Celebrities often go to great lengths to avoid the paparazzi, but sometimes their disguises are more conspicuous than a red-carpet entrance. Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner recently covered themselves head-to-toe at Brisbane Airport, only to be instantly recognized and roasted online. They join a long list of stars whose incognito attempts backfired spectacularly. Here are nine of the least convincing celebrity disguises of all time.
Katy Perry's Donut Pillow
In 2009, Katy Perry bypassed the standard baseball cap and sunglasses camouflage at Miami International Airport by covering herself in a giant plush donut pillow. The Firework singer called it 'the best paparazzi shield,' but walking through an airport dressed as a donut raised eyebrows—whether anyone recognized her or not.
Millie Bobby Brown's Box Over the Head
Millie Bobby Brown, star of Stranger Things, arrived at Malpensa Airport in Milan in 2023 with a box over her head. She didn't just use any old cardboard: she drew a face on it, matching the lavender ensemble she was wearing. She still got photographed.
Justin Bieber's Gas Mask
During his Believe tour in London in 2013, Justin Bieber covered his face with a gas mask. According to a source for US Weekly, his friends took turns wearing it to throw off paparazzi. 'It's not a serious thing, they're just having fun around London with it,' the source said.
Jennifer Lopez's Napkin
In 2002, Jennifer Lopez dined at the Ivy Beverly Hills with then-husband Cris Judd. When paparazzi descended, she held a napkin over her face, leaving photographers with only a shot of Cris giving a poker-faced stare.
Brad Pitt's Woolly Hat
In 1995, Brad Pitt stopped at a Starbucks in New York and pulled his woolly hat down to cover his entire face. He still got photographed, and it's unclear if he could see where he was going.
Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock's Halloween Costumes
In 2013, the pair—stars of The Heat—went trick-or-treating with their kids dressed in matching yellow fishermen costumes with long grey beards. They got photographed but likely scored plenty of candy.
Dustin Hoffman's Bag on Head
Dustin Hoffman has hidden behind tree branches, crouched behind newspaper kiosks, and concealed himself behind telegraph poles. One time, he put a handbag on his head after leaving a shop—complete with eyeholes—but still failed to go unnoticed.
Lily Allen's Duvet
In 2009, Lily Allen walked the streets of Manhattan wrapped in a comforter, covering her face and much of her body. She didn't avoid photos, but at least she stayed warm.
Tobey Maguire's Snowboard
At the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, Tobey Maguire covered his face with a snowboard. Our Spidey senses tell us it didn't work.
