Fans Stunned by How 'Fantastic' '90s Heartthrob Leon Robinson Looks at 63 — His Transformation in 30+ Photos

From capturing the hearts of fans in the 90s with appearances on screen and in a Madonna music video, to being a devoted father to his only daughter, witness the beloved actor's transformation in over 30 striking photos.

Over the course of many years, Hollywood star Leon Robinson has forged an impressive career in the entertainment industry, quickly garnering the status of a heartthrob with his charming looks and talent.

Since his prominent roles in the 90s in hit films such as "Waiting to Exhale," to becoming a father to daughter Noelle Robinson and continuing to work in the industry till this day, Leon is still making fans swoon at 63 years old. From the 1990s to this year (2025), let's take a look at the star's transformation.

From a Music Video Breakout in the Late 80s to the Beginning of a Formidable Career in the 90s

Long before streaming platforms and viral trends, Leon found himself at the heart of one of pop culture's most controversial moments — Madonna's 1989 "Like A Prayer" music video. Though the role would eventually catapult him into international recognition, he initially passed on the opportunity.

"My agent called me and said they were interested in seeing me for this music video with Madonna and [sic] I told them I wasn't interested," he recalled, explaining that at the time, music videos weren't considered a serious move for an actor trying to break into the spotlight.

"At the time I'm trying to pick and choose and [sic] I'm trying to do something with my career," Leon expressed. But his perspective shifted after hearing the song and speaking with director Mary Lambert, who asked him to portray not one, but two different characters. "That's when it clicked," he said.

"I'm going to be acting in the video, and Madonna will have me come to life and Madonna will adore me? Yeah, okay got it. I can see me doing this [sic]," Leon once shared. The decision proved monumental — not just artistically, but culturally.

Despite its powerful imagery and narrative, the video ignited intense backlash for its provocative blend of race and religion, so much so that Madonna's commercial deal with Pepsi was abruptly canceled. Behind the scenes, Leon's involvement became even more personal. "My time with Madonna was great. We were friends, we hung out," he disclosed.

He later revealed that after filming wrapped, Warner Bros. requested a reshoot because the statue used in the video didn't resemble him closely enough. "They had to make a mold on [sic] my face so you can see my actual eyes come to life and the blood coming out of my eyes," he revealed.

The role, while demanding, marked a turning point in his career. "It was my first taste of international fame," he said, recalling a whirlwind of global press and traveling with an interpreter at his side. "It was crazy because I thought the video — [sic] because it was Madonna's comeback video, and I heard the song, and I like the song — [was] gonna be No. 1," he stated.

While "Like A Prayer" introduced Leon to a global audience, it was only the beginning of a richly layered career that spanned far beyond music videos.

The actor quickly proved he was more than a striking face — landing powerful roles in critically acclaimed films that solidified his place in Hollywood. He led the charge in Disney's inspirational box office hit "Cool Runnings." Soon after, he showed his dramatic range in the gritty urban sports drama "Above the Rim" and held his own in high-octane action "Cliffhanger."

But it was his unforgettable role as Russell in the 1995 adaptation of "Waiting to Exhale" that stirred perhaps the most passionate response from fans — equal parts love and frustration — further cementing his reputation as a captivating on-screen presence.

Leon also tackled deeply resonant projects such as "Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored," which earned NAACP honors, and HBO's landmark series "Oz."

His musical talents shone just as brightly. From his role as David Ruffin in the Emmy-winning miniseries "The Temptations," to starring in Robert Townsend's cult classic "The Five Heartbeats" — voted the No. 1 African American film by AOL — Leon's voice and presence were magnetic.

A Continued Bright Career, Including Sizzling Biopics, in the Early 2000s

In 2000, he portrayed the legendary "Little Richard" in the NBC-authorized biopic, a performance that once again earned him an NAACP Best Actor nomination. His seamless ability to bring complex musical icons to life showcased a rare dual gift — that of an actor and performer.

Named by AOL as one of the sexiest Black actors of all time, Leon's career remained as diverse as it was enduring.

