So dig into your closet for some plastic wristbands and take a look at your favorite It Girls from that era. Who has continued living a Hollywood-style kind of life, and who has decided to put their acting career aside? This is all about who they were and where they are today.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné first got her big break as Olivia Kendall in "The Cosby Show" during the early 90s. She went on to star in several roles on famous sitcoms, including the wildly popular "That’s So Raven." The hit Disney show lasted four years, catapulting Raven-Symoné to fame with contracts for four Disney movie soundtracks and roles in films like "Dr. Dolittle," and "Kim Possible."
Raven took a hiatus for the birth of her child in 2009, then released a new album in 2011, and joined the hit series "Empire" in 2015. Nowadays, she’s the star in Disney’s sequel series, "Raven’s Home."
Christina Applegate
Who can forget blonde beauty Kelly Bundy, from "Married…With Children"? This role launched Christina Applegate’s Hollywood career, earning her roles in several hit movies and TV shows like "The Big Hit," "Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead," "The Sweetest Thing," and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy."
Applegate got married to musician Martyn LeNoble in 2010, and they had their first child in 2011. She beat cancer in 2008 and most recently got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which she is battling like a champ. Don't miss her in the last season of her new hit Netflix series, "Dead to Me."
Kristy Swanson
Actress Kristy Swanson became the 90s “It” girl after starring in the 1992 film, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Swanson went on to appear in several films, including "The Phantom" and "Hot Shots!" alongside Charlie Sheen. You might also remember her from "Big Daddy," playing Adam Sandler’s ex.
In 2006, Swanson appeared on "Skating with Celebrities," a Fox reality TV show, and began dating her partner on the show, Lloyd Eisler. The couple had a son in 2007 and married in 2009. Swanson went on to act in "Law & Order," as Anna Nicole Smith and in some B-list movies.
Anna Chlumsky
Anna Chlumsky will forever be the beloved Vada from the 90s film series, "My Girl." But the actress has come a long way since that first kiss with Macaulay Culkin, getting cast in the HBO hit series "Veep" in 2012. Chlumsky took a hiatus from her film career in 1999 to pursue a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Chicago.
She married sweetheart Shaun So in 2008 and went on to have two beautiful daughters. Nowadays, Anna keeps busy with roles in Netflix’s "Inventing Anna," and the recent horror film, "They/Them." We feel like this is just the beginning for Chlumsky."
Bianca Lawson
90’s star Bianca Lawson got her big break playing Megan Jones in "Saved by the Bell: The New Class." Lawson also did cameos in "Sister, Sister," and "The Steve Harvey Show" and played Kendra Young in the hit 1997 series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." As for films, Lawson had roles in "Save the Last Dance," "Primary Colors," "Bones," and more.
More recently, the gorgeous actress has been in "Pretty Little Liars," "The Vampire Diaries," and MTV’s "Teen Wolf." Another fun fact about the actress is that she’s Beyonce and Solange’s stepsister! Lawson has been open about her private life and has revealed her partners to the world.
Alisa Reyes
You might remember 90’s hottie Alisa Reyes from Nickelodeon’s "All That." In fact, Reyes is probably one of the only things people remember from that series. She was born in NY and took her first footsteps in her career in the performing art school in the city.
She went on to voice a character on Disney’s "The Proud Family" and did cameos on several TV shows and films. On a completely different note, Reyes also had a gig working as a radio DJ for Playboy on Sirius XM radio. Nowadays, she lives in NYC with her husband and child. In 2021, Alisa began writing and producing a new show alongside many other projects.
Reagan Gomez-Preston
American actress Regan Gomez Preston was born in 1980 in Michigan; however, later on in life, they moved to Philadelphia, where she began her acting career. She started her career with the 1990 popular sitcom "The Parent ‘Hood," in which she played Zaria Peterson.
She went on to voice Roberta Tubbs, a character from the animated series "The Cleveland Show," until 2013. Nowadays, Gomez-Preston acts in the popular sitcom "Love That Girl!" and does voice-over for the animated series "Steven Universe." The actress is married to model DeWayne Turrentine and has two gorgeous kids, which she writes blog posts about on her mommy blogs.
Drew Barrymore
We first saw her in the classic 80s film, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," playing little sister Gertie. But it wasn’t until 1996’s cult horror film "Scream" that Drew Barrymore became a 90’s star. Barrymore went on to have an extremely successful acting career, starring in movies like "Charlie’s Angels," "Never Been Kissed," "The Wedding Singer," "Donnie Darko," and dozens more.
Nowadays, Barrymore hosts her own show, "The Drew Barrymore Show," in which she interviews different celebrities. She also has a successful American beauty company named Flower, which sells cruelty-free cosmetics. As for her love life, she has been in a few complicated relationships during her life. In 2021, she revealed that after six years, she has finally started to date someone...
Alicia Silverstone
Who wasn’t obsessed with Valley Girl Cher when "Clueless" came out in 1995? Her attitude and her outfits were just awesome, as were her girlfriends Tai and Dionne. But it seems this iconic film was Alicia Silverstone’s big break and pretty much the only one. She went on to act in several B-movies, like "The Crush" and "Blast from the Past," but nothing quite memorable.
Silverstone married musician Christopher Jarecki in 2005, and they had a son, Bear Blu. Currently, you’re more likely to find Silverstone supporting animal rights and posting family pictures on Instagram than acting in a movie.
Reese Witherspoon
Here’s a 90s girl that went on to have a very successful career, with two Golden Globe awards, a BAFTA, an Emmy, and an Oscar. Reese Witherspoon starred in some of the 90s' most famous films, including "Man on the Moon," "Cruel Intentions," "Election," and more.
Witherspoon also conquered the 2000s, landing leading roles in hits such as the "Legally Blonde" film franchise, "Walk the Line," "Wild," and famous TV series like "Big Little Lies" and "The Morning Show." She split from Ryan Phillipe in 2007 and is now happily married to producer Jim Toth. Reese has three beautiful kids.
Elizabeth Hurley
Before her role as a stunning devil in the movie, "Bedazzled" alongside Brendan Fraser, English actress Elizabeth Hurley appeared in the famous 90’s film "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Hurley was seared into everyone’s mind after wearing a striking Versace dress while accompanying then-boyfriend Hugh Grant to the movie's premiere.
She went on to star in two "Austin Powers" films and then in 2015’s E! series, "The Royals." Nowadays, Hurley designs her own line of bathing suits, named Elizabeth Hurley Beach, and the woman still looks so hot that she is a model with her own bikinis!
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
Everybody remembers the Olsen sisters from their days as the super cute Michelle (yes, they played the same character) in "Full House." This role in the series catapulted the sisters to fame, landing them consecutive roles in several TV movies (e.g., "It Takes Two," "Passport to Paris," "Switching Goals," "New York Minute," etc.).
After years of amassing a small fortune from all their B-list movie roles, the Olsen twins decided to go into fashion. They started their own chic, luxury fashion label called The Row, and just like their acting career, it seems to be going swimmingly. To this day, they are considered one of the most famous twins in the industry; however, they have been relatively quiet in the past few years.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts stole our hearts as Vivian in the 90s classic, "Pretty Woman." Apart from being obsessed with every single one of her outfits in the movies, her attitude was sassy and adorable. Roberts went on to star in several semi-famous movies of the 90s, such as "My Best Friend’s Wedding," "The Pelican Brief," "Runaway Bride," and the unforgettable "Notting Hill."
This 90s hottie went on to have a great acting career, landing role after role in Hollywood films. Her repertoire includes "Erin Brockovich," "Ocean’s Eleven," "Eat Pray Love," "Stepmom," "Mona Lisa Smile," and many others. She is considered one of Hollywood's most beautiful women and, with no doubt, one of the most talented ones too.
Jodie Sweetin
While the name might not ring a bell at first, Jodie Sweetin is the actress who played the lovable Stephanie Tanner in "Full House." After that major success in the '90s, Sweetin fizzled out until 2008, when she appeared on the TV show "Good Morning America," revealing her struggles with addiction. She even released a book about her experiences called "Unsweetened."
Most recently, the actress has appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and "Fuller House," a sequel to the famous 90s TV show. Sweetin has been married no less than four times. In 2002, she married her first husband, Shaun Holguin; in 2007, she wed Cody Herpin; in 2012, it was Morty Coyle; and in 2022, she married Mescal Wasilewski, who she has been with since.
