Golden Globe nominated 70s film star looks unrecognizable 52 years after career-defining role
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A 70s film legend, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his biggest gig, looks very different today.

The rock star turned actor started out as a drummer before making his mark on the big screen.

A man holding a Bible poses for a photo with a fan.

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Ted Neeley posed with a fan at a recent conventionCredit: Instagram
Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar (1973).

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He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his lead role in Jesus Christ SuperstarCredit: Alamy
Close-up of a man wearing glasses and a newsboy cap.

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Ted in a recent instagram video on his social media accountCredit: instagram

Ted Neeley is, of course, best known for playing Jesus in the 1973 film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The role was so impressive, he was nominated for two Golden Globes – one for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy and one for Most Promising Newcomer.

Unfortunately for Ted, he was pipped to the Best Actor gong by George Segal, who won for his turn in A Touch of Class.

And he also lost out in the Best Newcomer category, which was taken home by American Graffiti actor Paul Le Mat.

While Ted may have gone home empty handed on the night, his star-making turn had a big impact on fans.

Recently, one admirer shared a snap with Ted at a convention, which he shared to social media.

The Jesus Christ Superstar devotee, known as celebrity evangelist on instagram, posed for a shot with Ted, who held a copy of the Holy Bible in the picture.

Ted still sported his famous long locks, but looked a long way from his 70s heyday as he now sported glasses, a baker boy style cap and appeared to have lost weight.

The fan shared an insight into their encounter, writing: “I asked him who Jesus is to you?

“He pondered the question for a bit before saying, ‘I owe everything to him. That’s who gave me my whole career, and I owe everything to Him.’

“I won’t go into our private conversation, but I do ask that you be praying for this soul.”

Ted has reprised his role from the musical several times over the years, including in a highly successful touring company in the 1990s.

More recently, Ted also embarked on a tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, which involved a screening of the musical. followed by a meet-and-greet sessions with him afterwards.

He also had a small role in the Quentin Tarantino move Django Unchained.

Ted Neeley as Jesus in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

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Ted reprised the role in 2014 on a tourCredit: AFP

Away from the big screen, Ted has composed music for films such as A Perfect Couple and Blame It on the Night, and for TV shows like Highway to Heaven.

Some fans, however, know him for his music career before acting.

He signed his first record deal in 1965, age 22, with Capitol Records and was in a band called The Teddy Neeley Five.

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