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  3. These Throwback Photos of Paul Rudd Prove He'll Always Be Our Crush for Life

These Throwback Photos of Paul Rudd Prove He'll Always Be Our Crush for Life

We've always had a crush on Paul Rudd — who turns 53 on April 6 — and these throwbacks are proof

By Andrea Wurzburger Updated April 06, 2022 06:45 PM
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'90s Baby

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

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

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I Love Josh!

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: CBS via Getty

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. 

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Friendship Goals

Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd
Credit: Reese Witherspoon/Instagram

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

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Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Walt Disney Television via Getty

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. 

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Smile for the Camera

Paul Rudd (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

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

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Taking a Dip

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: 20th Century-Fox/Getty

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

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Sick Burns

(Original Caption) Paul Rudd, co-star of the film, arrives at the Avco Cinema. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

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

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Dashing Dude

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: 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." 

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Star Struck

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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

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I See You

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty

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

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Blond Hair, Don't Care

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Garrige Ho/South China Morning Post via Getty

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

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He's Got Soul

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

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

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Q & A

NEW YORK - MAY 8: (U.S. TABS AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER OUT) Actor Paul Rudd speaks at the Actors On Acting: Theater and Film panel discussion during the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center May 8, 2003 in New York City. (Photo b
Credit: Evan Agostini/Getty

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. 

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Hair He Is

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic

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

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Wedding Belles

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: NBCU Photo Bank

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

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Premiere Crasher

Paul Rudd throwbacks

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

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Bundled Up

Paul Rudd during 2003 Sundance Film Festival - "The Shape of Things" - Portraits at Yahoo Movies Portrait Studio in Park City, Utah, United States. (Photo by J. Vespa/WireImage)
Credit: J. Vespa/WireImage

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

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Hello? Is It Paul You're Looking For?

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: J. Vespa/WireImage

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

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'Stached Away

LOS ANGELES - JULY 9: The movie "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy", directed by Adam McKay. Seen here from left, Darcy Donavan as Sherri (Hot Blonde) and Paul Rudd as Brian Fantana. Initial theatrical release, July 9, 2004. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Credit: CBS via Getty

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."

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Glow for It

Paul Rudd throwbacks
Credit: J. Merritt/FilmMagic

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

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    1 of 20 '90s Baby
    2 of 20 I Love Josh!
    3 of 20 Friendship Goals
    4 of 20 Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
    5 of 20 Smile for the Camera
    6 of 20 Taking a Dip
    7 of 20 Sick Burns
    8 of 20 Dashing Dude
    9 of 20 Star Struck
    10 of 20 I See You
    11 of 20 Blond Hair, Don't Care
    12 of 20 He's Got Soul
    13 of 20 Q & A
    14 of 20 Hair He Is
    15 of 20 Wedding Belles
    16 of 20 Premiere Crasher
    17 of 20 Bundled Up
    18 of 20 Hello? Is It Paul You're Looking For?
    19 of 20 'Stached Away
    20 of 20 Glow for It

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    These Throwback Photos of Paul Rudd Prove He'll Always Be Our Crush for Life
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