Some photos really do get better with age, especially when they come with a wild backstory.
Danielle Fishel and Lance Bass recently revisited one of their most memorable throwback moments by recreating the iconic prom photo they took together back in 1999. And while the longtime friends were happy to recreate the look, Fishel admitted there was one major difference nearly three decades later: their bodies had changed.
The pair reunited earlier this year as Co-Chief Cheer Officers for QVC’s 39th annual Christmas in July celebration and opened up to People about the now-famous photo, which they recreated in April on the set of Fishel’s American Idol Official Podcast.
Danielle Still Had the Original Dress
Fishel, now 45, went all in for the recreation, even squeezing back into the original prom dress she wore as a teenager.
The actress revealed that the dress needed some alterations before she could wear it again, and she wasn't shy about acknowledging that her body isn't exactly the same as it was 30 years ago.
“In a lot of ways, it felt very natural to be back in my prom dress,” Fishel told People. “Although things didn’t fit the same way, body parts were not necessarily all in their same spot as they [were] 30 years ago.”
Lance Bass Remembers the Anxiety Behind the Photo
While fans may look at the throwback picture today and see a hilarious piece of pop culture history, Bass, 47, remembers the moment very differently.
When Bass attended Fishel’s prom, he was still closeted. At the time, he had not come out publicly, or even told his then-girlfriend.
© Michael LoccisanoThe *NSYNC star said the experience came with plenty of anxiety, making the seemingly innocent prom photo much more meaningful in hindsight.
“Oh my gosh, we have recreated that one a few times lately,” Bass said. “People just love that photo.”
He added that neither of them could have imagined the picture would eventually become such a recognizable meme.
The Famous Hand Placement
Part of what makes the photo so memorable is Bass’ hilariously awkward pose.
In the original shot, his hand appears to hover behind Fishel rather than actually resting on her back. Decades later, that little detail has become one of the most recognizable parts of the image — and a big reason the friends continue to recreate it.
Bass said the photo captures what that period of his life was really like.
© Robert C. Mora“It was definitely a story of our time,” the children’s book author explained. “It was a scary night for me just because your prom night as a teenager as a closeted kid, it can be very frightening.”
Looking back now, however, Bass is able to find plenty of humor and happiness in the memory.
From Awkward Prom Night to Lifelong Friendship
What once represented a stressful chapter in Bass’ life has ultimately become something that brings him a lot of joy.
“I think it’s hilarious that this many years later we can kind of laugh at it,” he said. “As much anxiety as I had during that moment in my life, it has brought me so much joy this many years later.”
Bass also credited the experience with helping create the lifelong bond he and Fishel share.
The former teen prom date has remained close with the Boy Meets World star over the years, and Bass said she has become family to him.
“I’m so glad that Danielle and I can remain such close friends because of that experience,” he said. “We have such a bond, and she’s become family and we’ll always be family.”
Their Prom Story Could Become a Movie
And apparently, their iconic prom night could eventually make its way to the big screen.
Fishel revealed that comedians and writers Mary Holland and Lauren Lapkus have written a script inspired by her and Bass’ prom experience and their decades-long friendship.
According to Fishel, the script is both funny and emotional — a combination that seems fitting for a story that began with an awkward teenage prom photo and turned into a lasting friendship.
“It’s so funny and so heartwarming,” Fishel said, adding that she hopes the project will eventually be made so they can share their story with fans.
