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Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell | Source: Getty Images
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell | Source: Getty Images

People Say Dax Shepard Looks 'So Different' During a Podcast Episode — His Then & Now Pics

Andrii Tykhyi
Jan 13, 2026 - 10:20 P.M.

Viewers did a double-take after Kristen Bell's husband shared a new podcast clip. Some unexpected details in the video quickly became the center of attention.

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A new "Armchair Expert" podcast episode just dropped on Instagram. While it featured singer Cher and actress Kristen Bell, it was Bell's husband, Dax Shepard, who stole the spotlight.

The episode, posted January 5, 2026, had fans talking, but not for the reason you'd expect. As soon as the clip hit Instagram, viewers were fixated on Shepard's appearance and how different he looked.

He sported a dark, fuller beard, a tight buzz cut, and strands of gray at the sides. His face looked leaner, sharper, and to some, barely recognizable.

The actor and comedian wore a fitted gray sweater and ripped jeans, sitting comfortably in the podcast's cozy studio. But the casual vibe didn't distract fans from the change.

His caption read, "'You must have something I don't see.' What an Icon!!! @cher everybody!!!! And WELCOME BACK!!! Let's Go 2026!!!! @armchairexppod." Still, the comments weren't about Cher.

"What happened to Dax face? He looks so different and its not age different its something else [sic]," another wrote. "It's his nose and lips, like he got some Botox or something," one follower speculated.

However, not everyone was critical. "DAX! loving your beard you're looking extra handsome!" a fan added. Someone else chimed in, "Okay but DAX lookin like a fine wineee these days! I'm HERE for it! You better keep shinin too, my man 😍🔥[sic]."

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One viewer noted that Shepard's face looks noticeably different now compared to how he appeared in the TV series "Parenthood," which they had recently finished watching.

A different viewer joked that Shepard's appearance is becoming increasingly wild or rugged with age, comparing his evolving look to that of a werewolf.

One netizen criticized what they believed to be eyeliner on Shepard, asking him to stop using it. Another commenter suggested that Shepard doesn't need validation about his looks, implying that his attractiveness is already obvious.

Shepard has not responded to the growing attention, but interest in his appearance hasn't faded. His style has quietly evolved through red carpets, press events, and podcast studios, and here's a look at how it has changed over time.

2003

Fresh-faced and full of energy, Dax Shepard flashes a wide grin at a Hollywood party. His spiked hair and relaxed style reflect the early 2000s vibe he owned with ease.

Fresh-faced and full of energy, Dax Shepard flashes a wide grin at a Hollywood party. His spiked hair and relaxed style reflect the early 2000s vibe he owned with ease.

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2005

Dax Shepard chats during an interview, wearing a bold graphic T-shirt and an easy smile. Seated near a sunlit window, he brings a casual charm and natural charisma to the conversation.

Dax Shepard chats during an interview, wearing a bold graphic T-shirt and an easy smile. Seated near a sunlit window, he brings a casual charm and natural charisma to the conversation.

2009

Dax Shepard sits at a rustic table, dressed in a green jacket with longer, tousled hair. His laid-back style and thoughtful gaze reflect his character's calm confidence in a dramatic role.

Dax Shepard sits at a rustic table, dressed in a green jacket with longer, tousled hair. His laid-back style and thoughtful gaze reflect his character's calm confidence in a dramatic role.

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2013

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell shine on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Shepard wears a sharp black tuxedo while Bell stuns in a sparkling embellished gown.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell shine on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Shepard wears a sharp black tuxedo while Bell stuns in a sparkling embellished gown.

2015

On the red carpet with Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard opts for a sleek maroon suit while she stuns in pink. The pair strikes a polished pose, turning heads as one of Hollywood's favorite couples.

On the red carpet with Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard opts for a sleek maroon suit while she stuns in pink. The pair strikes a polished pose, turning heads as one of Hollywood's favorite couples.

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2017

Dax Shepard beams alongside Kristen Bell at the premiere of the action-comedy "CHiPS." With a wide smile and relaxed charm, he brings personal pride and big energy to the red carpet.

Dax Shepard beams alongside Kristen Bell at the premiere of the action-comedy "CHiPS." With a wide smile and relaxed charm, he brings personal pride and big energy to the red carpet.

2019

Kristen Bell, nominated for "The Good Place," arrives at the 76th Golden Globe Awards with Dax Shepard. Her sparkling gown and his sleek tux create a perfect red carpet pairing full of elegance and poise.

Kristen Bell, nominated for "The Good Place," arrives at the 76th Golden Globe Awards with Dax Shepard. Her sparkling gown and his sleek tux create a perfect red carpet pairing full of elegance and poise.

