Celebrity Crushes of the 90's Then and Now

Leonardo DiCaprio

The child star of the '80s, DiCaprio hit the limelight with Baz Luhrmann's romantic tragedy “Romeo + Juliet” in 1996. The following year, James Cameron's “Titanic” made him a global phenomenon.


Since then, the actor has delivered stunning performances in movies such as “Gangs of New York” (2002), “The Departed” (2006), “Blood Diamond” (2006), “Inception” (2010), and more recently “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013). He is currently sporting a full beard while filming upcoming movie "The Revenant".




Backstreet Boys

The Orlando, Florida-group started their career in 1993 and sold over 130 million albums across the world. The group’s super-hit albums include "Backstreet Boys" (1996) "Backstreet’s Back" (1997) and "Millennium" (1999).


Although the group is still active, each one of the band members are doing their own thing as well. Nick Carter (2nd L), one of the most popular artists in the band, chalked out his solo career in 2002, gaining marginal success. He has also starred in reality TV show ("Carters," 2006). Kevin Richardson (2nd R), the eldest member of the band, left in 2006 and has modeled for Versace along with some Broadway shows. A.J. Mclean (L) has his own apparel brand—Skullee Rose. Brian Littrell (C) has gained popularity in the Christian music scene. Howie Dorough (R) released his solo album "Back to Me" in 2011, which was marginally successful.




Josh Hartnett

Hartnett’s role in the TV show “Cracker” and movies such as “Halloween H20” (1998) and “The Faculty” (1998) made him a teen heartthrob. But it was his breakthrough performance in Michael Bay’s World War II saga “Pearl Harbor” and "Black Hawk Down" in 2001 that brought him global fame. Voted as the “sexiest vegetarian in the world” by PETA in 2003, Hartnett also featured in People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” list in 2002.


Hartnett returned to the small screen and plays the character of Ethan Chandler in the TV series “Penny Dreadful” (2014 - present).




CHRISTINA RICCI

A child star of the early '90s, Ricci is best remembered for offbeat roles in movies such as “Mermaids” (1990), “The Addams Family” (1991), “Casper” (1995) and “Sleepy Hollow” (1999) (pictured).


Transitioning successfully into adult roles, Ricci has been praised for her work in movies such as “Bless the Child” (2000), "Monster" (2004), “Cursed” (2005) and “Lizzie Borden Took an Ax” (2014). She also made her Broadway debut in 2010 in Donald Margulies' "Time Stands Still" and has appeared on the small screen with TV series such as "Pan Am" (2011-2012) and “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” (2015).




NSYNC

An immensely popular boy band of the '90s, NSYNC took the music industry by storm with Billboard hits such as “Bye Bye Bye,” “I Want You Back,” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart”. It took no time for bandmates (L-R) Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, J.C. Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick to become teen heartthrobs.


The band never officially announced their split and the boys have since been doing their own things. Timberlake struck gold with his solo career, belting out hit singles like "Cry Me a River," "Like I Love You," and "Senorita." He also featured in a number of films and TV series. Kirkpatrick (R) was seen in VH1’s “Mission: Man Band” (2007) and reality TV show “Gone Country 2” (2008). Fatone (2nd R) also switched to reality TV and appeared in shows such as “Dancing With the Stars,” “The Singing Bee,” and “Family Feud.” Bass (2nd L) came out as gay, featured on People magazine’s cover (2002), and also hosted radio shows such as “Dirty Pop With Lance Bass” and “The Pop Ten With Lance Bass.” Chasez (L) branched out his to a solo career with his album “Schizophrenic” in 2004, which was marginally successful.




Tara Reid

Model and actress Tara Reid was one of the hottest stars in the late '90s. Reid’s memorable cinematic moments came in the 1998 blockbuster “The Big Lebowski” and then in “American Pie” a year later. She was also ranked fourth in the Maxim Hot 100 list in 2002.


