First Celebrity Crushes of Famous Actors You Never Knew About

Celebrity crushes are something that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives—even the stars themselves. Whether it’s on a fellow actor, musician, or athlete, these crushes often evolve from innocent admiration to genuine affection. In this article, we’ll explore the first celebrity crushes of 11 well-known actors. From childhood infatuations to more mature, professional admiration, these celebrities have all had their moments of starstruck excitement when they met their idols.

1. Selena Gomez’s Crush on Billy Crudup

Selena Gomez, the beloved Disney star turned chart-topping singer, shared her youthful admiration for Billy Crudup, the actor known for his roles in Almost Famous and Big Fish. Selena revealed that her crush on Billy developed during her “Almost Famous” phase, a period in her life when she became enamored with the film’s iconic portrayal of rock ‘n roll and Billy’s charismatic performance as Russell Hammond. It was during this time that Selena first began to admire him as an actor, recognizing his cool and understated demeanor on screen.

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When Selena was later cast alongside Billy in the 2014 movie Rudderless, she was starstruck. She admitted that working with him took her by surprise, and it “took a minute” for her to separate her admiration for him as a fan from her role as a co-star. Despite this initial awkwardness, Selena managed to grow professionally from the experience, and working alongside her childhood crush was a full-circle moment in her career. The experience taught her the importance of separating admiration from the realities of working together as peers.

2. Zac Efron’s Crush on Tyra Banks

Zac Efron, the actor who became a household name with his role in High School Musical, revealed that he had a serious crush on supermodel Tyra Banks growing up. Zac confessed that he had a poster of Tyra on his bedroom wall, and he couldn’t help but be captivated by her beauty and confidence. As a young teenager, Zac found her to be the ultimate crush, describing her as the “only girl I had a crush on.” Her presence on television and in the media was something that Zac admired deeply, and she made a lasting impression on him during his formative years.

As Zac’s career took off, he eventually had the chance to meet Tyra, and their connection was undeniable. Tyra Banks herself acknowledged Zac’s admiration for her, and the two shared a playful, friendly dynamic. The fact that Zac’s childhood crush came full circle in such a positive way shows that even stars are susceptible to the allure of famous figures. Zac’s story is one that highlights how childhood crushes can sometimes become real-life connections, leaving a sense of fulfillment and joy.

3. Ashton Kutcher’s Crush on Jennifer Aniston

Ashton Kutcher, the actor best known for his roles in That 70s Show and Two and a Half Men, confessed to having a massive crush on Jennifer Aniston, the beloved Friends star, during his teenage years. Ashton revealed that he had Jennifer as his screensaver on his computer and even had a bet with his friends that he would one day ask her on a date. His teenage admiration for Jennifer was so intense that it became a running joke among his friends. It was clear that he had deep affection for the actress, and it was more than just a fleeting crush.

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Years later, after Ashton became a famous actor himself, he found himself in an unexpected situation. While meeting Jennifer and her then-husband, Brad Pitt, Ashton decided to go for it and asked Brad if he could ask Jennifer out. Brad, amused by the situation, encouraged him to go ahead. Unfortunately, Jennifer declined his offer, but the experience didn’t sour their relationship. Instead, they went on to become friends, and Ashton’s youthful crush became a lighthearted and funny anecdote in his career. The story of Ashton’s crush on Jennifer is a perfect example of how celebrity crushes can evolve into real friendships over time.

4. Chris Evans’ Crush on Sandra Bullock

Chris Evans, the actor who is best known for his role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has long been open about his admiration for Sandra Bullock. Growing up, Chris had a massive crush on Sandra, particularly after watching her in Speed, the 1994 action film that became an instant classic. He explained that Sandra’s role as Annie Porter in the fast-paced thriller left a lasting impression on him. In his eyes, she was not only incredibly beautiful but also incredibly talented, which made her one of his first true celebrity crushes.

Years later, when Chris became a famous actor himself, he had the opportunity to meet Sandra Bullock. Recalling his childhood crush, Chris fondly admitted that Sandra was a significant part of his early crush collection, and he still harbored a great deal of admiration for her. He described how Sandra’s role in Speed was a big part of what “did it for him” back then, and he credits her with being one of the first major influences in his appreciation for great actresses. His crush on Sandra Bullock serves as a reminder of how early admiration for an actor can impact one’s career and taste in film.

5. Daniel Radcliffe’s Crush on Cameron Diaz

Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his role as the iconic Harry Potter, once revealed his childhood crush on actress Cameron Diaz. Daniel admitted that, as a teenager, he was absolutely captivated by Cameron’s charm and stunning beauty, particularly in her roles in The Mask and There’s Something About Mary. He described Cameron as “still high up on that list,” indicating that his admiration for her has remained a part of his life well into adulthood. Daniel’s crush on Cameron was an example of how a young actor’s infatuation can turn into a lasting admiration for a talented actress.

As Daniel transitioned from a child star to an adult actor, his crush on Cameron Diaz remained a fun and endearing part of his personal life. In interviews, he would occasionally bring up his admiration for her, and fans would be delighted to hear how the Harry Potter star had once been starstruck by the famous actress. His continued admiration for Cameron shows that even with fame and success, childhood crushes can remain fond memories. Daniel’s story is a sweet reminder of how an early celebrity crush can evolve into something more meaningful and respectful as you grow older.

