Can you match these celebrities to their famously wonky tooth?
While a perfect set of pearly whites was once Hollywood’s most coveted accessory, a new generation of stars are shunning veneers in favour of their natural, gap-toothed grins.
Straight, blindingly white teeth were once something of a prerequisite for Hollywood stardom – with icons like Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, and James Dean all in possession of a million-dollar smile.
But it appears the tide is changing in 2025, as a raft of stars with famously wonky teeth have proven they can be an asset – not a liability – to their acting careers.
Sometimes dubbed ‘British teeth’ – because those in the UK are apparently a little less obsessed with dental perfection, a characterful smile is proving a hit with fans who favour authenticity over artifice.
And while there’s a new roster of advocates for natural gnashers, the trend was first sparked by sultry French songstress Vanessa Paradis, who shot to fame with Joe Le Taxi at the age of just 14 in 1987.
When asked whether she’s insecure about the gap between her front teeth, Vanessa playfully quipped: ‘I can spit water through them. They’re useful!’
The ex of Johnny Depp also credited her distance from Hollywood as the reason she never felt the need to undergo dental work to alter her smile that became something of a trademark.
Much like Vanessa, these stars all have their own signature smiles – but can you match them to their famous owners?
1. Bullied for ‘Bugs Bunny’ teeth
Her stint on The White Lotus’s third season, released earlier this year, catapulted the Manchester-native to global fame – an outcome she never expected considering her working-class background and unconventional looks
The 31-year-old has previously revealed she was bullied by her ‘posh’ classmates for her Stockport accent and relentlessly teased about her ‘Bugs Bunny’ teeth while growing up.
The star, who lives in South East London but has already left her mark on the world stage, also admitted her decision not to get Botox or have her teeth straightened feels ‘rebellious’ as the spotlight shines brightly on her.
This week, she also discussed how her chompers have become a hot-button topic in the dentist community during an interview with Jonathan Ross.
‘I can’t believe the impact my teeth are having. The Americans can’t believe it. They’re being lovely [and there’s] videos of orthodontists coming up [online] analysing my teeth,’ she shared.
2. Going for gold
This Hollywood hunk, who wears his natural smile with style, has played the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, starred in one of the most divisive films in recent memory, been the face of Calvin Klein, and was appointed Bottega Veneta’s brand ambassador
This Australian heartthrob has charted an unconventional career path; after being signed to one of Netflix’s most successful rom-com franchises in 2018, he was cast as TV’s baddest boy in a part that’s earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Since then, he has played the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, starred in one of the most divisive films in recent memory, been the face of Calvin Klein, and was appointed Bottega Veneta’s brand ambassador.
He has also had a slew of high-profile romances, including with Zendaya, Joey King, and Kaia Gerber, with the 6’5 hunk currently rumoured to be dating Olivia Jade Giannulli, an influencer and YouTuber.
3. Model smile
In 2008, this ‘nepo baby’ and model told the Daily Mail: ‘I wouldn’t even have braces on my teeth. I like the fact that I have good old-fashioned British teeth with a big gap’
When this ‘nepo baby’ and model first posed with red lipstick in the noughties, showcasing her gap-tooth grin, the then teenager caused a storm in a good way.
In 2008, she told the Daily Mail: ‘I wouldn’t even have braces on my teeth. I like the fact that I have good old-fashioned British teeth with a big gap.
‘Who wants those gleaming white cosmetically enhanced American teeth?’
In fact, the 33-year-old, who recently welcomed her first child last October, has made a career out of the gap in her front teeth, with agencies desperate to sign the daughter of one of England’s most famous musicians for her original look.
4. Sweet tooth
If he’s not in the news for his Oscar-worthy performances, this 29-year-old is making headlines for his current relationship with one of the most famous women in the world.
5. Chef’s kiss
While she made her film debut with an uncredited role in the 2020 dramedy Shithouse, it was her turn as a sous-chef with impressive omelette-making skills that made the talented comedian a household name
This 29-year-old actress and television writer, who hails from Massachusetts, Boston, has been a regular fixture on the awards circuit in recent years.
While she made her film debut with an uncredited role in the 2020 dramedy S**house, it was her turn as a sous-chef with impressive omelette-making skills that made the talented comedian a household name.
6. Defying the norm
She maybe of the hottest stars of the moment, but she’s also holding space for dental authenticity.
This Oscar-nominated actress, 38, graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and earned a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple five years after she graduated.
7. Fit for a Queen
The music icon’s celebrity impersonator went to such extreme lengths to copy her appearance that she asked a dentist to drill a gap between her front teeth so her smile was just like the singer’s
In 2018, a celebrity impersonator – who became almost as famous as their muse – made headlines for their commitment to their job.
Chris America, from Washington D.C., went to such extreme lengths to copy the appearance of this musical icon that she asked a dentist to drill a gap between her front teeth so her smile was just like the singer’s.
Chris described the gap as a ‘staple’ of the popstar’s look, adding: ‘It’s very endearing.’