After some less-than-memorable movies, Reid turned to reality TV and participated in "Celebrity Big Brother" in 2011. She also appeared in the satirical "Sharknado" series and the parody "The Hungover Games" (2014).




"BAYWATCH" GIRLS

These “Baywatch” beauties ruled the small screen during the '90s. Appearing in different seasons of the hit series, (L-R) Angelica Bridges (Taylor Walsh), Krista Allen (Jenna Avid), Alexandra Paul (Stephanie Holden), and Gena Lee Nolin (Neely Capshaw) were some of the hottest pin-up girls of the decade.


Bridges (L) later appeared in a number of other shows such as “Conan” (1998) and “The Bold and the Beautiful” (2004). Post-Baywatch, Allen (2nd L) got major roles in TV series such as “Charmed” (2001) and “What About Brian” (2006-2007). While Paul (2nd R) got some noteworthy roles in "Spy Hard" (1996) and "Melrose Place" (1992), Lee Nolin (R) is now an active campaigner for those battling thyroid illness.




"BAYWATCH" GUYS

The “Baywatch” hunks were equally popular. Actor-producer David Hasselhoff (L) played the main protagonist Mitch Buchannon. Along with Parker Stevenson (C) (Craig Pomeroy) and Jeremy Jackson (R) (Hobie Buchannon), Hasselhoff created one of the most successful TV series with a cult following.


Latest reports suggest that Hasselhoff (L) is moving to Finland to start a talk show. While Stevenson (C) was last seen in the TV series “Longmire” (2014), Jackson (R) has been in news but not for the right reasons; recently he was kicked out of "Celebrity Big Brother" for allegedly harassing a housemate.




JOSHUA JACKSON

Jackson debuted on the big screen at the age of 11 in the critically acclaimed film “Crooked Heart” (1991). By the mid-90s, Jackson had appeared in a number of films and TV series. But it was his breakthrough performance in “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003) that made him a teen star.


Jackson has made the transition from boyish roles to mature performances in TV shows, such as “Fringe” (2008-2013) and “The Affair” (2014-2015). In 2005, the actor made his theater debut at West End, London in David Mamet’s “A Life in the Theatre,” which was well-received and ran to packed houses.




AARON CARTER

Apart from being the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, Aron Carter’s claim to fame was his pop and hip-hop music career in the ‘90s. Carter had his first solo performance at the age of nine, and released his album “Aaron Carter” in 1997. His second album “Aaron’s Party” (2000) went on to achieve triple-platinum certification and made him hugely popular among the teens.


Since then Carter has tried his luck with acting in movies, such as “Popstar” (2006) and also appeared on reality TV show “House of Carters” (2006). In 2013, the singer filed for bankruptcy due to debts of over $3.5 million.


Since then Carter has tried his luck with acting in movies, such as “Popstar” (2006) and also appeared on reality TV show “House of Carters” (2006). In 2013, the singer filed for bankruptcy due to debts of over $3.5 million.




SELMA BLAIR

The actress started her professional career with guest roles and minor appearances, but gained widespread popularity later with roles in the movies “Cruel Intentions” (1999), "Hellboy" (2001), and “Legally Blonde” (2001).


The actress now successfully moves between movies and TV shows. She has appeared in “Anger Management” (2012-2014) and “Columbus Circle” (2012). Blair will next be seen in crime thriller “American Crime Story” where she plays Kris Jenner, the Kardashian matriarch.




HEATHER GRAHAM

A regular name in ‘most beautiful’ and ‘sexiest people’ lists, Graham made quite an impression with movies such as “Drugstore Cowboy” (pictured) (1989), “Boogie Nights” (1997) for which she gained critical acclaim, and “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999).


Seen in blockbusters such as “The Hangover” (2009) and “The Hangover Part III” (2013), Graham enthralled the audiences with her stellar performance as Corrine Foxworth in TV movie “If There Be Thorns” (2015).




SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR

The petite beauty is best known for her roles in films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) and “Scream 2” (1997) and the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” that was also aired in the same year. The actress won an Emmy for playing Kendall Hart Lang in "All My Children" (1993-2011).


