Where Are They Now? Teen Movie Stars Of The Late ’90s And Early 2000s

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Remember the good old days of trucker hats, Juicy sweatsuits, butterfly hair clips and denim skirts? We thought we looked so “fly.”

And we loved to watch all of our favorite movies: “Scream,” “Varsity Blues,” “Can’t Hardly Wait,” “American Pie” and so many more. But what happened to all our favorite stars from those beloved flicks? Have they gone the way of Phat Farm and puffy vests? Let’s find out, shall we?

1. Skeet Ulrich

Skeet Ulrich was James Dean for teens in the late 90s and early aughts. From “Scream” to “The Craft,” his talent and smoldering good looks made girls wild. And now? He is still acting, most recently appearing in the short-lived “Law & Order: LA” as well as a handful of made-for-TV movies. And he is still as handsome as ever!

Then

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Now

8th Annual BritWeek Launch Party - Inside
Getty Images | Frazer Harrison

2. Lauren Ambrose

Lauren Ambrose was the girl we could all relate to in “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Not to mention, she is a gifted actor who nails every role. She went on to star in the critically acclaimed “Six Feet Under” and her next project is a TV adaption of the popular book “The Interestings.” She is also a mother of two.

Then

lauren ambrose 2002 gracie awards photo
Getty Images | Scott Gries

Now

lauren ambrose 2016 photo
Getty Images | Rich Polk

3. Ron Lester

Ron Lester, best known for his role as Billy Bob on “Varsity Blues,” struggled with obesity for most of his life. He tried an experimental gastric bypass surgery that helped him to lose hundreds of pounds. However, he passed away in 2016 due to kidney and liver failure. He is sorely missed by his friends, family and fans.

Then

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Now

LOS ANGELES - MAY 6: Actor Ron Lester arrives at the premiere of "Wasabi Tuna" at the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre on May 6, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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4. Rachael Leigh Cook

Who didn’t love Rachel Leigh Cook in “She’s All That”? She was more than just a pretty face. She was intelligent, witty and unafraid to be herself. And she got to smooch Freddy Prinze! Nowadays, she’s performing in made-for-TV movies. She is also a mother of two. and she is still as gorgeous as ever!

Then

Photo by Getty Images

 

Now

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5. Freddie Prinze Jr.

Speaking of Freddie Prinze Jr., what the heck has he been up to? Well, he is still happily married to 90s queen Sarah Michelle Gellar, and is a devoted father. His new passion is cooking, and he is releasing a cookbook shortly!

Then

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Now

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6. Fairuza Balk

Remember Fairuza Balk? The raven-haired star was made famous in movies like “American History X,” “The Craft” and “The Waterboy.” She has continued acting, most notably on Showtime’s “Ray Donovan.” She is also a talented artist and has recently joined the cast of “Ray Donovan” on Showtime.

Then

Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Now

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7. Brad Renfro

Brad Renfro was the indie movie star of the late 90s/early 00s. From “Bully” to “Sleepers” to “Ghost World,” Renfro was known for bringing pathos and substance to every role he chose. Sadly, he passed away from a drug overdose in 2008. His death is a tragedy for all who knew and loved him, including his millions of fans.

Then

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

 

Now

HOLLYWOOD , CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actor Brad Renfro arrives at Warner Independent's Premiere of "The Jacket" at the Pacific ArcLight Theaters on February 28, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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8. Shannon Elizabeth

Shannon Elizabeth quickly became Hollywood’s ‘It Girl’ after her turn in “American Pie.” From there she starred in such late 00s flicks as “Scary Movie” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” She is still acting, but she is also a mother and a passionate vegan who is devoted to protecting animal rights. Go, Shannon! And she is still a knockout.

Then

Photo by Getty Images

Now

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNKGIikje6Z/?taken-by=shannonelizabeth

9. Danielle Harris

Remember Danielle Harris? She got her start as the little girl being terrorized by Michael Myers in the “Halloween” sequels, but she didn’t stop there. From “Boy Meets World” to “Wish Upon a Star” to “The Wild Thornberrys” to “That’s Life,” Harris was everywhere in the late 90s! Nowadays, she is going back to her roots and working as a scream queen, starring in remakes of the “Halloween” series and other horror flicks like “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”

Then

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Now

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGc0RrfrwP0/?taken-by=horrorgal

10. Erik Von Detten

Remember the smoking-hot love interest in “The Princess Diaries”? Yep, the one and only Erik Von Detten, who starred in a number of beloved late 90s/early 00s movies like “Leave it to Beaver,” “Brink!” and “Christmas Every Day.” He was also the voice in animated hits like “Toy Story,” “Recess,” “The Wild Thornberrys” and “Hercules.” He is no longer acting, and is instead a broker, at least as far as HelloGiggles can figure out. The heartthrob is a bit of mystery man these days! But I am sure, still handsome as ever.

Then

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEWkqPqREgg/?tagged=erikvondetten&hl=en

Now

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 13: Actor Erik von Detten arrives at the afterparty for the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' "Toy Story 3" at Hollywood High School on June 13, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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11. Monica Keena

Remember Monica Keena? From “Dawson’s Creek” to “Devil’s Advocate” to “Undeclared,” Keena starred in numerous shows that became quintessential 90s/00s fare. She is still a successful actor, and many people are anxiously awaiting her latest project “Manson Girls.”

Then

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Now

https://www.instagram.com/p/eTpDXssKJv/?taken-by=monicakeena&hl=en

There you have it! The “411” on all of your old favorites.

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About the Author
Bridget Sharkey
Bridget Sharkey is a freelance writer covering pop culture, beauty, food, health and nature.

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