8. In the game for tooth long
This Oscar-nominee famously bragged about the dismal state of his teeth in a 1995 Premiere magazine interview, when he admitted he had ‘loads of cavities‘.
The remarks were unearthed by American outlet Page Six after his appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, which prompted fans to troll him for his ‘rotten’ gnashers.
In the Premiere article, he had previously declared: ‘I’ve got loads of cavities. I had a root canal done eight years ago that’s unfinished. It’s like a rotten little stub.’
He insisted: ‘But I like it. It’s like when the Indians would make something beaded, they would always put imperfections on it.’
9. Rapper’s delight
Character: Top Boy star Kano has a perfectly imperfect set of gnashers, says body language expert Judi James
The actor, who was once approached by men’s fashion designer Hugo Boss to model for the brand, has remained true to his roots in more ways than one.
Not only does he continue to speak on behalf of Britain’s youth, the MOBO award-winning performer has held on to his natural gnashers and continues to smile for the cameras, proudly displaying his natural smile.
His reluctance to ‘fix’ his smile has not so much detracted from his appearance as made him more magnetic as an actor – on-screen and off.
10. Normal teeth
Alison Oliver shot to fame as Frances in the BBC adaptation of Conversations with Friends, and also starred in Saltburn
While her teeth are a natural colour rather than a bright white, what really separates her smile from the classic Hollywood version is the slight cross of her front teeth and their different lengths.
11. Mean teeth
Angourie Rice, an Australian-born actress who fronts the Mean Girls reboot as Cady Heron, has also held onto her natural gnashers
While many of her peers would have plumped for a false, bright white smile, this actress is unafraid to bare her natural teeth, which, although perfectly formed, don’t match the brilliant white of the Hollywood smile.
12. Doctor teeth
Peter Capaldi is best known for his role as child-friendly character Dr Who, and The Thick of It’s not-so-child-friendly Malcom Tucker
In a career spanning four decades, he deserves another accolade – for refusing to swap his natural teeth for a picture perfect smile in line with the expectations of the entertainment industry.
While his teeth are normal in size and fairly evenly spaced, he has a noticeably gummy grin, which is particularly obvious when he smiles.
Another exceptionally unstarry aspect of his gnashers is their yellowy colour, which strongly contrasts with the almost luminous white that celebrities tend to favour.
ANSWERS
1. AIMEE LOU WOOD
The 31-year-old has previously revealed she was bullied by her ‘posh’ classmates for her Stockport accent and relentlessly teased about her ‘Bugs Bunny’ teeth while growing up
The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood revealed this week that the internet has become fascinated with her ‘British smile’, saying that the orthodontist community frequently analyses her natural smile
Aimee Lou Wood joked the gap in her teeth is a sign of ‘sexual heat’ as she spoke about the impact they have had on her career on The Jonathan Ross Show last week
This British actress won audiences over with her standout performance in Sex Education that earned her a starring role on Mike White’s smash-hit series, The White Lotus.
Her stint on the show’s third season, released earlier this year, catapulted the Manchester-native to global fame – an outcome she never expected considering her working-class background and unconventional looks.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, she quipped: ‘Even the way [The White Lotus fans] are talking about me and my teeth – that I don’t have veneers or Botox – it feels a bit rebellious.’
‘They dissect my teeth and say, ‘What’s wrong with them?’ and at the end go, ‘But I don’t think she should change a thing!’ It’s a real full circle moment after being bullied and now people are clapping.’
These famously wonky teeth belong to Aimee Lou Wood!
2. Jacob Elordi
Euphoria star Jacob Elordi has steered clear of veneers and dental work – despite his rising star
Last June, he debuted a new gold tooth last June – leaving fans of his au naturel grin eager for more details
While the Hollywood heartthrob, 27, has steered clear of dental work and veneers, he debuted a new gold tooth last June – leaving fans of his au naturel grin eager for more details.
The man you’re probably thinking about is…Jacob Elordi!
3. Georgia May Jagger
Georgia May Jagger is one of the most glamorous advocates of the gap tooth ever
Her credentials include representing British fashion at the 2012 Summer Olympics, alongside Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Lily Donaldson, as well as being named Model of the Year by the British Council in 2009.
It’s…Georgia May Jagger – one of the most glamorous advocates of the gap tooth ever.
4. Timothee Chalamet
Earlier this year, he dazzled critics and audiences alike with his turn as Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown – a role that earned this New Yorker the Best Actor gong at the Screen Actor’s Guild awards.
‘I’m really in pursuit of greatness,’ he said in his acceptance speech that went as viral as his confusing interaction with his mega-influencer and beauty entrepreneur girlfriend as they enjoyed an afternoon of tennis together.
He is, arguably, the actor of the moment but this two-time Oscar nominee also has a grin untouched by veneers.
The answer we’re looking for, unsurprisingly, is Timothee Chalamet.
