What Do These Iconic 90’s Girl Crushes Look Like Today?

It’s shocking, but the 1990s actually started thirty years ago. It was the beginning of the super modern era, with the advent of the internet and cell phones. And while all these changes were spreading, there were faces that defined a decade! 

Certain celebrities inspired hairstyles and street styles, like no one else. The fanny pack and the middle-parted bob had their time in the sun, didn’t they? From romcoms to classic teen sitcoms, there was always an influencer that stood out from the crowd. Revv up that time machine: Whatever happened to the cuties of the culture before the millennium?

Then: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Millions followed the saga of Sunnydale, CA on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, back in the day. And who wasn’t a little in love with Sarah Michelle Gellar in the lead? Her vampire-slaying moves were must-see TV on the WB!

Facebook / @sarahmichellegellar

The show took audiences through twists and turns for 7 seasons before she exited the scene with a permanent place in 90s history. But fans may wonder: What has become her, since then?

Now: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar hasn’t disappeared. The actress has been laying low, just enjoying domestic life, believe it or not! According to Sarah: ”Ultimately you want to do something in life that people will remember. And with Buffy, I did that. I don’t feel like I need to achieve something…And that takes the pressure off.”

Facebook / @sarahmichellegellar

She’s still happily married to her hunk, too: Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. has been by her side since the year 2000, and they remain an unusually strong couple in Hollywood. The pair have two school-aged children in vampire-free Los Angeles, thanks to Sarah!

Then: Denise Richards

Few gals could compare to young Denise Richards, the queen of gorgeous. Maybe that’s why she was on so many shows in the 90s! From Saved by the Bell to Melrose Place, America loved seeing her on the small screen. She even had a short role on Seinfeld!

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But Denise was on the big screen, too. Fans may remember her iconic, sensual role in Wild Things. And if not, they will surely recall her as a Bond Girl in The World is not Enough. It seems she hasn’t been in much lately, though. Where is Denise now?

Now: Denise Richards

With a famous marriage to chaotic actor Charlie Sheen, Denise got plenty of press. They divorced in 2006, and she continued in the biz in television and film. Most recently, reality TV fans may have been introduced to her for the first time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. The actress stayed on for two seasons, but it looks like that was enough!

Facebook / @DeniseRichardsOfficial

What is she up to, off the set? According to Denise: ”I like to be at home because I just travel so much. I have four dogs, golden retrievers.” Sounds like a pawful, but they seem to be keeping her young!

Then: Christina Ricci

Actress Christina Ricci once explained: ”My dream role would probably be a psycho killer, because the whole thing I love about movies is that you get to do things you could never do in real life, and that would be my way of vicariously experiencing being a psycho killer. Also, it’s incredibly romantic.”

Facebook / @ChristinaRicci

For fans of The Addams Family and Casper, it was hard to miss the adorable Christina. She was cast in a variety of gothic roles, and made it her niche, for awhile. Has she updated her look at all, decades later?

Now: Christina Ricci

Actually, yes! Since her 90s success, she has tried out a lot of indie films beyond her old image. She explains: “The more that I can work in different mediums, the more I can grow, and learn from different actors and different types of actors and directors and different styles of acting and build a tool box.”

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Even if she’s gone blond, though, she has tattoos to prove her wild side: A lion, an Edward Gorey figure, a pair of praying hands, a sparrow, a mermaid, and more! What she will ink next, only time will tell.

Then: Cindy Crawford

This stunning Cindy Crawford shocked the world with her walk and her wink. And her Pepsi commercial! Forbes magazine proclaimed her “the highest paid model on the planet.” As one of the original 90s supermodels, Cindy was a real fan favorite. But beauty is fleeting! What has she said about the topic?

Instagram / @cindycrawford

According to the model: ”The face you have at age 25 is the face God gave you, but the face you have after 50 is the face you earned.” How did Cindy Crawford do, in the end?

Now: Cindy Crawford

Shockingly well, in fact! Fans are routinely surprised to see how the supermodel has aged, now in her 50’s and married with children. On motherhood, Cindy explains: ”It’s become another dimension to who I am. I don’t think Sports Illustrated is going to be wanting me. But who cares? I’m at a different place in my life.”

