As the former president of the United States, Bill Clinton is still one of the most recognizable political figures.
Clinton served two full terms from 1993 to 2001 and wooed his supporters with his charismatic personality and his blonde or gray hair, while increasing job opportunities by more than 20 million.
Not to mention, Clinton was at the center of one of the biggest presidential scandals, which involved him having an affair with an intern at the White House.
Considering who he was and where he was, it’s hard to believe Clinton ever had a moment when nobody knew exactly who he was.
But that was the case when his wife Hillary Clinton celebrated his 80th birthday with an Instagram post on August 19.
Fans were shocked to see photos of a much younger-looking Bill Clinton with fuller hair than he ever had while in office.
Hillary Clinton shared a 10-photo carousel offering glimpses into their lives over their 50 years together.
While several images captured the former president as most people remember him — with neatly trimmed gray hair — others highlighted his earlier years, when his hair was darker and thicker.
But one picture stood out as he looked nearly buried beneath a thick beard and surprisingly full locks.
In the carousel’s second photo, the couple smiled in winter coats, with Hillary sporting collarbone-length, straightened blonde hair.
The former president, meanwhile, sported a bushy blonde beard and fluffy hair with curled ends. Much of his face seemed overwhelmed by the hair.
Before posting, Hillary left behind a heartfelt note in the caption.
“Happy birthday, dear Bill,” she began. “Eighty years in to your extraordinary life, I feel very lucky to have spent over 50 of them with you. Here’s to more dancing, talking, and laughing together in the years to come.”
While Bill Clinton didn’t have a response, fans of the couple sure did.
One person shocked by his look said, “Happy birthday, Mr. President! Wow that hair in the 1970s!” Another person typed, “Love the picture of you with the long hair….”
Complimenting his wife, one person added, “Okay Hillary. LOOK at you. I knew you always had it, but dammmmmmmmmmmmn. He’s a lucky man. Oh and HBD, Bill.”
The throwback photos also offer a reminder of the very different era Clinton entered the White House — one that eventually became defined by his affair with Monica Lewinsky.
One person asked, “Wasn’t that picture taken right around the time Bill was teaching Monica the delights of Macanese cigars !!!” Another said, “We haven’t forgotten.”
The cigar reference stems from Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr’s 1998 report detailing the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, which documented an intimate encounter in the White House involving a cigar.
Clinton initially denied having “sexual relations” with Lewinsky before later acknowledging the relationship. The scandal ultimately led to his impeachment.
Over on Reddit, users joked that the look referenced the 70s band group, The Doobie Brothers. One person replied, “Yeah he definitely inhaled it.”
This comment refers to Bill Clinton’s 1992 admission during his first presidential campaign.
In the middle of a presidential debate in New York, he was asked if he had broken drug laws outside of the U.S. The Rhodes Scholar response is one fans still use today.
Bill said, “I’ve never broken a state law. But when I was in England, I experimented with marijuana a time or two, and I didn’t like it. I didn’t inhale it, and never tried it again.”
Clinton’s milestone birthday marks another moment in history. Former President Barack Obama – the nation’s first Black president, who also served two terms – is now the only living president who is under 80 years old. He is 65.
Former President George W. Bush turned 80 last month. Current President Donald J. Trump turned 80 in June, while former President Joe Biden will turn 84 later this year.