Gellar has been a regular face on the small screen. From “Ringer” (2011-2012) to “American Dad!” (2011-2012), and more recently, “The Crazy Ones” (2013-2014), Gellar continues to charm the audience with her performances.




CALISTA FLOCKHART

Flockhart got the role of a lifetime when she played the title role in the hit TV comedy series “Ally McBeal” (1997-2002). The role won her a Golden Globe and soon she became a household name.


Flockhart has been in news more for her personal life. Her relationship and subsequent marriage to Harrison Ford was widely discussed in tabloids. Since her “Ally McBeal” days, Flockhart has done shows such as "Brothers & Sisters" (2006-2011), “Web Therapy” (2014) and “Full Circle” (2015).




FREDDIE PRINZE JR.

Prinze Jr. became an overnight star with the teen horror hit “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997). He is also known for his portrayal of Fred in “Scooby-Doo” movies (2002, 2004) and “She's All That” (1999).


The actor has appeared is a number of TV series, such as "Freddie" (2005-2006), "24" (2010), and "Witches of East End" (2013). He has also lent his voice in “Star Wars Rebels” (2014-2015).




CHRIS O'DONNELL

O'Donnell started his acting career in the '90s with “Men Don't Leave” (1990). With movies such as “Fried Green Tomatoes” (1991), “Scent of a Woman” (1992) and "The Chamber" (1995), he gained stardom. One of his most memorable roles was playing Batman’s sidekick Robin in "Batman Forever" (1995) and "Batman and Robin" (1997).


Since 2009, O'Donnell is playing the suave G. Callen in the TV series “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2009-2015).




ALICIA SILVERSTONE

Silverstone is best remembered as the ditzy yet endearing Cher from the 1995 hit “Clueless.” The teen star also appeared as Batgirl in 1997’s “Batman and Robin.”


Silverstone made a successful transition to the Broadway with appearances in plays such as "The Graduate," "Time Stands Still" and "The Performers." She is now an active animal rights advocate.




RONAN KEATING

As part of the successful boy band “Boyzone”, Keating charmed the world with his boyishly handsome looks and amazing singing abilities. With hits such as “Love Me for a Reason” and “Words,” the Irish singer and his band became a pop sensation.


The singer branched out in 2000 with his solo album “Ronan.” His last studio album was “Fires,” which was released in 2012.




VAL KILMER

The talented actor with a deep resonating voice made his big screen debut with “Top Secret!” in 1984. However, it was his performance in “The Doors” (1991) that catapulted him to stardom.


Kilmer is now a regular on the small screen with shows such as “Knight Rider” (2008-2009), “Psych” (2014) and “The Spoils of Babylon” (2014). He played Mark Twain in 2014's "Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn."




NEVE CAMPBELL

Campbell started her career in 1991 with an uncredited role in the TV series “My Secret Identity.” But the world took notice of the beautiful actress in the hit series “Party of Five” (1994-2000). The success on the small screen soon gave her a chance in movies and she landed herself a role in "Scream" (1996). The movie was an instant hit and Campbell appeared in all the sequels.


Nowadays, Campbell is focusing on TV. She has starred in series such as “The Philanthropist” (2009) and “Titanic: Blood and Steel” (2012).




DEAN CAIN

Cain got the role of his life when he played Superman in 1993's hit TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”


He may not be Superman anymore, but Cain continues to act in small screen projects. He has done TV series such as “Clubhouse” (2004-2004), “Hope & Faith” (2005), "Las Vegas" (2005-2006) and “Hit the Floor” (2013-2014).




PETER ANDRE

The English singer who made his debut in 1993 has delivered hits such as "Mysterious Girl" and “Flava.”


The crooner returned to the limelight when he participated in the UK version of "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!" (2002). His relationship with model and fellow contestant Katie Price was a sensation and he finished third on the show.