Facebook / @CindyCrawford

Maybe, maybe not. But as an industry veteran, she has helped her daughter Kaia Gerber get into the biz and walk fashion week. They look very similar, as many notice right away!

Then: Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt became a very familiar face as character Sarah Reeves on Party of Five. Then, she scared audiences in I Know What You Did Last Summer. But along the way, she had a secret wish. According to Jen: ”I would just love once to be called sexy. Just because it would make me something other than cute.”

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Interestingly, she became more appreciated in this way as time went by. For her recent birthday, Maxim magazine featured her as a ”brunette bombshell”. How did that glam photoshoot turn out?

Now: Jennifer Love Hewitt

Eventually, very well! Whatever nice girl reputation she felt was dragging her down, the photos didn’t show it. But truthfully, her own Instagram is filled with very down to earth, minimal makeup, mom shots these days. She’s married to actor Brian Hallisay, and a parent of two.

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Jen says: ”I’ve always wanted to be a mom because I want to give a kid all of the magical gifts my mom gave to me, such as love and friendship. She and I had this incredible connection that was so unbelievable.” Now, her dream is a reality!

Then: Mandy Moore

Sweet as candy, everyone sang along with Mandy Moore. High school dance DJs played her pop magic all over the country, and her career evolved. She moved into acting, and has had a string of roles ever since! Everyone has a favorite Mandy moment, by now. Who didn’t cry at the end of A Walk to Remember?

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Mandy admits: ”Growing up in the public eye was really tough. When you’re 14 and your body is changing, your life is changing, and people are watching every step you make, it’s really hard to deal with. But I was pretty lucky, people didn’t watch me that closely.” Now totally grown up in her 30’s, what does she look like?

Now: Mandy Moore

Time for a life update: In 2015, Mandy met musician Taylor Goldsmith. They wed in 2018 after a short engagement, and are expecting a baby in 2021! The starlet once said: ”I don’t cook very well at all. I’m the girl that can’t make scrambled eggs.” Will that change when she becomes mama Mandy?

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It’s hard to predict these things, of course. But Mandy Moore has always been a renaissance woman, conquering song and stage, now with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The talent is undeniable! 

Then: Melissa Joan Hart

First, she was the star of Clarissa Explains It All on Nickelodeon. Then, she got promoted to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, for more magical antics on teen TV. Melissa Joan Hart was a 90s sitcom staple, for so many! Oddly enough, the actress didn’t feel she was in the right job.

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Mel once said: ”I don’t think I’m great at acting. I think I’m great at directing.” Though she had been a series star for a decade, the next 15 years involved a mix of director credits, cameos, and smaller acting roles. What does Melissa Joan Hart look like now?

Now: Melissa Joan Hart

Some may have seen a peek of her when did a short stint on Dancing With The Stars in 2009. She managed to stay for six weeks! Ultimately, Mel was voted off. But she has plenty going on at home. Married to musician Mark Wilkerson, the couple has three sons. No small project, frankly!

Instagram / @melissajoanhart

But as some fans have read, this was a big surprise at the beginning: ”I have six sisters, so I assumed I’d have a girl. Learning I was having a boy was really weird.” Weird times three, for Melissa Joan Hart!

Then: Tara Reid

Tara Reid had a visible career in the 90s, even if she has taken a break in recent years. While she will always be remembered as Vicky in American Pie, she had other notable roles. Not many can add The Big Lebowski to their resume, but Tara can! What was it about her, though? 

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Reflecting on her talents, she explained: ”I can make a scene that’s not supposed to be sexy, very sexy. It’s a power you’re born with. It’s not a physical thing, it comes from inside. It’s all in the eyes.” Does Tara Reid still have that magic, decades later?

Now: Tara Reid

As some may recall, Tara was frequently in the tabloids about her botched plastic surgeries. Yikes! While that would be traumatic for anyone, Tara is now seen on Instagram smiling with a pretty balanced look. Does the actress have any lingering regrets?

Instagram / @tarareid

Maybe not! She explains: ”I don’t really regret anything I’ve done, even if it’s bad. I mean, I have a $100,000 Chopard watch. I don’t need a $100,000 watch, but I like it. It’s all diamonds. That’s a little extreme, but I don’t care.” Touché, Tara!