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2020

Dax Shepard takes the stage at the TCA Press Tour to speak about Top Gear America. In a camo jacket and graphic sweatshirt, he brings a cool, confident edge to the high-energy automotive series.

Dax Shepard takes the stage at the TCA Press Tour to speak about Top Gear America. In a camo jacket and graphic sweatshirt, he brings a cool, confident edge to the high-energy automotive series.

2023

Dax Shepard speaks on stage at SXSW with thoughtful focus during a live session. Wearing a burgundy shirt, he dives into a conversation about connection, creativity, and building a brand through community.

Dax Shepard speaks on stage at SXSW with thoughtful focus during a live session. Wearing a burgundy shirt, he dives into a conversation about connection, creativity, and building a brand through community.

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Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell attend SXSW, blending casual confidence with couple chemistry. His relaxed look and her bright pink suit create a fun, modern pairing on the festival's vibrant yellow carpet.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell attend SXSW, blending casual confidence with couple chemistry. His relaxed look and her bright pink suit create a fun, modern pairing on the festival's vibrant yellow carpet.

2024

Dax Shepard is seen walking through Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a gray sweater and light jeans with coffee in hand. His focused expression and steady pace cut through the city's morning rush.

Dax Shepard is seen walking through Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a gray sweater and light jeans with coffee in hand. His focused expression and steady pace cut through the city's morning rush.

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At a Variety podcast event, Dax Shepard keeps it cool in a forest green jacket and white tee. Against a leafy backdrop, he chats with ease, reflecting his growing role as a thoughtful voice in podcast culture.

At a Variety podcast event, Dax Shepard keeps it cool in a forest green jacket and white tee. Against a leafy backdrop, he chats with ease, reflecting his growing role as a thoughtful voice in podcast culture.

2025

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell pose together at the Power of Love gala in Las Vegas. With a velvet blazer and her classic black dress, the couple bring warmth and red carpet poise to the charity event.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell pose together at the Power of Love gala in Las Vegas. With a velvet blazer and her classic black dress, the couple bring warmth and red carpet poise to the charity event.

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Dax Shepard speaks during a panel at the Natural Products Expo West, seated comfortably in a white chair. Dressed in a yellow graphic tee and brown jacket, he shares insights with relaxed energy and quiet authority.

Dax Shepard speaks during a panel at the Natural Products Expo West, seated comfortably in a white chair. Dressed in a yellow graphic tee and brown jacket, he shares insights with relaxed energy and quiet authority.

2026

Dax Shepard sits in his podcast studio, beard neatly trimmed and eyes focused as he speaks into the microphone. The soft sweater and visible tattoo hint at a more grounded, mature era. | Source: Instagram/daxshepard

Dax Shepard sits in his podcast studio, beard neatly trimmed and eyes focused as he speaks into the microphone. The soft sweater and visible tattoo hint at a more grounded, mature era. | Source: Instagram/daxshepard

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In a quiet moment between words, Dax Shepard appears thoughtful and intense. His graying hair, rugged beard, and casual look reflect how much his image has evolved over time. | Source: Instagram/daxshepard

In a quiet moment between words, Dax Shepard appears thoughtful and intense. His graying hair, rugged beard, and casual look reflect how much his image has evolved over time. | Source: Instagram/daxshepard

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Dax Shepard gets animated while diving into a candid conversation on his hit podcast, "Armchair Expert." His hands speak almost as much as he does in this expressive moment. | Source: YouTube/armchairexpertpod

Dax Shepard gets animated while diving into a candid conversation on his hit podcast, "Armchair Expert." His hands speak almost as much as he does in this expressive moment. | Source: YouTube/armchairexpertpod

Dax Shepard sits comfortably in his podcast studio during an "Armchair Expert" episode, animatedly making a point. Surrounded by books and drinks, the setting feels casual and thoughtful. | Source: YouTube/armchairexpertpod

Dax Shepard sits comfortably in his podcast studio during an "Armchair Expert" episode, animatedly making a point. Surrounded by books and drinks, the setting feels casual and thoughtful. | Source: YouTube/armchairexpertpod

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Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell strike a polished pose at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Bell's shimmering one-shoulder gown and Shepard's sleek tux make them a standout pair on the red carpet.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell strike a polished pose at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Bell's shimmering one-shoulder gown and Shepard's sleek tux make them a standout pair on the red carpet.

Dax Shepard stands with a relaxed smile, looking off-camera, as Kristen Bell beams with joy beside him. The couple shares a sweet moment together on the Golden Globes red carpet.

Dax Shepard stands with a relaxed smile, looking off-camera, as Kristen Bell beams with joy beside him. The couple shares a sweet moment together on the Golden Globes red carpet.

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