Throwback Thursday! Stephen Colbert Launches Hilarious #PuberMe Challenge in Honor of Hurricane Maria Relief

Take a look at the late-night host at 13 years old

By Samantha Schnurr Sep 28, 2017 9:31 PMTags

Stephen Colbert just gave celebrities a worthy reason to share all of their embarrassing school portraits. 

During The Late Show on Wednesday night, the comedian and his guest, Big Mouth star Nick Kroll, decided to launch a challenge in support of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. 

"For every celebrity that puts up a puberty picture of when they're 13....I'll give a donation from AmeriCone Dream Ice Cream Fund," the host vowed. 

"I will match that," Kroll added. Of course, they couldn't start the challenge without joining in themselves, so the two shared awkward snaps of themselves from their teenage days. For Colbert, that meant a school portrait of himself in the photographer's suit jacket and tie because he had forgotten it was picture day.  

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Celeb Kids Head Back to School 2017

Fortunately for our entertainment, celebrities have started making their own contributions to the challenge, including Andrew RannellsAmy Sedaris and Aidy Bryant

Check out the snaps below along with more throwback photos of Hollywood's biggest names. Can you figure out which star is which? 

Lance Bass and NSYNC

On Oct. 1, 2017, the boybander wrote, "22 years ago today I met these jackasses. My life would never be the same. Happy #NsyncDay #PuberMe #PuertoRicoRelief."

Backstreet Boys

The boys in the BSB postes this old-school snap with the caption, "Remember home video? #PuberMe #PuertoRicoRelief."

Reese Witherspoon

On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in September 2017, Nick Kroll dared Stephen Colbert to share an awkward photo of himself with the hashtags #PuberMe" and #PuertoRicorelief to raise awareness and money for the people of Puerto Rico, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria. Many celebrities also heeded the call.

"Here you go @nickkroll... giant glasses, awkward hands, feeling 14! All for a good cause. God Bless Puerto Rico. #PuberMe #PuertoRicoRelief," the actress wrote on Instagram.

Conan O'Brien

"Hey @nickkroll and @StephenAtHome, this photo was taken the day I replaced David Letterman. #PuberMe #PuertoRicoRelief," he tweeted.

Lena Headey

It's Game of Thrones' Cersei Lannister!

Nick Kroll

"I hadn't hit puberty yet which is why I guess I was dressed as a tiny mobster in a failed attempt to look tough?" Kroll wrote.

Stephen Colbert

The late-night host was dressing far beyond his years. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda

"I've been waiting all my life for this call," the Hamilton creator told Colbert and Kroll. 

Busy Philipps

"I have no idea why this was a look, but it really was," the actress described this shot. 

Ryan Seacrest

"Found this in the Connie Seacrest archives under 'awkward phase,'" the American Idol host wrote on Twitter. 

Kristin Chenoweth

This teenager grew up to become the star of the stage. 

James Corden

In the words of Stephen Colbert, "Back then, he couldn't Carpool Karaoke without a licensed driver accompanying him."

Emmy Rossum

There's no shame in this adorable snap of the teen star. Fashionistas, take note of that car purse. 

Kumail Nanjiani

"[In] my defense, I knew [I] looked horrible," the Big Sick star poked fun at himself. 

John Oliver

"Hey, @StephenAtHome, for your #PuberMe #PuertoRicoRelief effort, I give you...the nuclear option...," the Last Night host captioned this shot.

America Ferrera

The Superstore star shared a throwback shot of her 17-year-old self in Gotta Kick It Up

Jimmy Fallon

"Here's a photo of me from earlier today," the Tonight Show host quipped. 

Fred Armisen & Billy Eichner

The Difficult People stars were more young and awkward. 

Samantha Bee

"This photo brought to you by Sun-In ™ and my grandma's Liz Claiborne separates," the Full Frontal host captioned this shot. 

Sarah Silverman

The teenage star hit this look right out of the park. 

Conan O'Brien

"This photo was taken the day I replaced David Letterman," the late-night host joked. 

Judd Apatow

The comedian was certainly smiling for this snap. 

Al Yankovic

No words will quite do this shot justice. 

Josh Gad

The Frozen star shared a snap from his "sexy awkward middle school phase."

Ike Barinholtz

Before the funny man was a star, he was "balling."

Alison Brie

As the Glow star put it, "Challenge accepted!"

Clark Gregg

"Any excuse to share the moment this curtain supporting beast was unleashed ‘pon da laaaadieees," the actor joked.

John Mulaney

Intentionally or not, the youngster showed his comedic timing early on. 

Amy Sedaris

This young lady grew up to become a big—and funny—star. 

Aidy Bryant

The SNL funny lady was just a smiling student back in the day. 

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View More Photos From Celebs' Awkward Childhood #PuberMe Photos

Which throwback photo were you most surprised by? Sound off in the comments!

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