Then: Keri Russell

Starting early, Keri Russell joined the cast of the Mickey Mouse Club at age 15. She was also cast in Honey I Shrunk the Kids, a forever classic. But it would be one starring role on ABC that most people will always remember her for, no matter what she does in the future. Felicity was unforgettable!

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Her character followed a hunky classmate to NYC for college, and then shaved her curly locks on TV for all to see. America was shocked! But that short ‘do locked Keri into the 90s hall of fame, for many. Has she regrown them, since?

Now: Keri Russell

Indeed, she has. And she’s experimented with a lot of styles, too. Most recently, Keri Russell has been on The Americans. Oddly enough, the show costars her real-life man, Matthew Rhys. Besides this dream job, Keri has popped in with film roles from time to time. Waitress, Free State of Jones, andDawn of the Planet of the Apes, to name a few. 

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Although Keri’s hair keeps transforming with these roles, her face hasn’t changed very much! What’s her secret? The star revealed: ”I don’t have time for any special skin routines. Many a night I go to bed with the gloppy mascara and all.” Obviously, a case of nature over nurture!

Then: Jenny McCarthy

Not everyone can say they started their career as a Playboy model. But Jenny McCarthy did just that, in 1993. Why did she agree to pose, at the beginning? She explained: ”The one thing I like about ‘Playboy’ is they don’t have the anorexic look. The women are voluptuous. So I didn’t really want to diet. I just wanted to tone up.”

Facebook / @JennyMcCarthyOfficial

Jenny even won ”Playmate of the Year” before roles where fans could get to know her personality, too. The MTV dating show Singled Out was a great host gig! What is she up to, nowadays?

Now: Jenny McCarthy

Actually, she is busy still being a blonde bombshell! Now in her late 40’s, she hasn’t aged very visibly. And Jenny McCarthy is a host again, as a judge on The Masked Singer. But at home, she’s even busier than at work. Known most for her statements incorrectly linking autism to vaccines, she is a commited mom to an autistic son.

Facebook / @JennyMcCarthyOfficial

Many have criticized her, for years. But she brings attention to the issue of autism in other ways, regularly sharing her concerns: ”Without intervention today, the cost of care for adults with autism will be significantly greater and the burden will no longer lie with the parents, but on our entire society.” For now, few talk about it besides Jenny!

Then: Alicia Silverstone

No matter what she does, Alicia Silverstone is always going to be the star of Clueless. The teen film has become one of the most memorable of the decade, especially fun for anyone who wants to see Alicia kiss a young Paul Rudd. But some may also know the actress from her appearances in not just one, but three Aerosmith music videos!

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According to Alicia: ”I don’t want to be known as the Aerosmith chick, but it’s fun to put on the boots and makeup and act like a tough girl.” Fair enough. But what look is she into, these days?

Now: Alicia Silverstone

In recent years, Alicia Silverstone has been in Broadway shows. And as a longtime proud vegan, she has been publishing some yummy books. According to the actress: ”My attention since ‘Clueless’ has been on family, relationships, activism, the planet, and my career.” What’s next, on the bucket list?

Facebook / @AliciaSilverstone

In 2020, she was in the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club. No longer the teen of the story, she played the mom! Evidently, it went well. She has more lined up with the video streaming giant, including Masters of the Universe: Revelation, and a movie: Sister of the Groom. Go, go Alicia!

Then: Tia and Tamera Mowry

Everyone knows it’s true: There will never be a sassier twin story, after Sister, Sister. Despite being separated at birth, they always seemed to wear the same outfits. Tia and Tamera made it believable! Has that ever really been explained?

Instagram / @tameramowrytwo

Maybe they just knew each other that well! According to Tamera: ”What people are going to be surprised about is that Tia and I are really different. We’re nothing like the characters on ‘Sister, Sister.’ We’re kind of swapped. I was the crazy, mischievous one on the show — Tia was the studious, more serious one.” How has that evolved, all these years later?

Now: Tia and Tamera Mowry

Today, the grown-up, married, mommy twins are pretty busy. Both have strong marriages and careers. Tia recently hosted a cooking show and wrote a book about parenting. Tamara was a co-host on The Real, and now a talk show on the Hallmark Channel: Home & Family. Both work together on business ventures, all the time!

