In the ’90s and early 2000s, they were everywhere—on magazine covers, bedroom posters, and in blockbuster films and beloved TV shows. These celebrities didn’t just capture the spotlight; they captured our hearts. Now, decades later, we look back at these icons and ask: would you recognize them today? Some have transformed with time, others have returned with a vengeance, and a few have gracefully stepped away from the limelight. Here’s where they are now—and how they’ve changed.
1. Jennifer Love Hewitt: From Teen Crush to Timeless Charm
Jennifer Love Hewitt was the definition of a ’90s It-Girl, thanks to hits like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Heartbreakers. Known for her girl-next-door appeal and radiant smile, she quickly became a fan favorite. Today, she’s embraced a quieter life. While she still acts—most recently in FOX’s 9-1-1—she’s also focused on motherhood and self-care. She’s open about body positivity and aging naturally, often posting makeup-free selfies and personal reflections on social media. Her charm hasn’t faded; it’s simply evolved.
Revisit one of the most iconic moments from I Know What You Did Last Summer—watch this unforgettable scene where tension peaks with the famous line, “What are you waiting for?”
2. Kristin Davis: The Elegant Evolution of a ‘Sex and the City’ Star
Forever known as Charlotte York from Sex and the City, Kristin Davis embodied elegance and optimism. Off-screen, she’s remained committed to advocacy, particularly elephant conservation and adoption rights. Davis reprised her role in the reboot And Just Like That…, showing fans she’s still got the grace and poise we remember. While she faced scrutiny over cosmetic enhancements, Kristin remains a vocal advocate for aging with confidence and authenticity in Hollywood.
3. James Van Der Beek: From Dawson to Dad Life
James Van Der Beek soared to fame as the brooding Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, a role that made him a household name. Since then, he’s taken on a diverse mix of roles in shows like Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23and Pose. Today, he lives in Texas with his wife and six children, embracing a life far from Hollywood. He frequently shares insights into parenting, healing, and spirituality, showing that fame is just one chapter in his journey.
4. Pamela Anderson: A Baywatch Icon’s Bold Reinvention
Few red swimsuits are as iconic as Pamela Anderson’s from Baywatch. But the former Playboy model has rewritten her image in recent years. In 2023, Pamela released a memoir and a Netflix documentary, both revealing a raw and makeup-free version of herself. She’s since embraced a minimalist, natural aesthetic, often appearing at events without glam teams or filters. Her vulnerability has won her renewed admiration and proved that true beauty shines when nothing is hidden.
Go back to where it all began with Pamela Anderson’s unforgettable debut as CJ on Baywatch—watch the iconic first scene that made TV history!
5. Winona Ryder: From ’90s It-Girl to Stranger Comeback Queen
With her pixie cuts, intense eyes, and roles in cult classics like Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Reality Bites, Winona Ryder ruled the indie scene. After a quiet period following legal troubles, she returned in grand fashion as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things. The role reignited her career and introduced her to a new generation. Winona’s style remains effortlessly vintage, and she stays largely private, letting her work speak louder than her fame.
6. Kim Cattrall: Bold, Unfiltered, and Still Magnetic
As Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, Kim Cattrall redefined what it meant to be confident and unapologetically herself. While she opted out of the full reboot, her surprise cameo in season two of And Just Like That… delighted fans. Off-screen, she continues to work in television and theater, and she’s a vocal advocate for women’s rights and age inclusivity in entertainment. Her presence remains magnetic, her energy as fierce as ever.
7. Melissa Joan Hart: The Sweetheart Who Grew Up With Us
From Clarissa Explains It All to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa Joan Hart was a defining face of teen TV. Today, she’s a mother of three, a producer, and still acting in light-hearted, family-friendly projects. She recently starred in No Good Nick on Netflix and has directed several films. A devout Christian and advocate for clean living, Melissa remains true to herself and her fan base, continuing to grow gracefully with her audience.
8. Elle MacPherson: The Body, The Brand, The Legacy
Dubbed “The Body” during her supermodel reign, Elle MacPherson became known for her beauty and athletic elegance. These days, she’s turned that brand into a wellness empire, founding WelleCo, which promotes plant-based supplements. Still glowing and statuesque at over 60, Elle attributes her appearance to nutrition, holistic health, and balance. She’s become a blueprint for aging vibrantly without clinging to youth.
9. Devon Sawa: Casper’s Human Form Is All Grown Up
Remember the ghost-turned-hottie from Casper or the rebel from Idle Hands? That was Devon Sawa. After a break from acting, Sawa returned in roles that leaned into nostalgia and horror, like Final Destination revivals and Chucky the series. He’s also embraced social media, where he connects with fans and jokes about his heartthrob status. Now a family man, Devon has found a solid footing as a character actor.
10. Kathleen Turner: The Voice That Defined a Generation
With her husky voice and smoldering performances in Romancing the Stone and Body Heat, Kathleen Turner was once the very essence of old-school Hollywood glamour. Now in her late 60s, Turner remains active in theater and television, including a notable role on The Kominsky Method. She’s been candid about aging, arthritis, and the industry’s treatment of older women, becoming a fearless voice for resilience and realism in showbiz.
Discover the moments you didn’t see in Romancing the Stone—this video reveals rare deleted scenes that add new depth to the classic adventure romance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiR779ewtg4&pp=ygUja2F0aGxlZW4gdHVybmVyIHJvbWFuY2luZyB0aGUgc3RvbmU%3D
Conclusion: Then and Now—The Beauty of Change
Time may alter appearances, but it also reveals depth, strength, and transformation. These 10 celebrities once represented youthful dreams and pop culture perfection. Today, they embody something even more powerful: authenticity, growth, and grace. Their journeys remind us that aging isn’t about fading away—it’s about evolving. And sometimes, the most captivating glow-up isn’t physical—it’s personal.
