- This article serves as a poignant look at stars lost too soon. Their AI-generated images bring a glimpse of what might have been.
- From royal icons to Hollywood legends, we go down memory lane of how their lives were before they ended.
- Several public figures died more than twenty years ago and some died tragically.
Lady Diana Spencer pictured at The Young England Kindergarten Nursery School on September 17, 1980 in Pimlico, London. | Source: Getty Images
Seeing how their lives were cut short, one wonders what they would look like in old age. From the beloved Princess Diana and pop star Elvis Presley, here are AI-generated images that depict what they would look like today.
Lady Diana Spencer photographed on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana
Born into an aristocratic family, Princess Diana became a member of the Royal Family. She married King Charles III and the couple welcomed sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. They divorced in 1996.
Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles on board royal yacht Britannia on May 6, 1985 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
The royal siblings were 12 and 15 when their beloved mother passed away following a car accident at 36. The void left by her tragic death in Paris on August 31, 1997, has remained unfilled.
Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Charles outside Westminster Abbey at the funeral of Princess Diana on on September 6, 1997 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Princes William and Harry shared their final conversation with their mother. They disclosed this in the 2017 HBO documentary “Diana: Her Life and Legacy.” They noted that the conversation was rushed, a moment they’ve since wished could have been more.
The Duke of Sussex recalled the phone call he had with his mother before she died. “If I’d known that that was the last time I was going to speak to my mother, the things that I would – the things I would have said to her,” Prince Harry expressed.
Diana Princess pictured at home on February 1983 in Kensington Palace, London. | Source: Getty Images
At the time of her death, the mother of two was with her rumored boyfriend “Dodi” Fayed. A driver traveling with the pair reportedly drove over the speed limit and lost control of the vehicle.
The car crashed into the Alma Tunnel while they were trying to evade the paparazzi. Fayed and the driver died at the scene while Princess Diana was transported to hospital where she later passed on.
Diana Imagined
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
It has been twenty-six years since the People’s Princess passed away. She would have been 63 years old if she were still alive today.
This depiction presents Princess Diana with her cheeks gracefully aging. There is a hint of crow’s feet. Her eyes retain their characteristic warmth, and her hair is styled in a mature, elegant fashion that suits her age.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Here, Diana’s face shows more pronounced laugh lines, but her eyes remain strikingly expressive. A touch of gray highlights her blonde hair, suggesting the passage of time.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
This image shows Diana with a serene expression. Her skin texture reflects her age, yet she still carries the dignified beauty she was known for. Her hair is shorter, with more apparent silver strands blending into her iconic blonde.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
In this portrayal, Diana’s visage has matured. There are more defined lines around her mouth and eyes. Her hair is styled more softly, with the color gently transitioning to a dignified silver blonde.
This final image captures a more contemplative Diana, with the subtle sagging of skin that comes with age and eyes that reflect wisdom. Her hair is a sophisticated blend of silver and blonde, cut in a way that frames her face beautifully.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, left the stage too soon at 42 on August 16, 1977. His revolutionary blend of musical genres and electrifying performances marked a new era in music and cultural history.
Elvis Presley poses in a promotional portrait for the movie “Jailhouse Rock” on January 1,1957. | Source: Getty Images
He released numerous songs in the rock and roll genre such as “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” At the time of his death, Presley had sold more than 600 million singles and albums.
After making six appearances in television shows including “Stage Show,” he landed his first acting role in “Love Me Tender,” (1956). Overall, Presley has appeared in 33 films that became box office hits earning $150 million.
Elvis Presley performs on stage on June 22, 1956 | Source: Getty Images
Despite a hugely successful showbiz career, strange behaviors and health issues plagued the singer’s final years. His cousin revealed that he was overly paranoid. One time, four men attacked him at a midnight show.
He became convinced that the karate instructor Mike Stone sent them to kill him. This was despite evidence showing that the said men were merely diehard fans. Presley ended up pressing for Stone to die, leading to a medical intervention.
Elvis Presley on the set of “Love Me Tender,” 1956 | Source: Getty Images
In 1972, his health deteriorated as he overdosed several times and was hospitalized more than once. By 1973, the Hall of Famer ended up in a semicomatose state due to pethidine addiction.
His well-being declined even further in 1974. Keyboardist Tony Brown and guitarist, John Wilkinson revealed that it was evident that Presley was using drugs. They observed a physical decline and slurred speech from him.
Elvis Presley stands backstage in a concert venue. | Source: Getty Images
Presley’s health worsened so much over time that he needed a full-time nurse. He suffered from chronic pain because of degenerative issues stemming from severe arthritis. The renowned musician died 46 years ago after being discovered unresponsive in the bathroom at his home. He would have been 89 today.
Despite the challenges of his final years, Presley’s influence on music and pop culture remains unparalleled, a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain.
Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on on June 27, 1968. | Source: Getty Images
Presley Imagined
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is envisioned as an elderly gentleman here. His iconic hair is now a silvery shade. It is slicked back in his traditional style. His face shows the lines and contours of a life fully lived, with a strong jaw still evident beneath the signs of age.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
In this image, Presley is pictured with a fuller face, and his skin aging with time. His eyes are still intense. They are softened by the years, and his hair retains its voluminous style, now in a distinguished silver.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
This representation shows Presley with more evident aging around his eyes and forehead. Yet, his gaze retains that familiar piercing quality. His hair is styled in his signature manner, now a respectful gray.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
Presley appears here with a gentle, yet still charismatic, expression. The texture of his skin suggests his advanced age. His hair remains thick and styled in a way that reminisces his younger years, albeit now in a graceful gray.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
The final image presents an aged Presley with deep-set lines and a reflective expression. His hair, though now gray, is still styled in a way that harks back to his days of fame, exuding the charisma he was known for.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith’s life was a whirlwind of fame, marked by its highs and lows. As an actress and producer, she was mostly known for her stints in “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” (1994) and “Illegal Aliens” (2007).
Anna Nicole Smith pictured on January 1, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Apart from her Hollywood career, Smith, a Playboy model, had settled down. She married twice. She had her first child Daniel Wayne in January 1986, whom she shared with her first spouse.
Anna Nicole Smith and Daniel Wayne Smith during Anna Nicole Smith’s Special Appearance For Guess Sportwear at Bullock’s Store at Beverly Center on February 20, 1993 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, Daniel died at age 20 in September 2006. An autopsy report showed that there were three types of drugs found in his system which led to his demise. This left his mother devastated.
The model also suffered the same fate as her son a year later. In her final days, Smith reportedly drifted in and out of consciousness. She was too weak to walk, could not sit up, and had to drink from a baby bottle.
Anna Nicole Smith and Daniel Wayne Smith during “G-Phoria – The Award Show 4 Gamers” at Shrine Auditorium on July 31, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The television personality died in February 2007 at 39, from a drug overdose. Smith passed away five months after giving birth to her daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead.
Dannielynn Birkhead and Larry Birkhead at the Launch celebration party for The Simpson’s Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 17, 2008 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
She welcomed her in September 2006 with her former partner, Larry Birkhead, a photographer. It was two years into their relationship. It has been 24 years since Smith passed on; she would have been 56 years old today. Here is a glimpse of how she would have looked today via AI.