This piece offers a moving look at stars who pass away too soon. Their photographs, produced by AI, offer a glimpse of the potential.
We take a trip down memory lane to see the lives of Hollywood icons and royal icons as they were just before they passed away.
Many well-known people passed away more than 20 years ago, some of them tragically.
Lady Diana Spencer pictured at The Young England Kindergarten Nursery School on September 17, 1980 in Pimlico, London. | Source: Getty Images
Considering how brief their lives were, one can only imagine how they would have looked in their latter years. These artificial intelligence (AI)-generated pictures show how music icon Elvis Presley and the adored Princess Diana would appear in the modern era.
Lady Diana Spencer photographed on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Princess Diana
Princess Diana joined the Royal Family after being born into an aristocratic family. Prince William and Prince Harry, her sons, were born into the royal family after she wed King Charles III. In 1996, they got divorced.
Princess Diana, Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles on board royal yacht Britannia on May 6, 1985 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
When the royal siblings’ cherished 36-year-old mother died in a traffic accident, they were 12 and 15 years old. Her untimely death in Paris on August 31, 1997, left a vacuum that hasn’t been replaced.
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
Their mother was the recipient of the last chat between Princes William and Harry. This information was revealed in the 2017 HBO documentary “Diana: Her Life and Legacy.” They observed that the talk moved quickly, and they now wish there had been more time for it.
The Duke of Sussex thought back to his last conversation with his mother over the phone. “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,” said Prince Harry.
Diana Princess pictured at home on February 1983 in Kensington Palace, London. | Source: Getty Images
The mother of two was reportedly with her boyfriend “Dodi” Fayed when she passed away. According to reports, one of the drivers who was accompanying the two went over the speed limit and lost control of the car.
While they were trying to get away from the photographers, the automobile slammed into the Alma Tunnel. While Princess Diana was being taken to the hospital, where she eventually passed away, Fayed and the driver perished at the spot.
Diana Imagined
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Twenty-six years have gone since the People’s Princess died. If she were still alive today, her age would have been sixty-three.
Princess Diana is shown in this image with her cheeks maturing beautifully. A tinge of crow’s feet is present. Her hair is dressed in an elegant, mature manner appropriate for her age, and her eyes still have that special warmth about them.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Diana’s laugh wrinkles are more noticeable in this picture, but her eyes still have a remarkable amount of expression. Her golden hair is highlighted by a hint of gray, implying the passing of time.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Diana is shown here wearing a calm expression. She still exudes the refined beauty for which she was renowned, even though her skin tone belies her advanced age. Her hair is shorter and appears to have more silver strands mixed in with her signature blonde hair.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Diana’s face looks older in this picture. Her lips and eye contours are more pronounced. Her hair has a more subdued look and is gradually becoming a respectable gray blonde.
With her eyes reflecting knowledge and the gradual sagging of aging skin, this final photo portrays a more contemplative Diana. Her hair, styled to perfectly frame her face, is a stylish blend of blonde and silver.
AI image of Princess Diana in old age | Source: Midjourney
Online users have differing opinions about the late princess’s AI-reimagined photographs. On Facebook, someone said, “Diana would still be beautiful,” and another person agreed. “I don’t believe Diana would’ve aged that much,” said the person who disagreed. The princess would definitely change her hair, according to one user.
“Still beautiful,” commented another user. While one social media user said, “She’d still be the most beautiful lady in the world no matter what age she’d be.”
Elvis Presley
On August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, departed from the stage too soon. A new chapter in the history of music and culture was opened by his groundbreaking fusion of musical genres and riveting performances.
(Original Caption) Elvis Presley poses with guitar in a promotional still for the movie “Jailhouse Rock” circa 1957.
His catalog includes a number of rock and roll hits, including “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” Presley had sold over 600 million singles and albums by the time of his passing.
He made six television show appearances, one of which was on “Stage Show,” before landing his first acting job in “Love Me Tender,” in 1956. In total, Presley starred in 33 box office successes that brought in $150 million.
Elvis Presley performs on stage on June 22, 1956 | Source: Getty Images
The singer’s later years were marred by odd behaviors and health problems despite having a very successful showbiz career. His excessive paranoia was disclosed by his relative. He was once attacked by four attackers at a midnight show.
He started to believe that they were sent to assassinate him by Mike Stone, his karate instructor. This was in spite of proof that the aforementioned men were nothing more than ardent supporters. Ultimately, Presley insisted that Stone pass away, which prompted a medical intervention.
Elvis Presley pictured in color on the set of his movie debut in the 1956 western ‘Love Me tender’. (Photo by Screen Archives/Getty Images)
His health declined in 1972 as a result of multiple overdoses and hospitalizations. The Hall of Famer’s addiction to pethidine led to a semicomatose state by 1973.