Marla Sokoloff
Back in the 90s, child actress Marla Sokoloff played the ‘mean girl’ on several TV shows. She played Gia, Stephanie Tanner’s friend on "Full House," who was always coming up with sneaky plans. Sokoloff also played Jody Lynch in "Party of Five" and went on to land roles in several movies, including "The Baby-Sitter’s Club," "Sugar & Spice," and "Dude, Where’s My Car?" Most recently, Sokoloff reprised her role in the "Full House" sequel, "Fuller House."
In 2004, Marla began dating Alec Puro, and in 2009, the couple eventually tied the knot. They have three daughters together and are going strong until this day.
Ariana Grande
Grande is a household name for anyone who has grown up in the golden age of the 90s! She spent her entire childhood working hard to achieve her dreams and came in front of the world by becoming a national sensation after singing the national anthem at a Florida Panthers game. Her next big break was when she got the chance to get up on the stage for a role in ‘13,’ a Broadway production. This magnanimous opportunity gave her the chance to move to L.A.
In the TV Show ‘Victorious,’ Grande played the character of Cat Valentine with ease; hence, she, along with Jennette McCurdy, was considered for the spin-off of this series. But what is the actual thing that Grande’s fans most worship, even more than her acting? Her spellbinding voice! She made her first album in 2013, which reached the number 1 spot in no time!
Eva LaRue
Though LaRue started her career in the 80s with the TV show ‘Santa Barbara,’ she rose to fame mostly in the 90s after appearing in ‘All My Children’ as Dr. Maria Santos Grey. She did this role from 1993 to 1997, took a break, and again resumed from 2002 to 2005. Her excellent portrayal of Dr. Maria earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination!
LaRue was quick enough to get a chance to be in another TV show, ‘CSI: Miami’ in 2005 and continued to act till 2012. Her recent work includes a role in the thriller film ‘A Killer Walks Amongst Us.’
Tori Spelling
In 1990, Tori Spelling stepped into Hollywood with her father, Aaron Spelling’s project ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. In this hit television show, she portrayed the innocent Donna Martin with such ease that people were in awe of her acting!
To the joy of her fans, her talent is not restricted to the silver screen, but she can also hold the pen with utmost grace! In 2009, she penned an autobiography that won her great acclaim around the world. In fact, the book, at one point in time, had been a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Married to Dean McDermott, the two have five children together.
Lindsey Vonn
An exception to this list, Vonn had amazing skiing skills from childhood. She was such a good skier that her family had moved to Colorado from Minnesota in order to give her access to the best training facilities. She made her debut in the World Cup at the young age of sixteen!
Vonn’s talent knows no bounds, and she has continued to make her fans proud with each passing day. One of the most disciplined and decorated athletes, she is one of the six women to win a World Cup race in all five disciplines.
Ashley Judd
Judd is a very common name in the Hollywood film industry. She won the hearts of millions right after her first appearance in a guest role in the famous series ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ in 1991. From then on, she never had a dry patch in her career!
She got the chance to act in hit films like ‘Double Jeopardy’ (1999), ‘Ruby in Paradise’ (1993), ‘Where the Heart Is’ (2000), ‘De-Lovely’ (2004), ‘High Crimes’ (2002), ‘Divergent’ (2014), ‘Bug’ (2006), ‘Dolphin Tale 2’ (2014) and many more. Her splendid performances have earned her nominations for two Emmys and two Golden Globe awards.
Mariska Hargitay
Hargitay paved her way into the limelight with her exquisite beauty. Obviously, after she won the title of Miss Beverly Hills, USA, in 1982, opportunities to feature in music videos started to pour in. She was first seen in a video with Ronnie Milsap — ‘She Loves My Car.’
Her fame spread internationally by the mid-1990s, and she acted in shows like ‘ER’ and ‘Can’t Hurry Love.’ ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ in 1999 still stands as Hargitay’s most mention-worthy role. This role got her many Emmy nominations and won her a Golden Globe.
Nadia Comăneci
A Romanian Olympic gymnast, Comaneci created a world-breaking record in 1976 after receiving the first-ever perfect 10. At this time, she was so adept in her gymnastics that she could achieve six perfect 10s and win three gold medals. From then on, Comaneci’s name has gone down in history as the one who popularized this sport worldwide.
She moved to the United States in 1989 and became a permanent citizen afterward. Comaneci tied the knot with fellow gold medalist Bart Conner, and together, they run a gymnastics school. Her name still goes before her even though she is still very much in shape.
Nancy McKeon
McKeon is best known to the world for her performance in ‘The Facts of Life’ as Jo Polniaczek and continued to act in several TV shows and movies. The next big thing that happened to her was ‘Can’t Hurry Love,’ but unfortunately, this show was rather short-lived.
Her most recent project was a TV movie called ' You Light Up My Christmas' in 2019 after a few-year-long hiatus. These days, she still auditions and still looks for that one role that will bring her fame. However, we all know that no matter what she does, she will forever remain Jo Ploniaczek, with her unique facts of life.
Daryl Hannah
Hannah’s claim to fame was acting in classic films. She achieved her stardom by the end of the 1980s when she showed her acting chops in movies like ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Splash.’ She rolled through Hollywood with her star status until the early 2000s.
You will be surprised to know that Hannah’s name is included in the cast of super hit movies like ‘A Walk to Remember,’ ‘My Favorite Martian,’ ‘The Little Rascals,’ and ‘Grumpy Old Men’! Her fans were overjoyed to see her performance in Netflix’s sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. Apart from all these, she is also an environmental activist.
Phoebe Cates
Cates came on the silver screen during the 80s with the help of movies like ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ and ‘Gremlins.’ She continued to build her career into the 90s and became a part of ‘Drop Dead Fred’ and ‘Gremlins 2: The New Batch.’
Cates walked into her retirement phase in 1994. However, she came back to film in 2001 for one film, ‘The Anniversary Party,’ after which she disappeared from the silver screen entirely. A doting mother and a good wife, Cates is happily married to actor Kevin Kline and runs her own boutique store.
Kate Winslet
Does she need any introduction at all? The entire world came to know Winslet after she nailed the character of the vulnerable-yet-strong Rose in ‘Titanic.’ Her talent and obvious beauty kept the roles coming. An exceptionally gifted actress, Winslet continues to be one of the best actresses in Hollywood even today.
She has delivered several box office hits like ‘Revolutionary Road,’ ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘Finding Neverland.’ To her credit, she is the world’s youngest actress to receive six Oscar nominations. She's won three out of four important American entertainment awards.
Tatyana Ali
Ali claimed fame as Will Smith’s young cousin, Ashley. She recurrently appeared on most of the 90s super hit show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ episodes and was loved by thousands of fans for her portrayal of Ashley Banks from 1990 to 1996. Over the years, she shared her talents in many TV shows, some more successful than others.
She continued to steadily bag roles in soap operas like ‘The Young and The Restless and ‘Jawbreaker.’ What was the one thing that Ali regretted in her career? Not being able to make it as a singer despite having the voice for it.
Danica McKellar
Known to the world as Winnie Cooper in ‘The Wonder Years,’ McKellar continued her acting career with films like ‘Inspector Mom,’ ‘Static Shock,’ and ‘Young Justice.’ Though her acting chops in these movies seemed to spell a bright future for her, she gave up her acting for something more academic.
McKellar’s passion for mathematics was so great that she wrote several math books. She even stunned the world by inventing a theorem, which is obviously named after her! Now, if this is not impressive, then what is? Give us one more Hollywood name that can be beautiful, has great acting performance, and can easily add her numbers.
Marisa Tomei
Very few actors in the 90s had such an innocent face. Still, Tomei’s claim to fame was not her looks but her extraordinary performance as Mona Lisa Vito in the comedy film ‘My Cousin Vinny.’ Tomei’s popularity increased with her repeated appearance as Maggie Lauten in ‘A Different World.’
She has continued to land big roles in hit films like ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘The Big Short.’ The actress had never married and has made appearances in commercial hits like ‘Crazy Stupid Love.’ She shows no signs of slowing down, and as far as she is concerned, if Spiderman is around, so will she be.
Monica Lewinsky
It was beyond Lewinsky’s dream to become a famous name when she was working as an intern at the White House in 1998. But, unfortunately, the world knew her because of all her political scandals, more so when her name got dragged into an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with Bill Clinton.
