Mike Myers returned to the spotlight for a rare public appearance this weekend … but folks had to do a double take, ’cause nobody could recognize him with his new hair color.

The actor stepped out Saturday for the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala in L.A. — where Nicole Kidman was being honored — which marked his first time at a public event in about a year.

Mike looked unrecognizable with short white hair — but was rocking it proudly as he spoke onstage at one point … and posing for tons of pics before heading inside, all smiles.

He was even taking photos with fans too … acting goofy and posing for a bunch of selfies.

Mike has always kept a relatively low profile … as he and his wife, Kelly Tisdale, are known for keeping their home life super private. So, seeing MM out and about like this is pretty remarkable — especially since he’s a silver fox now, and totally leaning into it.

The last few times Mike was out in public was in April and May of 2023 — in April of that year, his was quite a bit longer … and more importantly, it was the same color of brown we’ve seen him in for years now.

In May, the guy was at a basketball game — with pretty damn good seats, it seems — but there … he was wearing a beanie, covering up his ‘do. Since then, he’s been kinda MIA.

Anyway, it was clearly a big enough occasion to get Mike out of the house and into the public eye again — remember, this was all about Nicole … and anyone who’s anyone showed up to give her her flowers, including a ton of celebs.

Among the stars in attendance … Reese Witherspoon, Joey King, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jane Seymour, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts, Morgan Freeman and lots of others.