Imagine looking at a photo you’ve owned for over 20 years, only to realize a multi-millionaire, A-list Hollywood superhero was casually lurking in the background the entire time.
That is exactly the bizarre reality comedian Rickey Smiley is facing today after a routine trip down memory lane with R&B music icon Monica turned into an internet-breaking viral treasure hunt. Read on to discover the type of lore that creates entertainment legends!
Rickey Smiley’s Throwback Goes Viral
The discovery reached its peak when Rickey Smiley of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show himself realized the historical gold he had been sitting on. Sharing his utter disbelief on social media, he highlighted how the future superstar had been hiding in plain sight for decades. Smiley’s reaction captured the sheer shock of the moment:
“All these years I’ve had this picture of Monica and I never paid any attention in the background!! I remember this kid just kept walking around!!!! I JUST NOTICED IT TODAY!! For OVER 20 something years!!! I looked at it and noticed the dam kid in the background!!!”
The Future A-Lister Hiding in Plain Sight
GettyThe secret star hiding in the photo is none other than the Marvel standout, Michael B. Jordan. Before he was starring in blockbusters like “Black Panther” and “Creed,” or receiving People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” title, Michael B. Jordan was just a kid grinding in the entertainment industry.
Back then, he was an up-and-coming talent and still had quite the resume. Some of his early work during that time included playing Reggie Montgomery in “All My Children,” Wallace in “The Wire,” and guest spots on procedural dramas like “CSI” and “Cold Case.”
The shock of seeing him so casually in the background, a silent photobomber years before his massive breakthrough, is what makes this discovery so incredible. It serves as a hilarious reminder that even the biggest stars start somewhere.
Michael B. Jordan jumped into the comments with pure gratitude, responding,
“👀😭 you guys always showed me love at events I felt (at the time) I didn’t deserve to be at! Just being in those rooms and seeing what was possible did so much for me. 🙏🏾✨”
20 Years Later, Rickey Smiley Reacts to the Shocking Discovery
GettyThe best part of this unexpected throwback is Rickey Smiley’s priceless reaction. The comedian shared his utter disbelief on social media, admitting he had owned the photo for two decades and had never once spotted the now-A-list talent hiding behind him.
He was quoted by outlets like The Shade Room and shared on Facebook, noting the absurdity of finally noticing the superstar’s presence. This wasn’t some posed picture; Jordan was simply captured in a moment, long before he commanded the attention he does today.
It’s a testament to how far he’s come, going from an accidental fixture in a background shot to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces. The fact that Michael B. Jordan was just a young actor putting in the work makes this photobomb a perfect piece of celebrity history.