Back in 2014, Lewinsky braved up and decided to tell the world her side of the story. She penned an article, ‘Shame and Survival,’ for the prestigious Vanity Fair publication, where she spilled the beans. Currently, the world knows Lewinsky as a motivational speaker and an anti-cyber-bullying activist.
Danielle Fishel
Fishel made her first appearance in the television sitcom ‘Boy Meets World’ as Topanga and continued to act even after the show ended. But her fame subsided after this, and she never saw any hint of stardom again. However, Fishel was again cast in the spin-off of the show ‘Girl Meets World.’
Nowadays, she is mostly seen in media outlets for entertainment reporting. Over the years, there were rumors that Fishel had something going on with her co-star Cory Matthews. Back then, they both denied it; however, in recent days, they admitted that something was, in fact, going on.
Mara Wilson
Wilson was famous in the 1990s as a child star. When she played the title character of ‘Matilda’ so convincingly, the world fell in love with this intelligent, mind-controlling, and Trunchball-defeating character! She was also seen in the very famous movie ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ along with Robin Williams. However, despite her initial stardom, she stepped out of the limelight.
Wilson loves to write and published a book, ‘Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame,’ in 2016. No one knows if Wilson will ever return to be in front of the cameras, but one thing is certain. She has definitely left an erasable mark in the industry that continues to shine.
Tonya Harding
Once recognized as a terrific ice skater, Harding met with an accusation in the year 1994. Every news channel reported her and Nancy Kerrigan’s beef. It was actually Shane Stant who had injured Kerrigan, but the accusation fell on Harding. She was charged with harming a fellow competitor, and her skating career obviously ended after that.
However, she had a busy life by selling a scandalous tape, having a rather short boxing career, and having set a new land speed record for a vintage gas coupe. Harding is now married to her third husband; they have a son and live relatively quietly in Vancouver, Washington.
Nancy Kerrigan
Despite being a prolific ice skater, Kerrigan became a headline in the news because of some unfortunate incidents. A victim of the 1994 Ice Skating Scandal, she did not let it dampen her spirits and recovered rather quickly. She was such an exceptional skater that she managed to win a silver medal at the Winter Olympics in 1994, which, hold your breath, was held only a few weeks after the mishap!
After that, in 2010 and 2014, Kerrigan remained as an Olympics correspondent. Kerrigan participated in the 24th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and won 6th place.
Cote de Pablo
Chilean by birth, Pablo had spent most of her childhood in Florida. She completed high school and attended Carnegie Mellon to study musical theater. After getting her degree, she got her first role in the series ‘The $treet’ in 2000. She continued to play small roles in many movies. Still, Pablo had to wait long before shining on the silver screen!
Her big break came through when she performed the character of Ziva David in ‘NCIS’ until 2013. She played that role for many years over a whopping 194 episodes! These days, besides appearing in various shows, fans have been delighted to discover that de Pablo is working as a producer on a new show.
Melissa Joan Hart
Is there any teenager of the 90s who was not hooked to ‘Sabrina the Teenage Witch’? People fell in love with Hart when she portrayed Sabrina with such sweetness! Her career was smooth and charismatic, and she continued on with many TV shows and movies.
Hart’s next big break came in 2010 with ABC Family’s ‘Melissa and Joey,’ which went on for five years. An exciting piece of news broke the internet in 2012 when she tweeted that she was in full support of the Republican party, but she has since switched to Libertarian.
Amanda Bynes
Bynes was seen from the third to the sixth season of ‘All That,’ after which she did Nickelodeon’s ‘Figure It Out.’ Would you believe that only at the age of thirteen she got her own sketch show, named ‘The Amanda Show’? With her career graph always having an upward curve, she has been associated with hit films like ‘What A Girl Wants,’ ‘Hairspray,’ and ‘She’s The Man.’ But after playing a role in ‘Easy A,’ Bynes’ career got tumultuous because of her fickle-mindedness.
She got herself enrolled in a fashion school but left it in order to start acting again. The year 2012 brought a major change in her life. She was busted for a DUI while having to deal with enough trouble in her personal life and then set a fire in front of a home, for which she was termed mentally unstable.
Alyson Hannigan
Hannigan’s early life had no such mention-worthy roles until she got the chance to act in ‘Buffy.’ After that, there was no stopping her! Today, she is known to the world for acting in the quirky ‘American Pie’ movie series and has gained immense popularity for her performance as the iconic Lily in the famous sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother.’
As of now, her fans see Hannigan hosting ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us,’ and there is a conjecture of her voicing Kim Possible’s mother. A loving mother of two daughters, she is happily married to her ‘Buffy’ co-star, Alexis Denisof.
Elizabeth Berkley
Berkley’s big break was when she got a chance in ‘Saved by the Bell,’ but much before that, she had appeared in a few TV Shows and a TV film named ‘Frog.’ The weird fame of ‘Showgirls’ (the initial bombing of the show at the box office and then becoming a cult classic) made Berkley a Hollywood starlet!
She was a contestant in the 17th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and also starred in an episode of the comedy show ‘New Girl.’ And what is her contribution to society? Some helpful tips for teenage girls to deal with their issues in her book named ‘Ask Elizabeth’!
Mayim Bialik
By starring on NBC’s ‘Blossom,’ which ran from 1991 to 1995, Bialik, an Orthodox Jew, first presented herself in front of the camera. If you are a Woody Allen fan, then you have definitely seen her in ‘Don’t Drink the Water’ in 1994. Bialik’s fans are proud of the fact that not only is she an exceptionally good actor, but also a highly educated person; she holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA.
Her fans get to see her as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler in the very famous CBS show ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ Her list of accolades includes four Primetime Emmy nominations and two Critic’s Choice awards.
Andrea Barber
If you have seen the hit 90s TV classic ‘Full House,’ you must have seen Barber nailing the character of the infamous Kimmy Gibbler! However, she gave up acting after this and did not resume it until she got the offer to play the reprised version of her role in the Netflix spin-off ‘Fuller House.’
In this interim phase, Barber attended Whittier College and the University of York in England, along with being a stay-at-home mother. In 2021, Barber appeared on 'That Girl Lay Lay' on Nickelodeon, bringing the star back under the limelight. We don't know about you, but she will forever be Gibbler to us.
Candace Cameron Bure
Starring in 'Full House' as D.J. Tanner, Bure was seen in ‘Make It or Break It,’ aired on ABC Family. She was seen competing on the eighteenth season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and also co-hosted ‘The View’ for two years. Later, she moved on to ‘Fuller House’ and ‘Aurora Teagarden Mystery TV films.
Bure is a talented writer who has penned three books. She is happily married to Valeri Bure, a former NHL player. Candace was in front of the cameras for most of her life and managed to build herself an impressive and stable carrera.
Katie Holmes
Making her first appearance in ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ none of Holmes’ movies could make a mark until she appeared in the blockbuster ‘Batman Begins.’ However, she did not continue to play her character in the later Batman movies and dedicated herself to raising her daughter, Suri. Holmes had been married to Tom Cruise, but they got separated after spending a few happy years together.
She returned to acting and starred in projects like ‘Dear Dictator’ and ‘Logan Lucky.’ Over the years, her relationship had become more spoken of than her career for no excusable reason. She is talented and beautiful and deserves praise in her own right.
Michelle Williams
Cast as Jen Lindley, Michelle broke the silver screen with her naughty girl look in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ all the way back in 1998. Audiences felt that something gravely sinister was lying beneath the garb of that innocent face! She has made her fans proud with her impeccable acting in ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘My Week With Marilyn,’ ‘Blue Valentine,’ and ‘Manchester by The Sea.’
Williams’ acting career continues to blossom even today with ‘Venom,’ ‘Shutter Island,’ ‘Oz The Great and Powerful,’ and ‘The Greatest Showman.’ Williams has been married twice. In 2018, she married Phil Elverum, whom she divorced one year later, and in 2020, she married Thomas Kail, whom she has been with ever since.
Jessica Biel
This extraordinary actor snagged the Young Artist Award in 1997 for her breakthrough performance in ‘Ulee’s Gold.’ Biel had later been nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for ‘The Sinner.' Starting her career with CW’s ‘7th Heaven’, she impressed everyone with the portrayal of a well-behaved daughter of a Protestant minister.
But what gave her maximum fame? Biel wowed the world with her performances in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ ‘The Illusionist,’ and ‘The Rules of Attraction.' From marrying the sensational heartthrob Justin Timberlake to becoming a doting mom, her life has not been shabby at all!
