#21. Vanessa Hudgens
Some people become famous when they are very young, and despite being nervous with their newfound fame, they eventually outgrow it. This didn't happen to former Disney star, Vanessa Hudgens. She made her debut in 2003's indie drama Thirteen but rose to fame as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical franchise.
In a recent interview with Glamour Magazine, Hudgens commented on her shyness and struggle with anxiety by saying that she used to be very timid when she was young, and that she still finds herself "being scared of things". Furthermore, she admitted that going to events is a highly nerve-wracking situation for her.
#20. Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart has a reputation for being rather distant, but she claims that it's all a big misunderstanding, since she is just shy. On few occasions she has stated that the reason she feels uncomfortable during interviews is that she needs to talk about herself, a subject that displeases her.
Because of this aloof attitude, she is often perceived as rude and 'standoffish' but we'd like to cut her some slack. For one thing, it must be very hard to fulfill the public's expectations and to act in a way that is not enjoyable for her, especially since she's been in the public eye from a young age. But she's not the only child star that feels awkward in the spotlight.
#19. Selena Gomez
Most people are very much aware of who Selena Gomez is. The Disney child star broke into the public eye by starring alongside Demi Lovato in Barney and Friends, when she was just ten years old. Regarding those times, she recalls being very shy and learning a lot from the experience.
Years later, Gomez went on to obtain the leading role in Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place, gaining mainstream success. Selena Gomez is also an accomplished singer, though she cancelled shows on various occasions due to her anxiety issues. Fortunately, she is doing much better these days, with her latest album Rare debuting a number one on the Billboard 200.
#18. Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is one of the most famous and prolific actors of all time. He is known for radically transforming into whichever character he is playing, whether it's an unfinished creation with blades instead of hands or a psychopathic barber. However, there's a reason behind the actor's obsession with disguises and his chameleon-like acting.
It seems that hiding behind make-up and stage props allows Depp to put some sort of distance between him and others, mainly because he is a very shy and reserved person. About his shyness and having to deal with fame, the actor stated "I'm shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use. I hate fame. I've done everything I can to avoid it".
#17. Jessica Simpson
Contrary to popular belief, Jessica Simpson is actually very timid. Though she's been performing in front of thousands of people since she was sixteen and even had her own reality show with ex-husband Nick Lachey, the southern singer doesn't feel that much comfortable with being the center of attention.
Because she's been in the public eye for many years, her ups and downs were highly publicized. Unfortunately, she has had to get used to her life being a news source for tabloids. Still, she maintains a positive attitude and has said that although she is a very shy person, "God has blessed me with a gift that I need to share".
#16. Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. From his trademark fantasy and science fiction movies like Jurassic Park and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, to heart-wrenching historical dramas like Schindler's List, Spielberg has done it all —except get over his shyness.
Perhaps this is the reason why he chose to be behind the camera rather than in front of it, but there's a silver lining —It led to him directing huge blockbusters and films that have become cultural icons. About his shyness, Spielberg said "I always felt awkward and shy and on the outside of the momentum of my friends' lives".
#15. Jessica Alba
It's likely you haven't heard about Jessica Alba in a while, and that's because the actress took a break from the Hollywood life. After a series of unsuccessful movies, Alba, who admitted to being very uncomfortable with being the center of attention, decided to disappear for a bit and focus on other aspects of her life, such as motherhood and learning Kung-Fu.
The actress' early life was marked by different illnesses, which isolated her from her classmates, as she spent most of her time in the hospital. This and her family's frequent moving contributed to her shy and reserved personality, which sadly accentuated as she grew older when people (and the media) started commenting on her appearance.
#14. Elton John
We doubt anyone would ever think of Elton John as a shy person, but behind his flashy outfits and dark sunglasses there's a quiet, withdrawn man. At least, according to his friend, singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. "Beneath it all there's this very sweet little guy who's constantly feeling very insignificant, which is ironic, of course".
Elton John, who grew up in a very conservative home, stated that his wild stage costumes and shows were his way of freeing himself after such a restrictive childhood. Still, he remained a very reserved person despite not appearing to be one. However, this has changed over the years and the multi-talented musician is much more confident and engaging than he used to be.
#13. Keira Knightley
Academy Award-nominee Keira Knightley, like many others in this list, began her career at a very young age. Her breakthrough came in 2002, when she starred in the sports comedy Bend It Like Beckham, but she really established herself with the 2005 period drama Pride and Prejudice. Despite her status as an A-lister, the actress is actually very uncomfortable with fame.
Knightley's sudden rose to stardom took a toll on her mental health, and in 2006 the actress took a break from working in order to focus on her personal life. In an interview with Hollywood Reporter, she confessed to having a mental breakdown when she was 22 and being diagnosed with PTSD. She has since then sought professional help and is doing much better.
#12. Michelle Pfeiffer
With a career span of over 40 years, Michelle Pfeiffer is easily one of the most famous and accomplished actresses of her time. The drop-dead gorgeous actress and producer, however, has always talked down her beauty, as she feels she's merely "conventionally pretty". She's also notoriously shy, much unlike the characters she portrays.
Regarding her "press-shy" fame, the actress has frequently expressed her dislike for interviews, and even dubbed herself as "the worst interviewee ever". She revealed her nervousness when attending interviews to promote films, but states she has "mastered the art" of upholding a relaxed demeanor when performing such tasks.