He is, arguably, the actor of the moment but Timothee Chalamet also has a grin untouched by veneers
5.Ayo Edebiri
Three years since she took the entertainment world by storm, this multi-hyphenate has a slew of big projects lined up – including Luca Guadagnino’s next film titled After The Hunt.
As she moves up in Hollywood, however, she has resisted any pressure to fake it with a set of glossy veneers.
And far from having a negative effect on either her appearance or image, her imperfect smile actually gives her an edge that only adds to her attractiveness, says body language expert Judi James.
According to James, her ‘very visual gums make her look pleasantly young and authentic’, adding: ‘This makes her smile look fun and hugely appealing.’
Yes, chef! Our expert was talking about Ayo Edebiri, the breakout star of The Bear.
As she moves up in Hollywood, however, she has resisted any pressure to fake it with a set of glossy veneers
Three years since Ayo Edebiri took the entertainment world by storm, this multi-hyphenate has a slew of big projects lined up – including Luca Guadagnino’s next film titled After The Hunt
6. Cynthia Erivo
During the promotions for her latest Academy Award-winning film, an interaction with her fellow co-star sparked a viral ‘holding space’ phenomenon that was endlessly meme-d and recreated across the internet.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that she will play the role of Jesus in a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar – with fans divided over her casting.
And while it remains to be seen how Cynthia Erivo approaches the role, her turn as Elphaba in Wicked has skyrocketed her to international fame.
Cynthia Erivo attends the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre
7. Madonna
The 66-year-old Grammy winner may not always feel that way about her self-proclaimed ‘ugly teeth’; on the occasion of her 64th birthday, she showed off a new pair of custom metallic grills that she described as ‘mouth jewellery’.
‘They’re my ‘birthday grills,” she explained, during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. ‘It’s almost my birthday, so I got myself a pair of grills.
‘I just like the way it looks – it’s mouth jewellery – and I have really ugly teeth.’
This ‘mouth jewellery’ enthusiast is none other than Material Girl singer, Madonna.
The gap has been a ‘staple’ of Madonna’s appearance for years
8. Jonny Depp
The actor, who at the time of the interview was 31, indicated his uneven bottom teeth and said: ‘I’m proud of these.’
‘When I see people with perfect teeth, it drives me up the wall. I’d rather swallow a tick than have that!’
However, it appears Johnny Depp’s ick for perfect teeth has somewhat dissipated in the years since, after the Pirates of the Caribbean actor unveiled a major dental makeover last year.
famously bragged about the dismal state of his teeth in a 1995 Premiere magazine interview that resurfaced last year, admitting he had ‘loads of cavities’.
The Oscar nominee appeared to have undergone major dental work in a video circulating on Instagram, depicting his 2024 trip to a Bahamian bar
9. Kano
Character: Top Boy star Kano has a perfectly imperfect set of gnashers, says body language expert Judi James
London-born rapper and actor Kano, 39, perhaps best known for playing Sully in Netflix TV series Top Boy, has achieved critical acclaim and huge success over a career spanning more than two decades.
10. Alison Oliver
Alison Oliver shot to fame as Frances in the BBC adaptation of Conversations with Friends, and also starred in Saltburn
Irish actress Alison Oliver, 27, was already well known thanks to her lead part in the BBC miniseries Conversations with Friends when Saltburn was released.
But, rather than working against her, Alison’s teeth ‘project all the ideal messages of good health and good hygiene, and they also have character, making her face more memorable and her smile more unique,’ according to body language expert Judi James.
In turn, they ‘pitch her as a high-level actress’ and ‘make her a natural’ for stage plays and more arty or quirky films.
11. Angourie Rice
Angourie Rice, an Australian-born actress who fronts the Mean Girls reboot as Cady Heron, has also held onto her natural gnashers
Australian actress Angourie Rice, 24, plays the main character in the Mean Girls remake, which was released last year.
But while her character Cady Heron is timid thanks to other girls’ taunts, Angourie’s red carpet displays have shown her to be anything but shy.
Wearing a shimmering peach and gold gown with her hair brushed to one side in loose curls, she was certainly channelling old Hollywood glamour at the Mean Girls premiere in New York.
Yet Angourie’s look also departed from traditional leading lady glamour in one important way.
12. Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi is best known for his role as child-friendly character Dr Who, and The Thick of It’s not-so-child-friendly Malcom Tucker
Peter Capaldi is best known for his portrayal of the twelfth Doctor in BAFTA-winning sci-fi series Doctor Who.
Capaldi, 66, from Glasgow, also won an Academy Award for his 1993 short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
Considering Peter’s smile, Judi James explained that his ‘irregular teeth look perfect for the roles he plays.
‘Nobody wants a veneer-clad Dr Who – and The Thick of It’s Malcolm Tucker would have ridiculed and insulted any minister who appeared in front of him sporting a set of perfect white, Rylan-style veneers.’
With over 40 films and television shows under his belt, Capaldi’s credibility as an actor and director is not in question.
Still, his decision to keep his natural teeth shows that he’s more concerned with his craft than he is with conforming to stereotypes.