Shannen Doherty
Shannen was a bright star of the 90s, so much so that it was the busiest time for her! By playing the super dramatic Brenda on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’, she strongly paved her way into Hollywood. Though she was going through a dry patch after this show, Doherty soon impressed everyone as Prue Halliwell in ‘Charmed.’
The reprised version of ‘90210’ saw her as Brenda, and she went on to compete in ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 1999 and breast cancer in 2015. She soldiered on as an actress, producer, and activist until her 2024 passing.
Jennifer Aniston
One of the most famous and popular actresses in the world, Aniston is a known face to almost every person from every corner of the earth! There is not a single 90s person who has not seen the famous sitcom ‘Friends’ and not fallen in love with Rachel Green! The character of Rachel Green was a big break for Aniston, more so because the show successfully ran for ten long years and was loved by everyone. She received awards like a Golden Globe and an Emmy for this role.
Critics were all praise for her dramatic turn in ‘Cake.’ Aniston was the envy of many girls because of her relationship with the sensation of the generation, Brad Pitt! They got married in 2000, but their marriage did not have a happy ending. Later, she got married to Justin Theroux in 2015, only to divorce him two years later.
Mädchen Amick
Amick rose to fame after her performance as waitress Shelly Johnson in ‘Twin Peaks’ and then continued her career with teen dramas like ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Dawson’s Creek.’ Later on, she played Alice Cooper in ‘Riverdale’ and decided to appear in ‘Twin Peaks’ again for its 2017 return.
She spends her life between Los Angeles and Nevada. She has been married to David Alexis since 1995 (which is a long time by Hollywood standards) and is the mother of two beautiful children. Amick has already entered her 50s, and she is still one of the industry's most interesting, beautiful women.
Neve Campbell
Campbell is mostly known to her fans for her role in the series of ‘Scream’ films. Playing the role of Julia Salinger, she trotted into the hearts of many with the teen drama ‘Party of Five.’ Much to the dismay of her fans, Campbell left her career at the peak and moved to London in 2016.
The next big thing came her way when she rocked her guest appearance in the famous TV series ‘House of Cards,’ surprising the audience considerably. Campbell also made an impact while acting alongside The Rock in ‘Skyscraper.’
Gabrielle Union
Union's name surfaced in the early 2000s. She first lit up the screen with her presence in ‘Bring It On’ and then continued with ‘Neo Ned,’ ‘Bad Boys II,’ and ‘Love & Basketball.’ More recently seen in ‘Breaking In’ and ‘Being Mary Jane’ where she played the title character.
Since 2014, Union has been happily married to basketball player Dwayne Wade. Gabrielle is best known for her 20o1 role in 'The Brtheres"; however, the list of her appearances goes on and on. She was raised in Nebraska by hard-working parents, and it is clear that all she was given and taught paid off.
Larisa Oleynik
Nickelodeon star Larisa Oleynik captured kids’ imaginations as a girl named Alex with superpowers on 'The Secret World of Alex Mack' from 1994 to 1998. While her acting career was gaining her fame and fortune, Larisa wanted to know how it would be to be a regular teen in a regular high school. She left the show after four seasons to give high school a chance, got bored, and went back to acting.
Now, Oleynik is now all grown up. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence, landed a role on 'Mad Men' and starred in TV shows such as 'The Healing Powers of Dude,' and ' Trinkets.'
Meagan Good
Meagan Good started acting at four years old. Born in 1981, she says she grew up with lots of self-confidence despite being nerdy and petite. Getting into television, she appeared on 'Doogie Howser M.D.' and found further success in 'Cousin Skeeter,' which ran from 1998 to 2001. As a child actress, she landed many roles, but her career really took off as an adult.
She grew up and hit sex symbol status, playing leading lady roles in 'Biker Boyz' and 'Deliver Us from Eva.' She has also been featured in hip-hop music videos by 50 Cent and Will Smith, among others.
Michelle Trachtenberg
Born in 1985, Michelle Trachtenberg had her debut with a small part in 'Clarissa Explains It All.' Soon, she won the role of Nona Mecklenberg in 'The Adventures of Pete & Pete,' which ran until 1996, rocketing her to fame at the tender age of nine. Next, she starred as the titular character in 'Harriet the Spy.'
Most of Trachtenberg's first roles were on Nickelodeon until she moved on up to adult showbiz with roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl.' While she's had high-profile relationships, none of them stuck, and she seems to have taken a break from acting, as the last time she was seen on screen was in 2018.
Christine Taylor
If you've seen anything on a screen in the 90s, odds are, Christine Taylor was on it. It all started when she played a lifeguard in the 1989 comedy series 'Hey Dude Playing.' As a child actress, she played Marcia in 'The Brady Bunch Movie,' among other roles.
Next, Christine Taylor was on 'Seinfeld' and 'Friends,' which led to a starring role in the TV show 'Party Girl,' stamping her name on the decade. Taylor married comedian and actor Ben Stiller. The stars acted together in films such as 'Arrested Development' and 'Zoolander' before breaking up in 2017.
Elisha Cuthbert
If you’re a 90s kid, you must remember Elisha Cuthbert from 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?', the ghost story show that featured many up-and-coming stars. She was 14 years old at the time, but her career was already blossoming. Her debut film was in 1997's 'Dancing on the Moon.'
When the 2000s came in, Elisha found international recognition with her role as Kim Bauer in the series '24' alongside Keifer Sutherland. She was later adored as Danielle in 'The Girl Next Door.' She married star hockey player Dion Phaneuf in 2013. Her career has slowed down a little but has never really stopped, with some exciting projects waiting in her future.
Lisa Foiles
Lisa Foiles grew up as a kid watching the original 'All That' smash hit. Imagine her excitement when she was cast for the program in 1994! The 'All That's cast became her family, especially since she was homeschooled and missed out on being a high school teenager. She made the big time with 'Malcolm in the Middle' and was well on her way to becoming an actress in the grown-up world of showbiz.
Now, Lisa is an actress, video game journalist, model, and YouTuber. She hooked up with GameSpot and began hosting gaming events. Her work in the gaming industry has made her a frequent face at L.A. Comic-Con. She is married to producer Shawn Cloninger. The two have a daughter and a son, and they reside in Las Vegas.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba's 90s were incredibly fruitful with parts on both 'The Secret World of Alex Mack' and 'Flipper.' The shows got her foot in the door for some serious Hollywood action in 'Dark Angel' as Max. Her depiction of modern female empowerment was loved by all. She also appeared in 'Beverly Hills 90210', 'Never Been Kissed' and other hits such as 'Fantastic Four' and 'Rise of the Silver Surfer.'
Now she’s a family girl with her husband and children and runs The Honest Company, selling a toxin-free lifestyle. She is involved with many charities and is a Baby2Baby ambassador.
Shannon Woodward
Sweet, young Shannon Woodward made it to our TV screens as Missy, a little girl who lost a kitten in the kid's hit 'Clarissa Explains It All' in 1991 when she was seven. She went on to appear in several Nickelodeon productions and TV shows. Today, Shannon has transitioned to grownup television with parts in the FOX sitcom 'Raising Hope' and HBO’s sci-fi thriller 'Westworld.'
She has also developed a great friendship with singer Katy Perry, and the two made cameos in each other's productions. Shannon has almost reached her 40th birthday and has managed to build herself a very respectful career. The list of movies and shows she has participated in over the years goes on and on, and hse hasn't said her last word yet.
Alanis Morissette
Now known for her musical career, Morissette first got into show business as a child actor. It started with a part on the kids' show 'You Can’t Do That On Television' but soon transitioned into music, wrapping her talent all around 90s mainstream radio. In 1995, her album 'Jagged Little Pill' went platinum twelve times over. Hits like “Hand in My Pocket” and “Ironic” are still being played internationally.
Her music career is far from over, and she's constantly working on new materials. In 2021, a documentary covering her life was released, and viewers ( including us) discovered rare facts about her life. Overnight, she gained popularity all over again, this time even more impressive than before.
Lindsay Sloane
If you've ever looked at Lindsay Sloane's face and tried to remember why it looked familiar, it's because she's been EVERYWHERE in the 90s. Those who watched 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' would know her as Valerie Birkhead, Sabrina's friend from 1997 until 1999.
