In the 1990s, some actresses became really famous and important. Now, after thirty years, we're going to look back at them. They were like stars on screens and in our memories. Let's see how they're still amazing today, just like they were back then.
Famous Actresses From The 90s, Now Three Decades Later
Jennie Garth Then
During the 1990s, actress Jennie Garth became a recognizable presence in Hollywood, primarily due to her starring role in the well-loved TV series Beverly Hills, 90210. Garth nurtured the aspiration of being an actress from an early age, and even before completing high school, she made her way to Los Angeles with the aim of turning this ambition into reality. It was in 1990, when she was just eighteen, that Garth secured her inaugural and enduringly significant role – that of Kelly Taylor in Beverly Hills, 90210.
Despite facing personal and familial challenges during that period, Garth emerged as a notable presence in the iconic series throughout its ten-season run, displaying unwavering commitment to the show. Additionally, she played a pivotal part in the inception of the show's spin-off, Melrose Place (1992-1999), as well as the subsequent contemporary reimagining of the original, titled 90210 (2008-2013).
Jennie Garth Today
For a complete decade, Garth remained an integral part of the renowned series, earning herself widespread recognition through her unforgettable performance. A pivotal moment came in 2008, when she played a key role in the creation and introduction of the show's reboot, 90210, which focused on a new set of privileged Los Angeles youngsters. Remarkably, she also returned to portray Kelly Taylor in this updated version.
In 2002, she snagged a major role in the sitcom What I Like About You, co-starring with actress Amanda Bynes. Throughout the 2000s, Garth's appearances spanned various TV shows, reality programs, and films, although often in smaller parts. The year 2014 brought a serendipitous twist as she encountered actor David Abrams on a blind date that turned out to be surprisingly prosperous, leading to their contentedly ever after in 2015.
Alyssa Milano Then
At the age of seven, Alyssa Milano's babysitter brought her to an audition without consulting her parents, recognizing a hidden talent that turned out to be a fortunate move. This chance occurrence led Milano to secure her inaugural acting role in a traveling production of Annie. This path subsequently led her to her first cinematic appearance in the 1984 drama Old Enough, marking her entry into the world of film.
During the mid-1980s, Alyssa Milano secured a role as Tony Danza's on-screen daughter in the well-received ABC sitcom, Who's the Boss?. This particular role, still recognized today, stands as one of her most notable achievements. As a result of this portrayal, she became synonymous with teenage adoration throughout the 1990s. Further along, Milano made appearances on Melrose Place from 1997 to 1998. Subsequently, in 1998, she embraced the role of Phoebe Halliwell in the series Charmed, a fantasy series in which she continued to shine for an uninterrupted span of eight years.
Alyssa Milano Today
Over the course of the 2000s and 2010s, Milano's presence remained prevalent in both cinema and television. Her more recent engagements encompass a central role in the comedy-drama Insatiable (2018-2019), a guest appearance in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy (2019), and participation in an upcoming series, The Now (2020). In addition to her acting pursuits, Milano currently engages in other undertakings.
In addition to her various pursuits, she co-authored and produced a comic book titled Hacktivist, showcasing her diverse talents. Furthermore, she has gained recognition for her extensive and unwavering involvement in various activist causes. On a personal note, the actress entered into matrimony with her second spouse, talent agent David Bugliari, in 2009. Their union has brought forth two children, marking another significant chapter in her life.
Christina Applegate Then
Christina Applegate rose to prominence in Hollywood during the late 1980s and the entire 1990s, primarily due to her memorable portrayal as the provocative teenager Kelly Bundy in the show Married... with Children. She maintained a consistent presence on the show throughout its eleven-season run, spanning from 1987 to 1997. However, her journey in acting commenced long before this milestone; her inaugural on-screen appearance occurred when she was just one year old, as she appeared alongside her mother on the series Days of Our Lives.
Beyond her celebrated portrayal as Kelly Bundy, Applegate's presence remained active in the 1990s through a range of films and TV projects. This span included her involvement in the TV series 21 Jump Street (1988-1991) and the drama Streets (1990). An intriguing turn of events occurred when she auditioned for the lead role in Titanic; however, the part ultimately went to Kate Winslet, who received an Oscar nomination for her noteworthy performance.
Christina Applegate Today
Christina Applegate's journey has led her to garner several awards and nominations for her acting and producing endeavors. In more recent times, she has taken on roles in the comedy Bad Moms (2017) and the Netflix show Dead to Me (2018-2019), which has been confirmed for a third season. Additionally, Applegate serves as the executive producer for this highly-praised series.