In 1974, his condition became significantly more. According to guitarist John Wilkinson and keyboardist Tony Brown, it was clear that Presley was doing drugs. They saw a decrease in his physical condition and his slurred speech.
circa 1970: American singer and musician Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977) stands backstage in a concert venue. (Photo by Fotos International/Getty Images)
Over time, Presley’s health deteriorated to the point where he required full-time nursing care. He had degenerative problems from severe arthritis that caused persistent agony. The famous musician was found unconscious in his home bathroom 46 years ago, and he passed away from that condition. This day, he would have turned 89.
Presley’s legacy of music and pop culture endures to this day, inspiring and amusing listeners despite the difficulties of his last years.
Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on on June 27, 1968. | Source: Getty Images
Presley Imagined
Here, the image of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is that of an elderly gentleman. His signature hair has turned silver. It’s slicked back in his classic manner. His face displays the features and lines of a life well lived, and despite the aging process, his strong jaw is still visible.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
Presley’s face is broader and his skin appears to be aging in this shot. He still has a strong gaze. The years have softened them, and his hair still has that enormous look, but in a classy silver.
AI image of Elvis Presley in old age | Source: Midjourney
In this depiction, Presley’s aging is more pronounced around his forehead and eyes. Still, there’s that usual penetrating intensity to his look. Now a dignified gray, his hair is styled in his trademark way.
Presley makes an appearance here with a demure yet endearing look. His skin’s texture betrays his senior age. His hair is an elegant gray color, but it’s still thick and styled to remind him of his younger days.
The final picture shows an elderly Presley with thoughtful look and deeply set lines. Even though his hair is gray now, it is still groomed to evoke the charisma he was known for during his heyday of fame.
Anna Nicole Smith
The life of Anna Nicole Smith was a roller coaster of celebrity, filled with highs and lows. Her roles in “Illegal Aliens” (2007) and “Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult” (1994) are what made her most famous as an actress and producer.
Anna Nicole Smith pictured on January 1, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Smith, a Playboy model, had settled down outside of Hollywood. She had two marriages. In January 1986, she gave birth to her first child, Daniel Wayne, who she shared with her previous partner.
Anna Nicole Smith and son Danny during Anna Nicole Smith’s Special Appearance For Guess? Sportwear at Bullock’s Store at Beverly Center in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Daniel sadly passed away in September 2006 at the age of 20. Three different kinds of narcotics were discovered in his system, according to the autopsy report, which ultimately caused his death. His mother was devastated by this.
A year later, the model met the same end as her son. Smith supposedly wandered in and out of consciousness in her final days. She needed to drink from a baby bottle, was too weak to sit up, and could not walk.
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 star overdosed on drugs in February 2007 and passed away at the age of 39. Five months after giving birth to her daughter Dannielynn Birkhead, Smith went suddenly.
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 daughter in September 2006 alongside her ex-partner, photographer Larry Birkhead. They had been together for two years at that point. Smith would have turned 56 today, but it has been 24 years since her death. This is an AI-generated peek of what she may have looked like today.
Dannielynn Birkhead and Larry Birkhead at the 148th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. | Source: Getty Images
Smith Imagined
Smith seems mature in this picture, her trademark thick blonde locks showing touches of silver now. Her face has a more regal attitude and more lines that show how old she is.
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
Smith’s complexion exhibits indications of natural aging, with deeper wrinkles seen around her mouth and eyes. Her golden hair has a classic flow, and her well-defined eyebrows exude timeless charm.
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
Her smile is highlighted by laughter lines in this portrayal, which conveys her bright confidence. Her eyes have a young glitter that counterbalances the maturity in her features.
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
This portrayal presents us with a more reflective Smith. Her features softened into a calm, collected expression. She still has an undeniable charm, even though her skin tone is more in line with her advanced age.
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
Smith’s happy smile captures the elegance of her advanced age in the last picture. Even though her hair is still recognizable as blonde, it now has the grace of age, falling in gentle curls with a hint of silver.
AI image of Anna Nicole Smith in old age | Source: Midjourney
Patrick Swayze
Beyond his appeal as the movie’s “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” lead, Patrick Swayze was a fighter. Swayze, who was 57 years old when he lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on September 14, 2009, left behind a legacy of bravery and tenacity.
Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey on the set of “Dirty Dancing,” 1987. | Source: Getty Images
In an interview from April 2023, his wife Lisa Niemi described his struggle with the illness. She listed his symptoms, which included stomach problems, yellow eyes, and persistent pain.
When they saw the doctor, he recommended a CT scan right away. The couple received the bad news about a day later. Niemi revealed that her husband would have preferred to have fought cancer in secret.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi on January 1, 1987 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the diagnosis, he kept working—he even shot a TV show. But gradually, word of his health made headlines.
In “Worth Fighting For,” Niemi wrote about Swayze’s final moments. She’d been instructed to watch out for gurgling breath, a change in skin tone, and a weak pulse while taking care of her spouse.
Lisa Niemi and Patrick Swayze at the London premiere of “Keeping Mum,” 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Niemi said, “It was obvious the rest of his body was not in good shape, even though his pulse was strong.” His breathing was “shallow” and “odd,” she disclosed.