Sloane's acting career, however, started way before that as a child actor who signed with an agent at eight years old. That would explain how she's had a cameo in nearly every successful TV show in the past three decades. After her time as Valerie was done, Sloane got cast as another pop-culture staple as Big Red in 'Bring It On.' She was most recently seen playing the character of Billie in 'Endings, Beginnings,' alongside Shailene Woodley and Sebastian Stan.
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Hewitt started her career with television commercials. Her first break came with the show ‘Party of Five’, where she nailed the character of ‘Sarah Reeves’ and became Hollywood’s sweetheart! Soon, she bagged roles in hit horror movies like ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and its sequels.
In 2014-2015, she made repeated appearances in ‘Criminal Minds,’ but an unexpected pregnancy made her leave the show right away. Sad for her fans, indeed! Now a doting mother of three children, Hewitt happily married Brian Hallisay. She is a full-time mother and has decided to give her whole self to her family.
Julia Stiles
The world was introduced to a young Stiles when she was only a little eleven-year-old girl. In the year 1993, she was a part of the show 'Ghostwriter.’ What made her capture the attention of people around the world was getting a chance to share the screen with big names, like Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford, in 1998's ‘Wicked’!
Her star shone, and luck took a different turn when she acted in ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ alongside the legendary Heath Ledger. After this, Stiles got roles in blockbuster films like the ‘Jason Bourne films, ‘Mona Lisa Smile,’ ‘The Prince and Me,’ ‘Out of the Dark,’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook.' In 2017, she appeared in a small TV series, ‘Riviera.’
Jennie Garth
People were introduced to Garth in the early 90s through the super hit television show ‘Growing Pains.’ This was her very first notable appearance on screen before proceeding to land the role of her life! The character of Kelly Taylor in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ gave Garth the chance to win the hearts of people around the world.
Her career took off with films like ‘What I Like About You’ and also the revival of the ‘90210’ film. With husband David Abrams, she had jointly ventured into the reality TV world and filmed ‘The Jennie Garth Project.’ She may not be constantly in the limelight, but she is still going and has alot to offer the industry.
Claire Danes
The world first saw Danes when she appeared as Angela Chase in the famous teen series ‘My So-Called Life’ in 1994. However, Danes’ most famous role to date had been in the modern remake of ‘Romeo + Juliet,’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in 1996. She won the hearts of millions towards the end of the 90s with her acting skills in big-budget films like ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Mod Squad.’
Her work in the title character of ‘Temple Grandin’ caused the world to shower her with praise and accolades, as her performance was extremely convincing. Her main role in the series ‘Homeland’ had been so outstanding that it won her the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Actress in Television Drama Series.
Amanda Bearse
The world came to know Bearse after she played Peggy and Al Bundy’s neighbor in the ever-successful ‘Married with Children.’ She nailed the character of banker Marcy Rhoades D’Arcy, who constantly challenged Al’s chauvinistic views. Bearse continued with her director and actor’s journey after this show with ‘Mad TV,’ ‘Reba,’ ‘Dharma and Greg,’ ‘The Jamie Foxx Show,’ and ‘Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place’.
Bearse has never hidden her sexual orientation and is an inspiration for the LGBT community. She is happily married to her partner, Carrie Schenken. In recent years she has put acting aside and is getting involved in directing and producing.
Debbe Dunning
From 1992 to 1999, Dunning appeared in ‘Home Improvement’ as the feisty assistant ‘Tool Time Girl’ Heidi. However, this show was the only shining star in her entire career. No matter how hard she tried, she found it difficult to escape the little assistance carector.
She had no hits after that, even after acting in ‘Wicked Wicked Games’ in 2006 and many other TV movies. She leads a content life with the three beautiful children she had with her ex-husband, Steve Timmons, a professional volleyball player. These days she is very rarely heard of and remains 'Home Improvments's ' beloved star.
Mandy Moore
Moore stepped into film after climbing the stairs of her successful singing career. Her name was shot to immediate fame with the release of the album ‘So Real.’ With her debut, ‘Candy,’ in 1999, she occupied the 41st rank on the Billboard Hot 100. And by getting listed on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Music, Moore made all her fans around the world super proud!
In the early 2000s, the world saw her alongside Anne Hathaway in ‘The Princess Diaries,’ and also in the romantic drama ‘A Walk to Remember.' The one role that would make her memorable, despite her many films, is the character of Rebecca Pearson in the famous sitcom ‘This Is Us.’ It remains her biggest role to date.
Tia Carrere
The world saw a singer, an actor, and a model in Carrere. She became a household name when she starred in the long-running daytime soap opera, ‘General Hospital.’ After appearing in other shows like ‘MacGyver’ and ‘The A-Team,’ the role she became most famous for was the excellent portrayal of Cassandra Wong in ‘Wayne’s World.’
And we’ll tell you another anecdote, which not many people know, but Carrere’s voice has such an angelic quality. It won her lots of fans, as well as a Grammy in 2011 for the Best Hawaiian Music Album! The actress’s personal life has been quite a tumultuous ride, and she’s been divorced twice.
Lark Voorhies
When Lisa Turtle in ‘Saved by the Bell’ appeared on the screen back in the 90s, people went gaga over Voorhies! The extraordinary performance won her two Young Artist Awards, though she had been nominated six times. She continued to rule Holywood with her powerful act in TV shows like ‘In the House’ and ‘The Bold and The Beautiful.’
However, much to the disappointment of her fans, Voorhies stopped being in front of the camera too soon. Still, she had not vanished entirely from the news, as fans saw her writing when she authored three books, "Trek of the Cheshire," "A True Light," and "Reciprocity."
Kate Moss
What is the name that comes to mind when you think of fashion in the 90s? Moss, of course. She was the desired fantasy. With her unconventional looks and stick-thin body, she rose to fame at the young age of fourteen, becoming a muse for many designers. Since she had a size zero figure, she had to face strong competition from many curvy models, who were in vogue back then.
Thanks to her indomitable nature, Moss continued to strive and land modeling gigs, rising above all the famous models of her time. Announced as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, Moss now has her own clothing and perfume line. Do you know how much this woman is worth? Hold your breath; Moss is one of the most sought-after British models, with an estimated net worth of a whopping $70 million!
Amy Jo Johnson
Didn't you just love the pink one in the ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’? Do you want to know who was behind the pink mask? Here’s Johnson for you. The world mostly knows her for playing the role of Kimberley in this famous superhero series that continued to be everyone’s favorite from 1993-1999. Johnson’s Kimberley became so influential that she transformed the girly image of the color pink into one of courage and strength.
From there onwards, she went on to bag the lead roles in television shows like ‘Flashpoint’ and ‘The Division.’ Back in 2001, Johnson released her first album and even sat on the director’s chair for ‘Lines’ in 2014 and ‘The Space Between,’ in 2017!
Brandy Norwood
The world considered Brandy to be a full package of entertainment as she sang, composed songs, and acted. Now, that is some incredible talent! In 1994, her album, ‘Brandy,’ climbed up the Billboard charts so fast that it became platinum in no time! People were mesmerized by her portrayal of 'Roxie' on the Broadway production of 'Chicago.'
Brandy’s passion for acting got her the role of ‘Moesha’ in 1996, and this was to be her last role on TV. Brandy continued to amp up the heat on screen with noteworthy roles in ‘90210’, ‘Zoe Ever After,’ and ‘The Game.'
Fairuza Balk
The world saw an innocent girl in Disney’s ‘Return to Oz’ in the 80s, but Balk rose to fame in the 90s after shedding off her mild and timid image. In 1992, she moved to Hollywood and decided to complete her studies via correspondence. She got a number of awards and accolades for the portrayal of grungy and gothic roles in ‘The Craft,’ ‘Gas Food Lodging,’ and ‘American History X.’
Sadly, the actress has been out of the spotlight for a long time. However, there is one ray of hope for her fans! They will find her name in the voice credits of ‘Family Guy’ and ‘The Justice League.’
Alyssa Milano
If you are familiar with ‘Who’s The Boss?’, you would obviously remember Milano as the adorable and beloved daughter of Tony Danza. She also starred alongside the "Governator" himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger," in the action movie "Commando." You wanna know how she managed to get the world’s attention?
By trotting into the limelight with ‘Charmed,’ a TV show revolving around three sisters with magical powers. The current generation witnesses Milano as a producer of her own comic book series called "Hacktivist." Her life changed in 2008 after she got married to David Bugliari. The couple has two children together.
