Smiling boosts your mood and makes you look more attractive, and some stars use that to their advantage to grin their way down the red carpet. Others seem to prefer the aloof look and barely crack a smile. Why are so many of our biggest stars so brooding in public? For some, it’s part of their well-crafted persona. Others take the opposite approach and can’t stop grinning. Here’s a look at Hollywood’s crabs and hams.
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Beyonce - Smile
If we had Beyonce’s life, we’d have plenty to beam about as well. Her prolific music career aside, she’s set to play the lead in Clint Eastwood’s remake of "A Star is Born." And on the homefront, the always-gracious and ultra-professional performer is expecting her first baby with hubby Jay-Z. Beyonce’s crowning moment: this summer, the intensely private entertainer chose the most public of venues—MTV’s red carpet—to confirm her Babyonce by rubbing her belly. Gotta love it.
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Victoria Beckham - No Smile
In person, Beckham banters, giggles and grins. A lot. But in public, the self-deprecating designer and mother of four has an almost sour intensity about her. There she is, prancing through LAX, orbs covered by outsized shades, wearing impossibly high Louboutins and never cracking a smile. But as she’s the first to admit, she’s nothing like the image she projects.
Jennifer Aniston - Smile
Sometimes, all you need to feel good is a skimpy Valentino dress—and a dazzling smile. Just look at Jennifer Aniston, who seems to have finally found a quiet contentment with actor/writer Justin Theroux and newfound heat at the box office after playing a lascivious dentist in "Horrible Bosses." America’s most famous divorcee’s placidly cheerful exterior never showed the strains of a personal life (and, at times, career) gone awry.
Stella McCartney - No Smile
Given her pedigree and her retinue of famous friends, among them Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow, clothier McCartney doesn’t have to crank up the charm when she’s out. So she doesn’t. The respected designer, with the quietly dry sense of humor, rarely cracks a smile. We’re guessing she’d rather let her delicious sweaters and suits speak for themselves.
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Blake Lively - Smile
Lively certainly has plenty to grin about. The "Gossip Girl" actress has become the darling of both the acting and fashion worlds, appearing in critically acclaimed movies such as "The Town" and becoming the muse of Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld. It’s easy to see why so many find Lively captivating. Her effervescent smile always accompanies her stunning ensembles and gorgeously styled hair, adding charm to her appearance.
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Lady Gaga - No Smile
Lady Gaga’s carefully calibrated façade is no happy accident. She’s bombastic. Dramatic. And ultra-focused. Katy Perry can have the goofy ‘dos and dippy quotes and gabby red-carpet moments. There’s something severe, and seriously driven, about Gaga’s resolve and drive.
Tom Cruise - Smile
Yes, Tom Cruise vibrates with awe-inspiring energy and astounding levels of good cheer. At premieres, he’s a one-man promotional torpedo, posing for endless fan photos and signing stacks of autographs. And after his many decades in the business, he’s still every bit as enthusiastic about his day job. Clearly, Mr. Congeniality still has it: his latest Mission: Impossible rocked the box office.
Kristin Stewart - No Smile
Many entertainment bloggers and tabloids have commented on Stewart’s ubiquitous glowering on the red carpet. Stewart herself calls the near-scowl “ a physical reaction to the energy that’s thrown at you [by paparazzi].” Perhaps she’s just shy, but her sullen expression at premieres and award shows has earned her a reputation as a particularly moody actress.
QUIZ: Feelin' Moody?
George Clooney - Smile
It’s no wonder Clooney has been named People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” multiple times—just look at him! That easy smile could charm anyone, including the string of beautiful girlfriends Clooney’s dated in the last several years. The Oscar winner also has a reputation for being a kind-hearted jokester and an animal lover. In addition to being a world-class actor; Clooney is also an active advocate for resolution of the Darfur conflict. Clearly, behind Clooney’s magnificent smile is an even more spectacular guy.
Ashley Olsen - No Smile
This child-star-turned-fashion-maven often displays her ubiquitous pout when photographed at public events. Olsen’s expression, coupled with the large Starbucks cups, oversized sunglasses and giant handbags that she and her twin sister Mary-Kate often sport, can project a surly image. However, her pout and fixed, wide-eyed stare actually make her look mature and focused on the red carpet. This professional look makes us take Olsen seriously as an actress and fashion designer.
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Sandra Bullock - Smile
Never let ‘em see you cry, and play to your strengths. Perhaps no one has mastered the art of public joyfulness quite like Sandra Bullock. The Oscar winner ditched a straying husband, announced the adoption of son Louis, and then disappeared to live her life—reemerging in December to gamely promote "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" with a smooth, masterful enthusiasm worthy of its own Academy Award.
MORE: The Power of Smiles
Kanye West - No Smile
West isn’t exactly known for being the friendliest of celebrities (remember when he cut off poor Taylor Swift’s VMA acceptance speech?), but this fourteen-time Grammy winner is definitely one of the best rappers of his generation. West doesn’t usually pose for the cameras on the red carpet, giving off an aloof vibe. His detached expression tells us that he cares more about his art than his image.
America Ferrera - Smile
Looking at Ferrera’s gorgeous smile, it’s hard to believe she played the title character of a TV show called Ugly Betty. On the red carpet, the Golden Globe-winning star tops her sexy figure with a full, toothy grin, always giving off an aura of confidence.
Johnny Depp - No Smile
Sometimes, not smiling can reduce a person’s charm, but Depp’s lack of grin only fuels his sex appeal, allowing us to focus on his smoldering eyes and gentle pout. No wonder women of all ages go crazy for the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star!
MORE: How to Be Charming
Neil Patrick Harris - Smile
Perhaps the brilliance of Harris’ smile is an indicator of his many talents. The "How I Met your Mother" star is a talented actor, singer, dancer, and director, appearing on TV, film, and Broadway. He’s also a dedicated family man; he and his partner David Burtka recently became parents to twins Gideon and Harper. With a megawatt grin like that, who wouldn’t acknowledge Harris’ charm?
QUIZ: How Happy Are You?
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