These Throwback Photos of Birthday Boy Paul Rudd Prove He'll Always Be Our Crush for Life (original) (raw)

We've always had a crush on Paul Rudd — who turns 55 on April 6, 2024 — and these throwbacks are proof

Updated on April 4, 2024 04:58PM EDT

Paul Rudd may have won the title of PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive in 2021, but for anyone who's been aware of him since his breakout role in 1995's Clueless, the designation was a long time coming. Perpetually boyishly handsome, willing to be a goofball on screen (as Anchorman fans can attest), a dedicated husband and father and a member of the Marvel crew, Rudd has really got it all — including this gallery of throwbacks dedicated to proving he is our once and forever crush.

'90s Baby

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In 1995, Paul Rudd had only just begun to make us all swoon with his good looks and great hair.

I Love Josh!

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Though he had some small roles in the early '90s, Rudd's big breakout role came when he swept us all off our feet as Josh in 1995's Clueless, alongside Alicia Silverstone.

Friendship Goals

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In 1996, Rudd joined fellow ageless wonder, Reese Witherspoon, for a selfie that might just prove they both found the Fountain of Youth.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

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Though he played Josh in the movie version, in 1996, Rudd played Sonny for one episode in the Clueless TV series, this time opposite Rachel Blanchard as Cher. He also fed her this cheesecake, and we have never been more jealous.

Smile for the Camera

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In 1997, Rudd rocked up to the Men In Black premiere in a classic white T-shirt.

Taking a Dip

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And then he swept Jennifer Aniston off her feet (literally) in The Object of My Affection in 1998.

Sick Burns

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There are few people who can pull off a statement sideburn, but we'd argue that Rudd is one of them.

Dashing Dude

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Something about this photo of Rudd in a tuxedo at the 1998 Met Gala just screams, "I made a deal with a vampire that I would always look this classically handsome."

Star Struck

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Rudd's long hair and graphic tee are a dead giveaway that this photo was taken in 1999.

I See You

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Even glasses wouldn't make it easier to tell when this photo was taken (it was 2000).

Blond Hair, Don't Care

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In 2000, Rudd changed up his look with some blond locks for Gen-Y Cops.

He's Got Soul

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

In 2000, Rudd attended a premiere donning a pretty spectacular soul patch.

Q & A

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In 2003, Rudd got oh-so-meta when he spoke at the Actors On Acting: Theater and Film panel discussion at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Hair He Is

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Those boyishly tousled locks (at the premiere of Elf in 2003) just add to the sexy.

Wedding Belles

NBCU Photo Bank

Rudd had a glow when he filmed Friends in 2004 alongside Lisa Kudrow.

Premiere Crasher

In 2005, Rudd attended the premiere of Wedding Crashers sporting a beard.

Bundled Up

J. Vespa/WireImage

Who needs a parka when we've got Paul Rudd's love to keep us warm!

Hello? Is It Paul You're Looking For?

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A cell phone fit for someone who would soon become Ant-Man.

'Stached Away

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Rudd played Brian Fantana in 2004's Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy alongside comedy heavy-hitters like Will Ferrell, David Koechner and Steve Carell and we still wish we could have been there to hear them all serenade us with their rendition of "Afternoon Delight."

Glow for It

J. Merritt/FilmMagic

We'd say "never change," but it seems Rudd is already taking that advice.

'Majorly, Totally, Butt Crazy in Love with Josh'

CBS via Getty Images

Okay, because you asked for it: One more photo from his Clueless days.