Tracey Gold
The world remembers Gold for the portrayal of Carol Seaver in ‘Growing Pains from 1985-1992. However, she did not have a smooth career in the film industry. Many actors and actresses stood by her during her struggle period with anorexia, but the paparazzi were heavily critical of it.
There was one role that helped her overcome her depression. Gold went through a catharsis while playing the role of Nancy Walsh in ‘For the Love of Nancy’ in 1994. This film, the first of many, dealt with the actual hardships one has to go through while battling anorexia. Like a boss, she silenced everyone who looked down on her!
Liv Tyler
A classic example of being born with a silver spoon, Liv is the daughter of the famous Steve Tyler and Bebe Buell! People noted her in small but significant roles in ‘That Thing You Do’ and ‘Empire Records’ in the early 90s. Later on, Tyler moved on to shine in bigger budget movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings trilogy and ‘Armageddon,’ and her career has not had a setback since then! In 2017, she played a role in the TV series ‘The Leftovers.’
She defied the age-old notion of an actress’s career coming to an end after having a family. Her career has continued to shine even after having a family, and she has landed roles in ‘The Strangers,’ ‘Jersey Girl,’ and ‘The Ledge.'
Karyn Parsons
Karyn Parsons got instant fame on an international level when she got the chance to play Hilary Banks in the famous sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ which aired on NBC. While she has never quit acting altogether, after her time as Hilary ended, her roles were few and far between.
In fact, it kind of felt like she fell off the face of the Earth after she left the Will Smith show. Some of the more notable post-Fresh-Prince roles are Margot in 'Lush Life' and Toni in 'The Job.' To add to her credit, her name is also associated with being the creator of the animated series 'Sweet Blackberry.'
Fiona Apple
Apple stepped into the limelight by being a song composer at the age of — guess — seventeen! Her first album, ‘Tidal,’ came out two years after she had composed it and shot her to stardom instantly. Her voice has such an awesome texture that she was awarded the prestigious Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for her track, ‘Criminal.’
‘When the Prawn…’ is Apple’s second album and the moment it was released in 1999, experts marked it as certified platinum! After releasing two more hit albums, she made news in 2017 when she composed the song ‘Tiny Hands’ for the Women’s March in Washington.
Naomi Campbell
Campbell started her modeling career at the young age of fifteen, and it brought her overnight stardom. She reached fame so quickly that within a year, the prestigious British Elle magazine had her for their cover! However, unfortunately, she was subjected to racial discrimination by a few people, although many in the industry stood in support of her.
Though she tried her hand at singing and writing, Campbell was never as successful as she was in modeling. From then onward, the famous model decided to take the matter into her own hands and launched her own line of perfumes, judged reality shows on TV, and acted in series like ‘American Horror Story,’ and ‘Empire.’
Jenna Von Oy
Jenna stormed into our lives in the late 1980s through a number of films and TV shows. But her rise to stardom was not instant like some of her contemporaries. Jenna’s breakthrough role was when she portrayed Six Lemure in ‘Blossom’ for five long years.
Right after that, much to the disappointment of her fans, Jenna decided to take a break from acting after ‘Blossom.’ She went to university to study film, but didn’t finish the degree! Ironic, eh? Though she returned to the silver screen after an interval of two years, sadly, her career never bloomed again.
Winona Ryder
Now, who needs an introduction for one of the most known faces of the 90s and one of the most sought-after actresses in film history? Ryder did her most notable and memorable works during the 90s and took the world by storm with her innocent face and fierce acting. She made thousands of fans after her appearances in ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ ‘Mermaids and Girl,’ ‘Girl, Interrupted,’ ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula,’ and ‘Reality Bites.’
Her extraordinary performance in ‘The Age of Innocence’ won her the prestigious Golden Globe in 1993 for Best Supporting Actress. Oh, and girls, wanna go green with envy? Ryder dated heartthrob Johnny Depp for quite some time, and the two were even engaged for a while but never married. She is now in a relationship with businessman Scott Mackinlay Hahn.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Born to actress Blythe Danner and producer Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth was born in a silver crib! In 1996, she got the offer to act in the cinematic adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma,’ and the world welcomed her into the film industry after seeing her incredible talent. Two years later, Paltrow did the romantic drama, ‘Sliding Doors,’ and got many dynamic offers since then.
This Hollywood starlet had her name attached to the likes of ‘Se7en’, ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ ‘Great Expectations,’ and ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley.’ She has also acted in the Marvel hit ‘Iron Man.’ Many people remember her for the spicy gossip about her hook-ups with high-profile Hollywood men like Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. Though she married Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, in 2003, her marriage ended in 2016. In 2018, Gwyneth married longtime partner Brad Falchuk, an American television writer, director, and producer.
Janet Jackson
Jackson could never reach the stardom level of her late brother, the phenomenal Michael Jackson. Now, that is indeed difficult, isn’t it? However, she did deliver some fantastic hits in the 90s, with two of her albums — ‘Janet’ and ‘The Velvet Rope.’ After this, people came to know her name slowly because of her own creations, and not just because of her sensational brother.
Right in the initial phase of her career, she acted in two record-breaking films, which hit the multi-million club! Alongside Tupac Shakur, she co-starred in ‘Poetic Justice.’ Jackson married Wissam Al Mana and had her first baby at the age of fifty! She has since separated from her husband in a very public divorce, and the two now share custody of their son.
Courtney Love
If you have seen the performances of the grunge-punk band Hole, you have obviously fallen in love with Courtney Love! Performing as the frontwoman of the band, Love was shot to stardom instantly. After marrying the legendary Kurt Cobain in 1992, she became a household name, but most of her headlines were made when he passed away in 1994.
Being the strong woman that she is, Love did not let her personal loss affect her career and continued to look ahead for greener pastures. She was a part of an autobiographical art show in New York in 2012 and went on a tour with Lana Del Rey in 2015.
Natalie Portman
One of the most talented actresses in Hollywood, Portman made her debut in a feature film named ‘Leon: The Professional’ in 1994. Her acting skills were of such a level that only two years down the line, she got an offer to play the role of Marty in ‘Beautiful Girls.’ This extraordinary performance got her huge critical acclaim.
Her brilliant acting in movies like ‘Black Swan,’ ‘Garden State,’ and ‘Closer’ mesmerized audiences, and her name became part of the A-listers of Hollywood. Portman was nominated for an Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her outstanding performance in the title role of ‘Jackie’ in 2017.
Linda Fiorentino
Though Fiorentino started her acting career with many movies in the 1980s, she got her share of fame after acting as Bridget Gregory in ‘The Last Seduction’ in 1994. Her talent in this film enabled her to land roles in movies like ‘Men In Black,’ ‘Dogma,’ and ‘Larger Than Life.’ The '90s was very kind to her.
But one unfortunate decision changed her life forever. Starring in ‘Dogma’ brought her bad luck, and this movie proved to be her downfall. Fiorentino could not revive her career no matter how much she tried, and the world last saw her on film in 2009.
Rachael Leigh Cook
Cook was as young as ten years old when she started her career in modeling. Later, in 1995, she acted in a supporting role in the novel-based film ‘The Babysitters Club.’ She impressed the critics, as well as the audiences, with her fierce performance of Laney Boggs, a nerd turning into a hot popular chick in the film, 'She’s All That.'
This film was such a blockbuster that it earned $103 million worldwide and helped Cook become a high-profile celebrity overnight! After the film’s big success, she returned to the screen again, co-starring with Tara Reid in ‘Josie and The Pussycats.’ The actor recently gained popularity when she voiced several characters in the animated series 'Robot Chicken.'
Lisa Bonet
Bonet is a known face in television and gained recognition after playing the role of Denise Huxtable in ‘The Cosby Show,’ as well as acting in a very short spin-off show named ‘A Different World.’ But soon, both her life and career turned upside down. Bonet was relieved from ‘The Cosby Show,’ and right after that, she got divorced from her husband, Lenny Kravitz.
Her fans saw her in several television films in the early phase of the 2000s, and then she appeared in ‘The Red Road,’ ‘Life on Mars,’ and ‘Ray Donovan.’ Bonet became the object of envy for many when she married hot ‘Aquaman’ Jason Momoa! She leads a happy life with her husband and children.
