Barack Obama Throwback Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Steve Liss/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty

Happy Birthday,Barack Obama! The former president celebrates his 62nd trip around the sun on Aug. 4, 2023, and to mark the day, we’re looking back at some photos from his early years.

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From left: former President Barack Obama with his mother, Ann Dunham, in Hawaii in the ’60s.Courtesy The Obama Foundation

Before he was the leader of the free world, he was just a little boy in Hawaii. Here he is pictured with his mother, Ann Dunham, in the ’60s.

02of 15Congrats, GradLaura S. L. Kong/GettyIn 1979, a youngBarack Obamaescorted a classmate during the graduation ceremony at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Congrats, Grad

Laura S. L. Kong/Getty

In 1979, a youngBarack Obamaescorted a classmate during the graduation ceremony at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii.

03of 15Young LoveMichelle Obama/Twitter.In 1989,Barack Obamamet Michelle Robinson while they worked together at a Chicago-based law firm. Michelle, who was also a Harvard Law alumna, was assigned to be his mentor.

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Young Love

Michelle Obama/Twitter.

In 1989,Barack Obamamet Michelle Robinson while they worked together at a Chicago-based law firm. Michelle, who was also a Harvard Law alumna, was assigned to be his mentor.

04of 15Read All About ItBarack Obama/Instagram.The former FLOTUS was originally not interested in dating her co-worker. “After about a month, Barack, about a month in, asked me out, and I thought no way. This is completely tacky,” Michelletold ABC News.Eventually, though, she gave in — and the rest is history!

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Read All About It

Barack Obama/Instagram.

The former FLOTUS was originally not interested in dating her co-worker. “After about a month, Barack, about a month in, asked me out, and I thought no way. This is completely tacky,” Michelletold ABC News.

Eventually, though, she gave in — and the rest is history!

05of 15Booked and BusyLane Turner/The Boston Globe via GettyThe former President of the United States was also the President of the Harvard Law Review in 1990, and took these photos in the library to prove it.

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Booked and Busy

Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty

The former President of the United States was also the President of the Harvard Law Review in 1990, and took these photos in the library to prove it.

06of 15Harvard GradJoe Wrinn/Harvard University/Corbis via GettyObama is one of the few people we know who looks great in a yearbook photo. This shot is from the Harvard Law 1991 yearbook.

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Harvard Grad

Joe Wrinn/Harvard University/Corbis via Getty

Obama is one of the few people we know who looks great in a yearbook photo. This shot is from the Harvard Law 1991 yearbook.

07of 15Winning SmileSteve Liss/The LIFE Images Collection via GettyObama has always had a smile that was practically made to put us at ease.

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Winning Smile

Steve Liss/The LIFE Images Collection via Getty

Obama has always had a smile that was practically made to put us at ease.

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Power Couple

09of 15To Have and to HoldMichelle Obama/Instagram.After getting engaged in 1991, the pair wed in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992.According to Michelle, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.”

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To Have and to Hold

Michelle Obama/Instagram.

After getting engaged in 1991, the pair wed in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992.According to Michelle, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.”

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Life of the Party

11of 15One Lucky GuySome friendly advice: Get a man who looks at you the wayBarack Obamalooked at his wife on their wedding day!

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One Lucky Guy

Some friendly advice: Get a man who looks at you the wayBarack Obamalooked at his wife on their wedding day!

12of 15He’s a Cool DadThe Obamas welcomed their oldest daughter, Malia Ann Obama, on July 4, 1998, and her little sister Sasha on July 10, 2001.

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He’s a Cool Dad

The Obamas welcomed their oldest daughter, Malia Ann Obama, on July 4, 1998, and her little sister Sasha on July 10, 2001.

13of 15Family FunPosting a throwback photo from a family vacation, Michelle wished her husband a happy birthday,captioning the sweet pic, “Happy birthday to my favorite guy. Here’s to all the good days, blue skies and new adventures to come.”

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Family Fun

Posting a throwback photo from a family vacation, Michelle wished her husband a happy birthday,captioning the sweet pic, “Happy birthday to my favorite guy. Here’s to all the good days, blue skies and new adventures to come.”

14of 15Lots of Laughs"Thank you for the way you love our girls—and all the young people in this country, no matter who they are or where they come from," Michelle wrote on Father’s Day 2020. “We feel your warmth and generosity today and everyday. Happy Father’s Day, Barack! ❤️”

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Lots of Laughs

“Thank you for the way you love our girls—and all the young people in this country, no matter who they are or where they come from,” Michelle wrote on Father’s Day 2020. “We feel your warmth and generosity today and everyday. Happy Father’s Day, Barack! ❤️”

15of 15There’s Snow-body Like ObamaObama enjoyed some winter fun with his little snow angels in this throwback photo.

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There’s Snow-body Like Obama

Obama enjoyed some winter fun with his little snow angels in this throwback photo.

source: people.com