#11. Brad Pitt
There seems to be a correlation between being incredibly attractive and uncomfortable with attention, at least for most of these celebrities. Brad Pitt is just another example of a highly successful and beautiful actor who dislikes the spotlight.
The recent Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor is a self-proclaimed shy person, and sadly his distant attitude often comes of as 'arrogant'. But the actor feels that embodying someone else helps him divert attention away from his 'real self'.
#10. Cher
With an astonishing six-decade-long career, an Academy Award and numerous Grammys among other honors, singer, actress and TV personality Cher is undeniably a pop culture icon. So it's hard to imagine that such an empowering artist could have ever been shy, but as the saying goes, looks can be deceiving.
In her early years, Cher was known to be very introverted and shy. In fact, she used to lean on her ex-partner Sonny Bono, with whom she started the duo Sonny & Cher, for comfort until she developed her own style. Cher even encouraged him to join her on stage, since she suffered from stage fright. Thankfully, she eventually got over it and went on to become the icon she is today.
#9. Gene Hackman
Despite being considered one of the most versatile and talented actors from the 20th century and having a career span of nearly six decades, Gene Hackman is known for his aversion towards Hollywood life and being very a very private person.
Allegedly, his shyness began in his childhood and stayed with him throughout the years. This is evidently why he tries to stay out of the spotlight as much as he can. Luckily, his shyness hasn't stopped him from becoming such a talented actor and developing a diverse career.
#8. Julia Roberts
It must be hard for an A-lister like Julia Roberts to stay weary of the spotlight and maintain her life private whilst being one of the most recognizable faces in the world. The Pretty Woman actress is known for her 'girl-next-door' looks, unmeasurable talent and her despise for being the center of attention.
There was a time when Julia Roberts was everywhere, and the paparazzi followed her wherever she went trying to document her personal life, which understandably angered her and made her very uncomfortable. These days she manages her shyness with both class and calm, but she's not the only surprisingly timid superstar.
#7. Lady Gaga
It's unlikely that anyone would think of Lady Gaga as a shy person, but much like Cher, her onstage persona is completely different from her true self. The multi-talented singer-songwriter and actress has stated that she was very disciplined but "a bit insecure" growing up, and labeled herself as a misfit.
Sadly, Gaga was also a victim of bullying which further contributed to her becoming more introverted and shy. According to her, her shyness often stops her from meeting other artists, and confessed she feels uncomfortable in the Hollywood scene, "I feel a bit like I did in high school, like I don't really fit in".
#6. Rene Russo
The beautiful model-turned-actress was discovered in the early 70s at a Rolling Stones concert, and since then has appeared on the cover of every big fashion and beauty magazine, apart from starring on major films and even being nominated to a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She was known for her shyness, which she continues to display to this day despite her fame.
Russo suffered from various health problems growing up, including scoliosis, for which she had to wear a full-torso brace. This, along with her tall height, made her a target for bullying and soon she developed a shy and reserved personality that remained with her throughout her life and career.
#5. Richard Gere
Richard Gere started his career in the 1970s but gained mainstream success and 'sex symbol' status after his role as Julian Kaye in the 1980 neo noir crime drama American Gigolo. But unlike the characters he portrays, Richard Gere is actually a modest, shy person.
The actor expressed that he often must mentally prepare himself before attending any event where there might be a crowd, or simply people he doesn't know. "I sometimes have to act my way through it", he admitted. Regarding his career choice, he believes acting gave him a vehicle for self-expression.
#4. Tom Cruise
Nowadays Tom Cruise is mostly known for his Scientology advocacy, and for jumping on Oprah Winfrey's couch and ranting about his love for now-ex-wife Katie Holmes, but there was a time when the actor was a quiet, timid guy who disliked being famous.
As a child, Cruise struggled with dyslexia, a condition that made him very insecure. The actor also grew up in an abusive household, which caused him to become rather withdrawn. He eventually overcame his insecurities and used his fame as a means for opening up.
#3. Tom Hanks
It's safe to say that everyone loves Tom Hanks. The kind, humble actor began his career in a low-budget slasher film in the 1980s, and since then has starred in blockbuster hits, sweet rom-coms and heartbreaking dramas like Philadelphia, for which he gained his first Academy Award. Still, under all that success there's a man who used to be painfully shy.
Recalling his youth as a very religious young man whose family often moved around, he described himself as "a geek" and stated that he was "terribly shy", but "pretty responsible". All this moving around meant that he had difficulties keeping friends for long, which translated into him being a shy person for most of his life.
#2. Claudia Schiffer
For some celebrities, being in front of a camera is much less stressful than being in front of other people. It allows them to play a character, to become someone else without having to worry about feeling vulnerable. This is specially true for German supermodel, Claudia Schiffer.
She herself has admitted that she burst into laughter the first time she heard the term 'supermodel', but thought it would be appropriate for her because she could transform into her model persona, and thus cope with her shyness. Still, there's another unexpectedly shy celebrity in this list.
#1. Justin Timberlake
Last but not least, Justin Timberlake is another of these celebrities who would never strike us as shy or awkward, but as we've said before, there's more than meets the eye and there was a time when he wasn't as confident and outgoing as he appears to be today.
According to Timberlake himself, he used to be a very shy child. He even jokingly recalled that "until I was eight or nine I only knew what my sneakers looked like because I constantly walked with my head down". This all changed when he discovered he could perform and have people's attention.