Gaby Hoffman
Hoffman brought a unique presence to the screen and floored everyone with her role of Samantha in the coming-of-age movie ‘Now & Then.’ The audience was impressed by how well she nailed the character at the young age of thirteen. She gave a remarkable performance that is still appreciated to this day!
This performance was so magnanimous that it helped her bag several other roles in big-budget films like ‘Everyone Says I Love You,’ ‘200 Cigarettes,’ and ‘Volcano.’ Hoffman continues to play characters in successful sitcoms, like HBO’s ‘Girls’ (in which she had a pretty crazy role) and Amazon’s ‘Transparent.’
Chloë Sevigny
Sevigny stepped into the film industry with a lot of controversy around her because of her debut movie ‘Kids,’ which did not go down well with audiences. But nobody could criticize her acting, and she even won an Independent Spirit award. Her talent got her offers to act in various Indie films, but the one that gave her real recognition was the portrayal of Lana Tisdel in the movie ‘Boys Don’t Cry.’
Her performance was so extraordinarily brilliant that she received Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Oscars and the Golden Globes. People have continued to see Sevigny in famous TV shows like ‘American Horror Story,’ ‘Big Love,’ and Bloodline.’
Nia Long
Long made a mention-worthy appearance in ‘Boyz n' the Hood,' as Brandy in 1991. Her stellar performance notched up her career in a jiffy, and she landed the role of Will Smith’s girlfriend in the super hit series ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ Will was phenomenal in his own right; however, Long made him reform even better.
From there onward, she went on to star in films like ‘The Best Man Holiday,’ ‘Big Momma’s House,’ and ‘The Single Moms Club.’ 2017 Long acted in two feature films and recurrently appeared in various TV shows, and she hasn't said her last word yet.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Do you even consider yourself a part of the 90s if you haven’t watched ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’? Sarah Michelle Gellar played the show's protagonist, which became famous for its horror-stricken moments and unexpected romantic twists and turns. Her breakthrough role was in' All My Children' in 1993 as Kendall Hart.
In fact, the marriage of Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. is considered rock-solid, as they are one of Hollywood’s strongest couples. The couple has been happily married since 2002. In recent days, she has starred in the Paramount series, 'Wolf Pack,' which is considered to be one of her most significant roles.
Tia & Tamera Mowry
Is there anyone who does not remember the sassy identical twins who were separated at birth? Tia and Tamera’s rise to fame was with the show ‘Sister, Sister,’ where they always weirdly managed to wear identical clothes. The pair continued to play the roles of identical sisters in the Disney TV movies ‘Twitches’ and ‘Twitches 2’.
Tia then moved on to ‘Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn’ in 2017, and Tamera went on with other TV projects as well. Fans of 'Sister, Sister' would be happy to hear that there have been talks about a revival, but they should also know nothing has been confirmed yet.
Stacey Dash
Dash is best known to the world for co-starring in the super-successful movie, ‘Clueless,’ and in a TV series at the same time. With extreme grace, she portrayed the character of Dionne, who is best friends with Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone. Dash continued her acting career with several films and TV shows in the early part of the 2000s.
2014 was a big year for her when Fox News offered her to work with them as a commentator and cultural analyst! While this venture tanked in 2017, Dash kept acting in both films and TV shows, such as 2020's 'Finding Love In Quarantine.'
Lucy Lawless
Men and boys back in the 90s had an extreme fantasy about Xena, the warrior princess. Different than other actresses of her time because of her fierce and dynamic personality, she rocked the Amazon-inspired costume like no other and stole the hearts and minds of thousands around the world.
The character of Xena had such a strong side of feminism to it that in all her later movies, Lawless continued to play similar roles. Not a person to be a damsel in distress, right? Her most recent works include TV series like ‘Salem,’ ‘Parks and Recreation,’ ‘Spartacus,’ ‘Agents of Shield’ and ‘Ash vs. Evil Dead.’
Tiffani Thiessen
Thiessen was a very well-known face back in the 90s, with a number of hit shows under her belt! From ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ to (more notably) ‘Saved By The Bell,’ she jumped between these super hot shows on TV and made her mark in Hollywood. She continued to act in television series like ‘Good Morning, Miami,’ ‘White Collar’ and, most recently 'Alexa & Katie.'
Thiessen’s talents were not limited to acting. Alongside the acting arena, the lady has good producer skills as well. Her fans around the world have been surprised to see her nail Cooking Channel’s ‘Dinner at Tiffani’s,’ which is her own cooking show.
Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth Shue debuted on the screen alongside Ralph Macchio in ‘The Karate Kid.’ Her sheer brilliance in acting helped her push her career, and she got the chance to star as the lead actor in the 1987 film ‘Adventures of Babysitting.’ The 90s were a golden time for her, with roles in blockbusters like ‘Leaving Las Vegas,’ ‘Back to the Future,’ and ‘Deconstructing Harry.’
She continued to make repeated appearances in ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ from 2012 to 2015. Recently, in 2017, she acted alongside Sarah Silverman and Emma Stone in ‘Battle of the Sexes.' She also had memorable role in the Prime Video series "The Boys."
Erika Eleniak
Another face from the famous ‘Baywatch,’ Erika Eleniak stopped the heartbeats of thousands around the world while donning the red bathing suit. For three years, she continued to play the role of Shauni, which helped her get lead roles in movies like ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ and ‘Under Seige,' among others.
However, her career in other TV shows and films never saw the success that ‘Baywatch’ gave her in the early 90s. But her fans rejoiced when the news came out that Eleniak was set to play the character of the legendary Marilyn Monroe in a future film! Pretty cool, right?
Isabel Lucas
An Australian-born actress, Lucas spent parts of her childhood in Kakadu and Switzerland. Her passion for acting goes back to the early days of school when she used to take part in dramas and skits. Her first noteworthy role was in ‘Home and Away’ as Kit Hunter, and she continued to stun people in movies like ‘Red Dawn’ and ‘Transformers.’
But acting is not the only thing she focuses on! Environmental activists will be happy to know that she is an avid activist and has voiced her opinion against the extensive dolphin killing in Japan. The socially aware actress is a spokesperson for the Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Beverley Mitchell
Beverley Mitchell played Lucy on the hit 90s sitcom "7th Heaven," a role that she held for ten years. A year after the show came to an end, Mitchell married long-time boyfriend, Michael Cameron, with co-stars Mackenzie Rosman and Jessica Biel as her bridesmaids.
Also in 2008, Mitchell landed a starring role on another famous sitcom, "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," which lasted until 2013. Some of her most recent TV appearances have been on the documentary series "Hollywood Darlings," in which she stars as herself. Mitchell may not be one of the biggest names in the industry; however, she is definitely one of the most influential ones out there.
Mackenzie Rosman
Mackenzie Rosman played little Ruthie Camden on "7th Heaven," and as co-star Beverley Mitchell, went on to land a role on "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." Apart from several B-list TV movies that weren’t very successful, Rosman pretty much faded out of the public eye.
The South Carolina native now lives a quiet life with her husband and child, which we’re sure is plenty comfortable if she knew how to take care of her "7th Heaven" paychecks. She chose not to procced with her acting career and take it to higher levels. We suppose the glam and glory are not suited for everyone.
Lisa Kudrow
Oh, how we miss Phoebe Buffay! Hands down the best character of the hit 90s TV series "Friends." It’s not surprising that this was Kudrow’s big break, earning her six Emmy nominations and one win. Kudrow also starred in the 1997 cult classic, "Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion." A year later, she and her husband, Michael Stern, welcomed a son.
Throughout the 2000s, Kudrow landed roles in several popular movies, like "Neighbors" and "Easy A." Most recently, she appeared in "Booksmart" and on the TV show "Grace & Frankie." And, of course, the Friends reunion on HBO!
Gillian Anderson
Gillian Anderson made her big acting debut playing FBI Agent Dana Scully in one of history’s most famous TV shows, "The X-Files." The hit series ran for nine seasons and then got rebooted for another two seasons 14 years later. Additionally, they made two successful "X-Files" films.
With her incredible talent, it’s no surprise that Anderson has gone on to star in very successful TV shows such as "Sex Education," "The Fall," and "The Crown." Most recently, she stars in the "American Gods" TV series. Anderson also does a lot of charity work, specifically regarding women’s rights and feminism.
Lacey Chabert
Although most people know her for her role as Gretchen Wieners, one of Regina’s minions in "Mean Girls," Lacey Chabert got her acting start back in the 90s. Chabert played one of Erica Kane’s daughters in the famous soap opera, "All My Children."