The actor’s heart, however, was “warm” and “strong.” Niemi narrated, “I heard the little breaths he was taking and looked at his face.” Little, gentle breaths…It had a lovely, youthful quality to it.
Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi pose at the Portrait Studio at the Arclight Theatre on November 5, 2005 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
She realized then that her husband’s time was almost over. She listened to his infantile breathing and felt his pulse again as she stood by his side, clutching his hand. “And then his breathing stopped,” Niemi remarked.
The dancer and performer lost his fight with cancer after 20 months. At his Los Angeles ranch, his wife and brother, Donny Swayze, were by his side as he passed away. His candor about his condition raised awareness for a sickness that sorely needed it.
In 2019’s “I Am Patrick Swayze,” a documentary, Swayze was honored by family and friends. 1979 saw him marry his boyhood girlfriend, who claimed he battled cancer all the way to the death. “He survived 22 months, which was miraculous with the diagnosis that he received,” she stated.
Despite being married for several years, Niemi and the movie star never had children together. They did want to have children, she said, but they had already had one miscarriage. After then, Niemie was too elderly to have children. Her beloved passed away 14 years ago today; he would have been 72 years old.
Swayze – Imagined
AI image of Patrick Swayze in old age | Source: Midjourney
Imagine an older Swayze, his hair styled back from his face in a distinguished gray. His eyes have depth and comprehension, and his jawline is still well defined.
AI image of Patrick Swayze in old age | Source: Midjourney
Swayze’s age is more noticeable in this picture due to his pronounced wrinkles and rough skin. Even though it’s gray, his hair is still thick and elegantly casually groomed.
The actor is shown grinning and has wrinkles around his eyes. His distinguished salt-and-pepper hair only serves to accentuate how wise he looks.
In the last picture, Swayze has a captivating stare and his features naturally mature with him. The majority of his hair is gray, and it is groomed to highlight his timeless charm.
AI image of Patrick Swayze in old age | Source: Midjourney
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly’s life story reads like a fairy tale: a movie star turns into a princess in real life. Her dream had always been to become an actress. In 1947, Kelly completed her high school education and relocated to New York City to follow her passion.
Grace Kelly pictured on January 1, 1955 | Source: Getty Images
Her decision to explore acting, though, angered her parents. She nevertheless enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts because she was sufficiently determined.
Kelly did part-time modeling when she was a student, and she was featured in magazine covers and other ads. In the end, 1949 saw her make her Broadway debut. Kelly later moved to Southern California in search of bigger film possibilities.
Grace Kelly photographed on January 1, 1950 | Source: Getty Images
After making appearances in the films “Rear Window,” “High Society,” and “To Catch a Thief,” the actress eventually received her big break in the 1950s. After winning an Oscar for her performance in “The Country Girl,” she rose to the top of the actress pay scale.
At the height of her popularity, Kelly had a photo shoot with Prince Rainier III of Monaco. She gave up her job to become the Princess Consort of Monaco when the couple was married in April of 1956.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco driven through the streets of Monte Carlo following their wedding on April 19, 1956 in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
Three children were born to her and her spouse: Princess Stephanie, Princess Caroline, and Prince Albert. Later on, they all made her a grandmother. It is reported that the two princesses share the remarkable characteristics of their mother.
Camille Gottlieb, Kelly’s granddaughter, is also included in this. Princess Stephanie and former royal guard Jean Raymond Gottlieb are her parents. “Gorgeous as your Grandma Grace Kelly,” a fan wrote on the grandchild’s Instagram photos from 2023. Her beauty was inherited by you.”
Sadly, Kelly did not live to see her grandchildren reach adulthood. On September 14, 1982, a horrific vehicle accident ended her life. According to reports, she apparently had a stroke while operating a vehicle and lost control. The mother of three never recovered consciousness as a result.
Kelly made a lasting impression on the globe with her elegance, beauty, and commitment to her new post in Monaco. She would have been 95 today but passed away 41 years ago at the age of 52. Here are some possible dates using AI photos of her appearance.
AI image of Grace Kelly in old age | Source: Midjourney
Kelly – Imagined
Kelly’s characteristic bone structure and gentle aging distinguish her face features in this representation. Her hair is precisely coiffed, displaying the regal grace of her years, and her eyes still have that piercing blue color.
AI image of Grace Kelly in old age | Source: Midjourney
Kelly is shown in this picture with a graceful stance and the subtle lines and droop of aging on her face. Her traditionally groomed hair has become a gentle shade of gray.
AI image of Grace Kelly in old age | Source: Midjourney
Kelly appears to be smiling somewhat in the third picture, which features lines around her mouth and eyes. Her hair has a respectable gray tint and is fashioned in classic waves.
Reflective Kelly with mature skin tone and the telltale symptoms of aging is depicted in this picture. Her hair is styled back in a beautiful manner, highlighting the timeless appeal of her unique features.
These are glimpses into possible futures. AI reunites us with the vanished historical figures and serves as a reminder of their enduring impact on society. Despite the premature conclusion of their stories, they nonetheless have resonance and inspire younger generations.