Instagram / @tameramowrytwo

Do they look different than their debut, decades ago? Maybe a little bit. But the identical twins have aged gracefully. According to Tia: ”I like to embrace natural beauty. I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, drinking a lot of water and exercising.” Natural, indeed!

Then: Jessica Biel

A surprising hit, America couldn’t get enough of a minister and his family on 7th Heaven. A young Jessica Biel stole the show, though. Back then, she looked like a bit of a tomboy. And that wasn’t just her basketball-loving character in the script!

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According to Jess: ”I’ve been involved with sports my whole life, which made clothes and makeup and handbags not that important as a kid. I just didn’t care.” Now in her thirties and the wife of musician Justin Timberlake, has that changed at all?

Now: Jessica Biel

Actually, Jessica still loves sports. Justin has described his wife as incredibly strong — physically. They even work out together! In her free time, she does get pretty girly now. Seen in glam on the red carpet for the past few years, she was named Sexiest Woman Alive!

Instagram / @jessicabiel

According to Jessica: ”It’s not my plan or whatever in my life to be a sex symbol. It never is. You are who you are, but you can’t help what you look like. And when you do a film, like for me, it’s just not about that. I would prefer to downplay it. I prefer to downplay the sex appeal.” Fan survey: Try harder!

Then: Stacey Dash

Always there to explain ”“You’re a virgin who can’t drive,” Stacey Dash was the other half of the essential Clueless duo. Along with Alicia, Stacey really made the movie timeless as Dionne Davenport. Gorgeous, fashionable, and always available for gossip, the character remains a quotable fan favorite. 

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Stacey was also featured in a number of music videos over the years: The Kanye West video for ”All Falls Down”, Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson’s “The Best Things in Life Are Free”, and Rick Ross and Ne-Yo’s ”Super High”, among others. What is she up to these days, though?

Now: Stacey Dash

For whatever reason, Stacey Dash has barely aged over the last few decades. Stunning as always, she has made numerous TV and movie appearances since her 90s success. But mostly, she has actually been involved with social and political activism. How so?

Facebook / @OfficiallyStaceyDash

According to Stacey: ‘”What we’re doing is we’re chipping away at what it is to be a woman and to be feminine…And what it is to be a man and be masculine. We’re chipping away at that. I wish we could go back to Mad Men days. I love those days. Men were men.” Stacey has a lot to say. Recently, she also tried to run for congress!

Then: Candace Cameron

And who could forget Candace Cameron? DJ Tanner was a loveable presence in American homes for years on Full House. Fans may not know that Candace got into acting because of her famous brother. Kirk was already on Growing Pains, and showed her the way!

Instagram / @candacecbure

Evidently there is real talent in the family. Candace ended up acting in 191 episodes of the sitcom, with no regrets about breaking into the biz. She explains: ”The cool thing about my profession is that I can do it until the day I die.” Is she doing that now, by chance?

Now: Candace Cameron

Today, Candace is in her 40’s. SHe does make regular TV appearances in series roles, and she was also featured on Dancing with the Stars! But she has another job, no matter what: Married to a Russian NHL player, Candace is a happy mom of three.

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She is a big fan of her family and never hesitates to share: ”It’s amazing. My kids have grown me in ways I never knew possible. The patience I’ve received and the love I get from them is just amazing.” It’s a new ‘Full House’, in a way!

Then: Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano first came to national attention when she played an adorable kid on Who’s The Boss? with Tony Danza. But that wouldn’t be her most memorable role. Charmed, a series about gorgeous witches on the WB, is still what most people talk about now!

Facebook / @AlyssaMilano

Alyssa is happy to give a lot of career credit to one man, especially: ”Aaron Spelling always had his finger on the pulse of pop culture, he knew what the public wanted to see. He was one of the most loyal men in this business and believed in me at a time in my career when no one else would.” How has she used this experience, going forward?

Now: Alyssa Milano

As it turns out, she hasn’t been chasing TV roles. Perhaps she gained the confidence to go forward and pursue the unconventional: Alyssa created Hachtivist, her own comic book about activism and tech. And in her own life, she’s been quite the activist herself!