Back in 2008, Christina Applegate received a cancer diagnosis, but fortunately, it was detected early, allowing her to successfully overcome it. This experience significantly shifted her outlook, leading her to embrace a more health-conscious way of living, including her diet. Despite this health challenge, her career remained unaffected, and she continues to be a prominent figure within the entertainment industry.
Keri Russell Then
For those who grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, Keri Russell's face might ring a bell from her time on the Disney Channel's All-New Mickey Mouse Club. Keri began her journey on the show when she was just fifteen years old, remaining a part of it for three seasons, spanning from 1991 to 1994. During this phase, she also made an appearance in the 1992 movie Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.
Russell's career continued to evolve throughout the 1990s. By 1993, she had a guest role on the series Boy Meets World, and in 1996, she secured a part in the soap opera Malibu Shores. As the late nineties unfolded, Russell gained prominence as she was chosen for the leading role in J. J. Abrams's television series Felicity (1998-2002).
Keri Russell Today
Keri Russell's presence remained strong in both the film and TV realms. Beyond that, she broadened her acting horizons to include theater, participating in various off-Broadway productions. Notably, from 2013 to 2018, she held the lead role in the acclaimed thriller series The Americans. Her cinematic journey encompassed projects like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), Free State of Jones (2019), and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
Russell experienced marriage once, during the period from 2007 to 2014. Following the conclusion of this marriage, her romantic journey led her to her co-star from The Americans, actor Matthew Rhys. Although the duo hasn't formalized their union through marriage (and may choose not to), they share a household and are parents to a son, born in 2016.
Janet Jackson Then
Janet Jackson's involvement in the entertainment world dates back well before the 1990s, yet it was during this decade that she truly rose to prominence as a solo artist. Her journey commenced in the mid-1970s as a young performer, participating in the widely-known variety show The Jacksons, which featured her alongside seven of her siblings. Despite her brother Michael Jackson taking much of the spotlight, Janet's time on the show unveiled her own talent as a gifted vocalist.
As the 1990s began, Janet Jackson had already amassed four studio albums in her musical repertoire. A significant milestone came in 1993 with the release of her fifth and arguably most renowned album, aptly named "Janet." This record achieved a historic feat by claiming the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. In 1997, Jackson unveiled her sixth album, "The Velvet Rope," where she opened up about personal struggles, including her battle with clinical depression.
Janet Jackson Today
Emerging from a family of musicians and initially beginning her journey as part of The Jacksons within her brother's spotlight, Janet embarked on a path to establish her own identity and success separate from her family's renown. As the youngest member of the Jackson family, she navigated the music industry to carve her own distinct mark, transforming into a musical force and an inspirational figure.
In 2010, she entered into a widely discussed relationship with businessman Wissam Al Mana, eventually leading to their marriage in 2012. At the age of 51, she welcomed her first child, a son, in 2017. However, her marriage encountered turbulence as she and her husband separated later that same year. Presently, she embraces her role as a single mother to her 3-year-old son, all the while continuing to thrive in her accomplished music career.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Then
Even if you weren't a fan of the show, you've probably heard about the iconic 90s TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Before gaining worldwide fame as the brave and determined vampire slayer, Sarah Michelle Gellar was already known in the commercial world. Discovered at the young age of four, she spent her childhood as a child actress, mainly featuring in commercials and minor film roles.
In 1993, her big break arrived when she secured a pivotal role in the widely-watched soap opera All My Children, sparking her journey in Hollywood. Subsequently, in 1996, Gellar was chosen for the lead part in the highly regarded series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her tenure on the show spanned all seven seasons, from 1997 to 2003.
Sarah Michelle Gellar Today
Her portrayal of the iconic Buffy catapulted her to global recognition – after all, who can resist a captivating vampire series? During its production, Buffy the Vampire Slayer was truly groundbreaking. Gellar continued to grace film, TV, and theater stages, but even now, her depiction of Buffy stands as the pinnacle of her Hollywood journey, etching an enduring mark in the hearts of fans.
From 2009 to 2011, after welcoming her first daughter, the actress temporarily stepped away from her Hollywood pursuits to prioritize her family and child-rearing. In 2011, she made her television comeback, taking the lead role in the show Ringer. Presently, Gellar is poised to shine in an upcoming limited series named Sometimes I Lie (2020), and there's fresh news that she's now part of the cast for Netflix's Masters of the Universe: Revelation.