6. Dylan O’Brien’s Crush on Chloë Grace Moretz

Dylan O’Brien, famous for his roles in Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner, has shared a heartwarming story about his first celebrity crush on actress Chloë Grace Moretz. Dylan admitted that he was blown away by Chloë’s performance in the action film Kick-Ass, where she portrayed the fearless character Hit-Girl. Dylan described Chloë as “the most badass chick,” clearly captivated by her fierce on-screen persona and her incredible acting abilities. His admiration for her went beyond just her beauty; it was her confidence and skill in front of the camera that truly caught his attention.

As Dylan’s career blossomed, he eventually had the opportunity to meet Chloë, and their professional paths crossed multiple times. Dylan’s crush on Chloë not only reflects his admiration for her as an actress but also highlights the way in which admiration for a fellow actor can blossom into professional respect and camaraderie. Their relationship serves as a great example of how celebrity crushes can evolve over time, from youthful admiration to a more mature appreciation for a colleague’s work and talent.

7. Matthew McConaughey’s Crush on Reese Witherspoon

Matthew McConaughey, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, confessed that one of his first major celebrity crushes was Reese Witherspoon. He recalled being enamored with Reese’s performance in The Man in the Moon, a film that showcased her incredible acting skills as she portrayed a young girl growing up in the South. Matthew described how Reese’s work in that movie left a lasting impression on him, and he admired her both as an actress and as a person. His crush was deepened by her ability to bring depth to every role she took on.

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Years later, when Matthew and Reese found themselves working together on Mud, Matthew’s admiration for her was clear. He confessed his crush to her while they were sitting next to each other, and Reese, surprised by his openness, found it endearing. The two developed a warm and friendly relationship that has continued into their professional lives. Matthew’s story of his crush on Reese is a sweet reminder of how admiration for a colleague can lead to a lasting friendship and mutual respect.

8. Machine Gun Kelly’s Crush on Megan Fox

Machine Gun Kelly, the rapper and actor known for his bold persona and boundary-pushing music, has long been open about his crush on actress Megan Fox. MGK admitted that he had a poster of Megan on his bedroom wall when he was a teenager, and he was completely captivated by her performance in Transformers. His infatuation with Megan grew over the years, and he even vowed that he would marry her one day. Little did he know that his childhood crush would eventually become a reality.

As fate would have it, Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox eventually crossed paths and formed a deep, romantic connection. In 2022, they got engaged, proving that sometimes childhood dreams do come true. Machine Gun Kelly’s story is one of destiny, showing how a celebrity crush can evolve into something much deeper and more significant. Their engagement was a perfect culmination of his lifelong admiration for Megan and a beautiful testament to how crushes can lead to lasting love.

9. Emma Stone’s Crush on Leonardo DiCaprio

Emma Stone, the talented actress known for her roles in La La Land and Easy A, revealed that her first major celebrity crush was none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Emma shared that her crush began when she first saw Titanic as a young girl. She admitted to watching the film a staggering seven and a half times in theaters, completely enchanted by Leonardo’s portrayal of Jack Dawson. In fact, Emma even had a signed picture of him hanging in her bedroom, which she treasured as one of her most prized possessions.

As Emma grew older, her admiration for Leo remained strong. She would often refer to him as “the love of my life,” and her admiration for his acting skills only deepened over the years. When they eventually starred together in The Wolf of Wall Street, Emma’s childhood crush turned into a deep professional respect. Emma’s story is a perfect example of how childhood crushes can transition from infatuation to genuine admiration for an actor’s talent.

10. Amy Adams’ Crush on Robert De Niro

Amy Adams, known for her performances in Enchanted and American Hustle, shared a fascinating “retroactive” crush on legendary actor Robert De Niro. Amy admitted that she became infatuated with De Niro after watching his iconic performances in films like Taxi Driver and The Godfather. She described her admiration for him as growing over time, particularly after she explored his work from the ’70s, which showcased his incredible range as an actor. Amy was captivated by De Niro’s intense dedication to his craft and his ability to bring complexity to every role.

As she transitioned into her own acting career, Amy found herself reflecting on De Niro’s influence on her as an artist. Her crush wasn’t just based on physical attraction; it was rooted in deep respect for his acting prowess. Amy’s story is a beautiful example of how celebrity crushes can evolve into a profound admiration for an actor’s talent and impact on the industry.

11. Jennifer Lawrence’s Crush on Timothée Chalamet

Jennifer Lawrence, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her role in The Hunger Games, has admitted to having a major crush on Timothée Chalamet, the rising star known for his work in Call Me by Your Name and Dune. Jennifer praised Timothée not only for his striking looks but also for his extraordinary talent as an actor. She called him “so, so talented,” and her admiration for him went beyond his appearance. She acknowledged that his skills were something that set him apart from many other actors in Hollywood.

Jennifer’s crush on Timothée Chalamet is a testament to how admiration for a fellow actor can be based on both talent and physical attraction. As one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood, Jennifer’s praise for Timothée only further solidifies his position as one of the industry’s brightest young stars. Her story is a reminder that even the most accomplished actors can be impressed by the work and talent of those who are just starting out in the industry.

Who Was Your First Celebrity Crush?

From teenage infatuations to professional admiration, the first celebrity crushes of these famous actors show that even stars are not immune to the allure of Hollywood icons. Whether they eventually outgrow their crushes or get the chance to work with their idols, these stories highlight the universal experience of celebrity admiration.

These anecdotes remind us that celebrity crushes are not just fun memories—they can shape careers, fuel personal growth, and even lead to professional connections. Despite their fame, these actors share the same excitement and respect for others as we do, making them more relatable than we often think.