Then she went on to star in "Party of Five" and did voiceovers for many popular movies and shows, including "The Wild Thornberrys" and "The Lion King 2." Chabert has mostly done Hallmark movies, racking up fourteen so far. Nowadays, she lives with her husband David Nehdar, and has a beautiful daughter who was born in 2016.
Keri Russell
Keri Russell has been on quite a journey over the last couple of decades. While she had some minor roles in films such as "Honey, I Blew Up the Kid" and "Married...with Children," her breakthrough came in 1998 when she landed the titular role in the hit series "Felicity."
In more recent times, Russell co-starred with eventual husband Matthew Rhys in the series "The Americans." And Russell has even been a big blockbuster star, appearing in movies such as "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (The latter of which she reunited with JJ Abrams for).
Linda Cardellini
There is no denying that Linda Cardellini has been the poster girl for the Apatow comedy era. She first burst onto the scene with her role in the popular, albeit short-lived series "Freaks and Geeks," before landing a more serious role on the medical drama "ER." She even played Velma in the popular live-action version of "Scooby-Doo."
In the last decade, Cardellini has reached an entirely different audience, having appeared as the wife of Hawkeye in a variety of movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She also made a splash with her role on the hit Netflix series "Dead to Me," starring alongside Christina Applegate.
Cherie Johnson
Y'all remember "Punky Brewster?" Well if you do, then you'll definitely remember his best friend Cherie Johnson, who was played by an actress with the exact same name! Coincidence? We think not. Johnson also made a splash in the '90s with her role as Maxine Johnson in the sitcom "Family Matters."
Funnily enough, Johnson actually reprised her role for the revival series of "Punky Brewster," which came out in 2021. Outside of acting, Johnson has two kids and works with many children's charities. Also, she is a massive sports fan, specifically following the Pittsburgh Steelers. She loves Paul Pierce!
Josie Bissett
One of the most integral parts of the '90s series "Melrose Place" was undoubtedly the character of Jane Mancini. Josie Bissett was responsible for playing the character so well and having already appeared on shows such as "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "The Hogan Family" and "Secrets," it only made sense that she'd eventually get her big break.
We think it is safe to say though that Bissett has never completely managed the recreate the magic from her role on "Melrose Place." In more recent times, she has appeared in a plethora of Hallmark TV movies. Outside of acting, she has been married twice, most recently tying the not with Thomas Doig in 2017. She has two kids.
Soleil Moon Frye
We also need to give some love to the titular character of the popular NBC sitcom "Punky Brewster." Soleil Moon Frye gave some real panache to the role, and was integral to making the show a hit with a younger audience. Throughout the '90s, Frye showed up in shows such as "Saved By the Bell," "The Wonder Years," and others.
At the turn of the century, she famously played the role of Roxie King in the sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." And in the last few years, she has had plenty of voice roles, most notably in the animated series "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder."
Courtney Thorne-Smith
When you consider the fact that Courtney Thorne-Smith had prominent roles on shows such as "Melrose Place" and "Ally McBeal," it is safe to say that she really was a real star of the '90s, as well as the early '00s. And she took that momentum well into the '00s with her role as Cheryl in the show "According to Jim."
TV fans will also remember her for her role as Lyndsey McElroy in the popular sitcom "Two and a Half Men." Truth be told though, the roles have dried up a little, with her most recent acting performance coming in an episode of the sitcom "Mom" in 2020.
Lauryn Hill
It's impossible to talk about '90s music without mentioning the name Lauryn Hill. Breaking down so many barriers in the world of Hip-Hop and R&B, Hill was one-third of the popular rap group the Fugees, along with Wyclef Jean and Pras. Their album "The Score" sold many many records and even won the Grammy for Best Rap Album.
And her solo career got off to an amazing start too, with her album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" being both a critical and commercial success. Over the last few decades, Hill has focused less on her music career and more on her six kids, as well as a handful of legal issues.
Rose McGowan
There was a five-minute period when Rose McGowan was the quintessential action girl. Her roles in movies such as "Death Proof" and "Planet Terror" made her something of a household name. Before that though, McGowan got plenty of plaudits for her role as Paige Matthews in The WB supernatural series "Charmed."
Truth be told though, McGowan's time in a limelight faded with time. In place of her acting career, McGowan has become a vocal activist, especially in light of the #MeToo movement. She was the focal point of the four-part documentary series "Citizen Rose." And she also laid all bare in her memoir "Brave."
Rosie Perez
As the '80s came to an end and the '90s began, Rosie Perez seemed to be the name on everybody's lips. The talented actress burst onto the scene when she danced to "Fight the Power" in the classic Spike Lee joint "Do the Right Thing." This was shortly followed by a key role in the hit comedy "White Men Can't Jump."
Just a year later, Perez was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the movie "Fearless." While she fell off the radar a little as time went on, Perez ended up coming back to the limelight with roles in flicks such as "Pineapple Express" and "Birds of Prey."
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
There is no denying that Jamie-Lynn Sigler's greatest claim to fame was for her role as Meadow Soprano in one of the greatest TV shows of all times, HBO's gangster drama "The Sopranos." Her performance as Tony Soprano's daughter was one for the ages, and many thought that this would be just the beginning of a prolific career.
While she has never managed to eclipse her role as Meadow, Sigler has continued to find work in acting over the years, appearing in shows such as "Entourage," "Guys with Kids," and "Big Sky," among others. She has been married twice and has two kids.
Calista Flockhart
If you never watched an episode of Ally McBeal, what have you been doing with your life? This comedy-drama series was the talk of the town during the end of the '90s and the beginning of the '00s, with Flockhart playing the titular Boston lawyer. The talented actress received rave reviews for her role, winning awards along the way.
While she also had noteworthy roles in movies such as "The Birdcage" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream," there is no denying that Flockhart's marriage to Harrison Ford is what has been keeping her most relevant up until the present day.
Sara Gilbert
Sara Gilbert clearly had an eventful first few decades of a career. The talented actress first made waves with her role as Darlene Conner in the hit ABC sitcom "Roseanne," receiving her fair share of awards along the way. Eventually, Gilbert rose to prominence once again with her role as Leslie Winkle in the CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory."
And outside of her acting career, Gilbert also enjoyed success as one of the co-hosts of the popular talk show "The View." So far, Gilbert has three kids and was married to Linda Perry up until 2019.
Fran Drescher
Back in the '90s, Fran Drescher was tearing it up at Fran Fine in the hit sitcom "The Nanny." Funnily enough, she actually co-created the show with her husband at the time, Peter Marc Jacobson. Many aren't actually aware that Drescher had a very small cameo in "Saturday Night Fever" back in the '70s.
More recently, Drescher is best recognized for her role as the national president of the SAG-AFTRA - otherwise known as the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She led the union during the 2023 actor's strike, which started after the writer's strike began.
Madeline Zima
While she might be on of the younger stars on this list, that is because Madeline Zima started her career back in the '90s when she was still very young. The talented young star first made a name for herself as Grace Sheffield in the CBS show "The Nanny."
And her fame didn't slow down in the '00s, as she also got roles on shows such as "Californication" and "Heroes." Up until the present day, Zima has stayed very busy, appearing in everything from "Twin Peaks" and "You" to "Perry Mason" and "Doom Patrol." Like we said, she's in everything!
Eve
Who's that girl? It's Eve, of course! Known as the first lady of the Ruff Ryders, Eve was one of the "baddest" girls in all of Hip-Hop at the turn of the millennium. This talented rapper had a lot of big hits, including the likes of "Gangsta Lovin'" and the classic "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," which featured Gwen Stefani, of all people.
Although she didn't manage to build on that success, Eve did crossover into the acting world, showing up in movies such as "XXX," "Barbershop," and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," to name a few. In 2022, Eve and her husband Maximillion Cooper welcomed their first child into the world.
Mary-Louise Parker
Back in the '90s, Mary-Louise Parker was in all kinds of good movies, including "The Client," "Boys on the Side," "The Portrait of a Lady," and many more. But it was her lead role as Nancy Botwin in the Showtime series "Weeds" that really took her reputation to a whole new level.
That classic role took her fame to a whole new level, and Parker starred in other big movies over the decade or two, including "Red," "Howl," and "Red Sparrow," among others. Parker actually had a son, William Atticus Parker, with fellow actor Billy Crudup. Her son is also an actor.