Collaborations with acclaimed filmmaker Leila Djansi followed, including roles in "And Then There Was You," "Where Children Play," and "Cover," directed by Bill Duke.

Off-screen, he continued to evolve — directing and producing projects through his New York-based company Motion Mob Films, and taking the stage with his reggae-soul band, Leon & The Peoples.

Their second album, "Love Is a Beautiful Thing," received critical acclaim, with two singles reaching the Top 20 on Billboard's charts. In recent times, the band continues to tour major U.S. cities, bringing Leon's signature warmth and artistry to a new generation of fans.

Outside of his professional spotlight, Leon has shared a deeply grounded and respectful bond with reality TV star and model Cynthia Bailey, whom he used to date.

Though the two are no longer together, they remain close friends and co-parents to their only child, Noelle. Leon has often spoken highly of Cynthia, emphasizing that their shared commitment to their daughter has always come first.

"We have a child together and [sic] that is something that will never change, and no matter how many women I may have had in my life, only one of them has given me a child. So, for me, she has the highest respect of anyone," he once said.

Still Looking Good in the 2010s

From 'Swarm' to 'Blue Bloods': Dominating the 2020s

Even after decades in the spotlight, Leon remains as booked and busy as ever. In recent years, he's taken on a range of dynamic roles — from the critically recognized "Her Only Choice," which earned a Best TV Movie nomination in 2019, to Hallmark's 2021 hit "Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas."

He also served as executive producer on the award-winning international series "40 & Single," and starred in the provocative drama "A Luv Tale."

Leon's film and TV presence only grew stronger. He headlined 2022's "A Day to Die" alongside Bruce Willis, a global release and Top 10 Netflix streamer, and appeared in more recent acclaimed series like "Swarm," "City on a Hill," "The CHI," and "Blue Bloods."

In 2024, the momentum continued. He had lead roles in "A Bloody Night" and "Wild Cards," and appeared in the holiday comedy "Jingle Hellz," filmed in London. He also starred in "The Rhythm and the Blues," the Eddie Taylor biopic, which made waves on the film festival circuit.

2025 and Still Slaying

Even amid a packed filming schedule, Leon never misses a moment to show up for the role he holds dearest — being a father. Just days ago, the actor celebrated Noelle's 26th birthday with a heartwarming Instagram post.

Leon captioned the moment with pride, "A #kiss for #daddy from the #birthdaygirl @noellerobinson I must have done something right (:! #daddysgirl #daddydaughter #noellerobinson."

Noelle was introduced to the public through "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," where she appeared alongside her mother beginning at the age of eight. Born into the spotlight, she's been candid about the pressures of growing up on camera — from missing out on a typical sweet 16 to having her college experience impacted by Bravo's omnipresent film crews.

In 2019, Noelle came out as sexually fluid in an honest and heartfelt moment on the show, saying she wanted to tell her story on her own terms and help others feel seen.

For Leon, fatherhood has always been a matter of clarity and purpose — a role he's embraced with unwavering support and pride. Though he is selective about what he shares online, the glimpses he does offer into his life never fail to captivate.

In August, the actor turned heads once again after posting a striking photo of himself resting shirtless in bed. With his signature goatee and calm expression, Leon looked effortlessly composed, his skin glowing beneath soft lamplight. The caption reads, "Finally a night off and some much needed [sic] #rest #GoodNight."

Comments came pouring in from followers in awe of how the 63-year-old star continues to defy aging. "This man ages better with time😍❤️," one admirer swooned, while another gushed, "This man still looks fantastic!"

One fan couldn't help but point out his enviable genetics, penning, "Had a hairline all his life…. Lucky fella." Another added, "Yes Get your much needed Rest I Miss you in the SPOTLIGHT❣️🎬 It's Not the same without you KING👑🙏🏽🥰🥰🥰🔥🔥🔥🔥 [sic]."

It's clear that whether he's playing a blues legend, walking a red carpet, or just winding down after a long day, Leon's presence continues to resonate — not just as an actor or artist, but as a timeless figure in pop culture whose star refuses to dim.