90s Stars Then and Now: See How They’ve Changed Over the Years
10View galleryThe 1990s gave us unforgettable shows, teen heartthrobs, and movie moments that shaped an entire generation. Whether you were glued to Friends, quoting Clueless, or singing along with Saved by the Bell, these stars defined what it meant to be a 90s icon.
But time has moved on — and so have they. Some stayed in Hollywood’s spotlight, others shifted gears entirely, but all of them remain unforgettable.
Here’s a look at the most beloved 90s stars — then and now.
1. Alicia Silverstone
Then: Alicia Silverstone became an instant household name when she played Cher Horowitz in Clueless (1995). With her iconic plaid skirts, witty one-liners, and Valley Girl charm, she wasn’t just acting — she was creating a cultural blueprint for the decade. For a while, she was Hollywood’s go-to ingenue, starring in films like Batman & Robin and Blast from the Past.
Now: While Alicia never chased constant blockbusters, she has carved out a meaningful career. She continues acting in indie films and stage work, but much of her focus has shifted to activism and wellness.
A vocal advocate for veganism and environmentalism, she even authored a best-selling book, The Kind Diet. Today, she’s not just remembered for Cher — she’s respected as someone who used her fame to push for healthier living and animal rights.
2. Mario Lopez
Then: Mario Lopez broke into stardom as A.C. Slater, the athletic jock with a heart of gold on Saved by the Bell. His dimples and charm made him one of the ultimate teen crushes of the 90s. Even after the show, his role became so iconic that he was forever linked to Bayside High.
Now: Lopez successfully transitioned from actor to one of the most polished TV personalities in entertainment. From hosting Extra to countless red carpet events and interviews, he’s become a familiar face in Hollywood media. Beyond that, he’s also a family man, fitness enthusiast, and children’s book author. While Slater might have been his big break, Mario Lopez proved he was far more than just a sitcom character.
3. Jennifer Aniston
Then: Few characters defined 90s television like Rachel Green on Friends. Jennifer Aniston’s layered haircut was copied in salons across the world, and her charm helped make the sitcom one of the most beloved shows in history. She quickly rose from sitcom darling to full-fledged movie star.
Now: Aniston remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable and enduring stars. She’s currently co-leading Apple TV’s The Morning Show, earning critical acclaim and awards. Beyond acting, she’s a producer, philanthropist, and pop culture constant. What’s remarkable is how she’s managed to maintain both her celebrity status and her relatability — no small feat in Hollywood.
4. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Then: If the 90s had a queen of supernatural cool, it was Sarah Michelle Gellar. She led Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a mix of toughness and vulnerability, instantly becoming a role model. She also starred in cult classics like Cruel Intentions and I Know What You Did Last Summer, cementing her teen idol status.
Now: Gellar stepped back from Hollywood’s grind to focus on family life with husband Freddie Prinze Jr., but she never disappeared completely. She’s returned for select acting projects, voiced characters in animation, and launched a successful lifestyle food company, Foodstirs. While she may no longer be fighting vampires weekly, Sarah Michelle Gellar remains an icon of empowerment and reinvention.
5. Freddie Prinze Jr.
Then: No 90s teen magazine was complete without Freddie Prinze Jr.’s face on the cover. From She’s All That to I Know What You Did Last Summer, he was the ultimate heartthrob. He had that mix of boy-next-door charm and movie star looks that defined the late 90s teen rom-com boom.
Now: Prinze Jr. has stepped away from Hollywood’s center stage but found happiness in other areas. He’s a voice actor for animated series, wrote a cookbook (Back to the Kitchen), and spends most of his time with his wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and their kids. While he’s no longer Hollywood’s poster boy, his fans still remember him as the quintessential 90s dream guy.
6. James Van Der Beek (1977–2026)
Then: James Van Der Beek embodied teenage angst as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek. The show was a cultural phenomenon, and his character’s emotional expressions even became one of the internet’s earliest memes (“Crying Dawson”). In the late 90s, Van Der Beek was at the peak of teen heartthrob fame.
Later years: Van Der Beek reinvented himself in surprising ways. He appeared in comedies like Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, poking fun at his former fame, and joined Dancing with the Stars.
He focused on raising his six children with his wife and embracing a more grounded life, and his evolution from teen drama king to family man earned him a whole new level of respect. He died in February 2026 at 48, after a battle with colorectal cancer.
7. Melissa Joan Hart
Then: Melissa Joan Hart gave us two of the most beloved teen shows of the 90s: Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. With her relatable humor and wholesome charm, she became one of Nickelodeon and ABC’s most recognizable faces.
Now: Hart continues acting and has branched into directing and producing. She’s starred in made-for-TV movies and family films, all while balancing life as a mother of three. Melissa represents a rare case of a child star who transitioned smoothly into adulthood without scandal — something fans continue to admire.
8. Mayim Bialik
Then: Mayim Bialik starred as Blossom Russo in the quirky sitcom Blossom, instantly recognizable with her signature hats and witty personality. She stood out as a brainy, independent teen role model at a time when most sitcoms focused on shallow characters.
Now: Unlike most of her peers, Mayim stepped away from acting to pursue academics, eventually earning a PhD in neuroscience. She later returned to Hollywood, finding major success as Amy Farrah Fowler in The Big Bang Theory. Today, she also co-hosts Jeopardy! and continues to balance science, acting, and writing. She’s living proof that Hollywood stars can have second — and third — acts.
9. Tia and Tamera Mowry
Then: Tia and Tamera Mowry captured hearts as identical twins separated at birth in Sister, Sister. Their mix of humor, heart, and sisterly bond made the show a fan favorite through the 90s.
Now: Both sisters remain busy in entertainment, but also expanded into business and lifestyle ventures. Tia launched a cooking show and wellness brand, while Tamera co-hosted The Real talk show for several years. They’ve built impressive careers beyond acting, all while maintaining their close family connection.
10. Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Then: Zack Morris from Saved by the Bell was every teen’s mischievous crush. From breaking the fourth wall to scheming at Bayside High, Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s character became one of the decade’s most recognizable figures.
Now: Gosselaar avoided being typecast by pivoting to more serious roles, including NYPD Blue and legal dramas like Franklin & Bash. He even reprised Zack in the Saved by the Bell reboot, delighting longtime fans. While he’s not pulling the same antics as he did in high school, his steady presence on TV has kept him relevant for decades.