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In between being a wife and mother now, Alyssa appears at all kinds of rallies and functions for political and social causes. She’s done quite a few speaking events and even met with senators from both parties to discuss concerns. At the end of the day, Alyssa isn’t just Phoebe Halliwell anymore. But fans will never forget!

Then: Angie Harmon

Angie Harmon may be off the scene at the moment, but she remains one of the most recognizable faces from the ’90s. She probably never expected to be a movie star: ”I was not the most attractive child. I had two really big buck teeth. I was horrendous — long, lanky and gangly.” But life is full of surprises!

Facebook / @OfficialAngieHarmon

David Hasselhoff is still proud he was the one who discovered her. After they met, she dazzled viewers on Baywatch. Then, she put on a lot more layers and joined Law & Order. What is she doing now?

Now: Angie Harmon

Today, late 40’s Angie Harmon actually hasn’t changed much. Still a leggy, toned brunette, she does TV from time to time. Fans may have noticed her as Jane Rizolly in Rizzoli & Isles. But the truth is, Angie is extremely busy off set! Her number one job? Mom.

Facebook / @OfficialAngieHarmon

The actress explains: ”I think it’s very hard in this day and age to raise little girls with morals, ethics and values, and them knowing that they are precious creations and that they are important.” A full-time commitment, no doubt about it!

Then: Liv Tyler

Not everyone gets to be the daughter of a rockstar. But even among this exclusive club, few turn out to be top models. Aerosmith kid Liv Tyler started her career at only 14 in photoshoots, but her talent for acting was quickly recognized. In the ’90s, she had minor roles in That Thing You Do and Empire Records.

Instagram / @misslivalittle

Most viewers have now seen her in a major role in The Lord of The Rings trilogy. As Arwen Undómiel, a whole new generation was able to experience Tolkein on screen in 3D. Has she kept the ethereal look, since then?

Now: Liv Tyler

No, she’s gone right back to glam. And that’s A-okay, say fans! Her secret passion seems to be something other than acting, as well. According to Liv: ”I’m obsessed with beauty — seriously, one of my dreams is to write a book about beauty secrets and do a skincare line.”

Facebook / @LivTyler

For now, Liv is involved with another project: Mom of three to Sailor, Milo, and Lula Rose. And from time to time, she has gone back to modeling, most recently for lingerie. Perhaps one day, Liv skin will be a reality!

Then: Shannen Doherty

The ’90s were all about Shannen Doherty for the most devoted fans. Starting out on Beverly Hills 90210 as Brenda, many were obsessed. Then, the magic of Charmed brought the actress to a new group as Prue Halliwell. She put America under an incantation for 8 seasons!

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In regards to her beauty, Shannen has addressed tabloid rumors: ”I have never had anything done. I’ve been asked if I had breast implants. Whether I did or not, it’s nobody’s business but my own.” Is that still true, today?

Now: Shannen Doherty

The truth is, Shannen has had medical intervention in recent years. But it wasn’t cosmetic, at all: In 2015, she was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Although she had been doing some indie films after Charmed, her focus turned to health. How is she doing, these days?

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Shannen has explained: “Life doesn’t end the minute we get that diagnosis.” And with the support of family, friends, and lots of top treatment, her cancer is now under control. She has grown her dark locks back and returned to work. Go, Shannen, go!

Then: Minnie Driver

After seeing Good Will Hunting, a lot of 90s guys realized that Minnie Driver was their dream girlfriend. With an unconventional look for Hollywood, she had a great deal of charm and real admirers. But that was decades ago, at this point. She explains: ”I wouldn’t go back and be 25 again for all the tea in China.” 

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A strong statement, Minnie! Most fans haven’t actually seen her for a while, truth be told. Does she still look like the girl Matt Damon dated after the movie, so many years ago?

Now: Minnie Driver

Minnie is actually a Brit, despite what her accent may sound like in some roles. She has never really been concerned with being the most glam in the room, and there’s a good reason for it. She explains: ”In England, with all due respect, we have some of the plainest actresses in the entire world as our greatest.’‘

Instagram / @driverminnie

A quick glance around, and it’s clear there is something to that. Perhaps there is a different national appreciation for the craft, on the other side of the pond — and outside of Hollywood!