HILLARY DUFF

Duff came to fame with her breakthrough performance in Disney's TV series “Lizzie McGuire” (2001-2004). The show was an instant success that made Duff a household name.


The singer-actor, who launched her debut album “Metamorphosis” in 2003, has appeared in TV series such as “Gossip Girl” (2009) and “Younger” (2015).




"SEX AND THE CITY" GIRLS

Four New York girls took the world by storm when “Sex and the City” (1998-2004) hit the small screen in the late '90s. (Pictured L-R) Kristin Davis (Charlotte York), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes), Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw) and Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones) became household names overnight.


(L-R) Parker grabbed media attention with her choice of unique headgear at the 2015 Met Gala. Selective with her choices, Parker has appeared in “I Don't Know How She Does It” (2011) and the TV comedy series “Glee” (2012-2013) to name a few. Feisty Cattrall has done TV series such as “Producing Parker” (2011) and “Sensitive Skin” (2014). Both Nixon and Davis are also regular faces on the small screen. While Nixon was last seen in the second season of “Hannibal” (2013-present), Davis played the lead role in “Bad Teacher” (2014).




DAVID BOREANAZ

Boreanaz got his big break in 1993 when he got the role of Frank in the series “Married with Children.” But it was not until “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003) that Boreanaz came to fame. Soon, he got his own spin-off show “Angel” (1999).


Nowadays, Boreanaz can be seen as special agent Seeley Booth in the hit TV series "Bones" (2005-2015).




"FRIENDS" GUYS

(L-R) Cute, goofy and adorable, Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) and David Schwimmer (Ross Geller) from the blockbuster TV series "Friends" (1993-2004) became the heartthrobs of millions around the globe.


Perry (L) went on to feature in several successful TV series, like "The West Wing" (2003), "Studio 60 on the Sunset Trip" (2006-2007), "Go On" (2012-2013), and "The Odd Couple" (2015-2016). After a hiatus, LeBlanc (C) came back with a bang with "Web Therapy" (2013) and "Episodes" (2011-2015). Schwimmer (R), too, has been a regular face on the small screen and will be shortly seen on the TV series "American Crime Story."




"FRIENDS" GIRLS

(L-R) Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) and Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) were the leading ladies of the TV series "Friends" (1993- 2004). The show not only made them a household name, but also popular fashion icons. Be it Rachel's hairstyle or Phoebe’s bohemian ensemble, fans loved and followed these stars.


The most successful of the lot, Aniston (R) went on to become a rom-com queen. With movies such as “Bruce Almighty” (2003), “The Break-Up” (2006), “Marley & Me” (2008) and “We're the Millers” (2013), she has cemented her stardom. While Cox (C) turned into a producer with “Cougar Town” (2009), Kudrow has been a regular face both on the big and small screens.




Devon Sawa

Sawa appeared in the film Little Giants and then got his big break in Casper, playing the role of Casper himself as a real boy. Although he only had about five minutes of screen time, it was his biggest role to date.


Sawa continued steadily in recent years by appearing in several independent films including Extreme Dating, Shooting Gallery, Devil's Den, Creature Of Darkness, Endure, 388 Arletta Avenue, The Philly Kid, and A Resurrection.
Since 2010, Sawa portrays the role of Owen Elliott on the CW action drama series Nikita. In July 2012, he was promoted to series regular in season 3 of Nikita.




Ryan Phillippe

He was cast in the 1997 horror film, I Know What You Did Last Summer, which co-starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The film was a success, and led to Phillippe gaining wider renown and being cast in a few more high-profile films, including 54 in 1998 opposite Neve Campbell, Salma Hayek and Mike Myers. In 1999 he starred in Cruel Intentions, a modern retelling of the Choderlos de Laclos novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which also starred Phillippe's future wife Reese Witherspoon, as well as his I Know What You Did Last Summer co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar. It was a success among its intended teenage audience, cementing Phillippe's ability to play characters that require sex appeal.


After his divorced from actress Reese Witherspoon, Ryan continued his critical success in movies and television and is now focusing on directing and producing.