a household name in 1998, starring in dramas like Living in Geylang and winning Best Supporting Actress at the Star Awards for her role in Around People's Park. Known for her big sister and motherly vibes, she brought warmth and relatability to every character, earning her a special place in the hearts of viewers across generations.

Jump to 2024, and Xiang Yun’s star power remains undimmed. She continues to headline major productions, and in 2023, she made history by winning her fourth Best Evergreen Artiste award at the Star Awards — the most ever by any veteran artiste. 

12. Mark Lee

2001 vs 2024

Mark Lee’s transformation from 2001 to 2024 is a classic Singapore showbiz glow-up. Back in 2001, this ah beng comedian was best known for his loud shirts, gold chains, and over-the-top antics on Comedy Nite and in movies like One Leg Kicking — the ultimate poster boy for heartland humour and “ah beng” energy. He was the guy who could get the whole kopitiam laughing, and his roles often leaned into that cheeky, street-smart persona.

Fast forward to the present, Mark Lee is not just a household name but a bona fide industry heavyweight. He’s still got that mischievous spark, but these days, you’re more likely to see him in a sharp suit on the international stage, picking up acting awards and hosting major events. 

In 2024, he was honoured with the Special Achievement Award at the Star Awards and recently nabbed Best Actor at the Asian Art Film Awards for his role as a drag queen in Number 2 — proof that the ah beng of yesteryear has evolved into a versatile, award-winning star who can do it all, from slapstick to serious. Mark Lee’s journey shows you can take the ah beng out of the heartlands, but you can’t take the beng out of him.