11 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were Cheerleaders
Thursday might be the traditional #TBT time, but this week we’re celebrating it on the weekend. #TBTs have become a fun way for us to go down memory lane with our friends, family and, yes, our favorite celebs. We’re all too familiar with their red carpet glammed-up selves, and when we get to see the pics of before they were famous, to borrow the undying words of Janis Ian from Mean Girls, “It’s like seeing a dog walk on its hind legs.”
This week, Reese Witherspoon posted this adorable throwback photo of herself in her old cheer uniform along with the caption: “#TBT to my days as a proud General #cheernation #firstsquad #lilgeneral”
Aww… look at tiny Reese doing the Prep and Elevator! In honor of Reese’s #TBT + the fact that the school year is coming, here are 11 other celebs who were part of #cheernation back in the day.
Brooklyn Decker
This supermodel mom-to-be not only used to cheer for North Carolina’s David W. Butler High School, but she was also Senior Class President. Wonder if she’s responsible for planning her 10-year reunion? (Photos via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty + Popsugar)
Dakota Fanning
While she was was busy being a child star, Dakota Fanning managed to not only graduate from North Campbell High in Hollywood, but she was also part of the varsity spirit squad. Here she is winning Homecoming Queen. (Photo via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty + The Berry)
Eva Longoria
Yep, Eva Longoria was a Hoggie. That was the nickname of the Texas A&M-Kingsville College Football Team, the Javelinas. Here she is showing off her cover girl skills for the school’s brochure. It’s a good thing her foundation matches her real skin tone nowadays… (Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty + Perez Hilton)
Diane Sawyer
The iconic news anchor was once a cheerleader at Seneca High School in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the best-known journalists in America, she’s gone on to report some incredible stories, including that groundbreaking Caitlyn Jenner interview. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty + Parade Magazine)
Halle Berry
The eternally ageless Halle Berry was one a spirited, spunky member of Bedford High’s Bearcats cheerleading squad in Ohio. Halle went on to becoming an Academy Award-winning actress and mom to Nahla Ariela Aubry and Maceo Martinez. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty + The Berry)
Katie Couric
Before she became “America’s Sweetheart” and news-anchor all star, Katie was a cheerleader at Yorkville High School in Virginia. Just look at that perfect jump! (Photo via Cindy Ord/Getty + DailyMail)
Sandra Bullock
Back in 1981, the recently crowned by People Magazine “Most Beautiful Woman Alive” was on the cheer squad at Washington-Lee High School in VA. There’s even video proof! These days, the star can be found voicing Minions villain Scarlett Overkill. (Photo via Anthony Harvey/Getty + The Berry)
Jessica Simpson
It probably comes as no surprise that Jessica Simpson was once a part of #cheernation. She has gone on to marry a former football player! Here she is in her 8th grade Vikings uniform for Richardson North Junior High School. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty + MTV)
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz certainly has enough pep to promote school spirit. Here’s the beautiful actress in 1988 during her sophomore year at Long Beach Polytechnic High. (Photo via Theo Wargo/Getty + The Berry)
Amy Poehler
Yaaaaaas. Amy Poehler was once on the squad at Burlington High School in Massachusetts. Amy seems like she would have been a riot to hang out with even in high school. (Photo via Mike Coppola/Getty + The Berry)
Jennifer Lawrence
Before JLawr was killing it in the movie game (and becoming everyone’s fantasy BFF), she was a member of Kammerer Middle School’s cheerleading team. She eventually earned her GED two years early so that she could hurry up and win an Academy Award and get tattoos with Liam Hemsworth. (Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty + Uproxx)
What do you think of these celebs’ cheerleading pasts? Would you have guessed it? Tell us in the comments below!
(Photo via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty + @reesewitherspoon)