Alicia Silverstone Then
Alicia Silverstone's portrayal of Cher Horowitz, the self-absorbed teen from Clueless, has left an indelible mark. This is likely because she embodied the character flawlessly. Hailing from California, Silverstone began her journey at a young age, entering the world of modeling at just six years old, a path that later transitioned into acting. During her early years, she was predominantly seen in television commercials.
In 1994, Silverstone clinched the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, recognizing her debut portrayal in The Crush (1993). The following year, she was chosen for the central role in the teen comedy Clueless. The movie achieved both critical acclaim and lasting popularity, firmly establishing Silverstone as a prominent figure in the entertainment world and a beloved figure across the nation.
Alicia Silverstone Today
Throughout the 2000s, Silverstone redirected her attention toward theater. Notably, she inhabited the character Mandy Bloom in the Broadway rendition of Time Stands Still, a performance that garnered considerable praise from critics. Across the span of the 2010s, she predominantly graced theater stages and participated in independent film projects, occasionally making appearances in mainstream Hollywood productions.
In her most recent ventures, she took on roles in the comedy films Bad Therapy (2020) and Valley Girl (2020), as well as featuring in the Netflix series The Babysitters Club (2020). Beyond her acting pursuits, Silverstone ardently advocates for her vegan lifestyle, standing as an animal rights activist. Her passion for this cause is evident through her book publication, focusing on the maintenance of a vegan diet and the avoidance of meat and animal products.
Candace Cameron Then
From the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, Candace Cameron garnered recognition through her appearances in a string of well-received TV shows, earning her a familiar presence in households nationwide (if not known by name, her face was surely recognizable to anyone with a TV). She graced the screens in notable television series, including Growing Pains (in which her older brother played a leading role), St. Elsewhere, and Who's the Boss?
Her breakthrough arrived in 1987 when she secured the iconic role of the eldest sister, D.J. Tanner, in the beloved 90s sitcom Full House. Her stint on the show spanned from its inception in 1987 to its conclusion in 1995. Concurrently, she also made appearances in several films. Beyond her Full House journey, she maintained her TV presence in the latter half of the decade and post the show's run, making appearances in series like Boy Meets World and Cybill.
Candace Cameron Today
After her triumph in the 90s, her career gained momentum and extended seamlessly into the 2000s and 2010s. In 2014, she participated as a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars. A year later, in 2015, she reprised her role as D.J. Tanner in Fuller House, the Netflix spin-off of Full House. Concurrently, she became a part of the hosting team on the widely-watched talk show, The View.
Since 1996, Candace has been married to NHL player Valeri Bure, adopting the name Candace Cameron Bure. Beyond her acting pursuits, she has ventured into writing, authoring and publishing four books. Among these is a motivational guide centered around fitness and healthy living, which achieved New York Times best-seller status. Her other three books delve into topics of achieving mental and physical equilibrium and divulge secrets for maintaining a wholesome lifestyle.
Yasmine Bleeth Then
The American actress Yasmin Bleeth is etched in memory primarily for her portrayal in the iconic 1990s daytime drama Baywatch. Her character as a lifeguard, often featuring in the iconic slow-motion beach runs, has solidified her as a symbol of that era. Her fame reached a pinnacle when she secured a spot on People Magazine's prestigious list of the 50 Most Beautiful People in 1995.
During the late 1990s, Yasmin Bleeth was consistently hailed as one of the most beautiful women globally by multiple magazines. Before she embraced her iconic role on Baywatch in 1993, Bleeth had already made her mark in the soap opera realm, featuring in Ryan's Hope and One Life to Live.
Yasmine Bleeth Today
After her triumph on Baywatch, Bleeth's star power surged in Hollywood. However, her personal journey was marked by challenges, notably battling substance abuse. In the early 2000s, she sought help and entered a rehabilitation facility. It was during this period that she crossed paths with her future husband, Paul Cerrito. Since 2002, they have enjoyed a joyful and enduring marital relationship.
Bleeth's final on-screen appearance occurred in 2003, within the television movie Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding. Instead of further pursuing her burgeoning television career, she chose to prioritize her personal well-being and health. Despite this shift, her legacy firmly places her among the stars of the 1990s soap opera scene, an era she'll forever be associated with.
Uma Thurman Then
Embracing her distinctive appearance, Uma Thurman initially embarked on a modeling journey before discovering her genuine calling in acting, propelling her into the realm of entertainment. In 1987, she transitioned into acting, marking her debut in this field after building recognition as a model. Her modeling endeavors included features in Glamour magazine and even gracing the cover of British Vogue.
Before attaining her memorable role as Mia Wallace in Quentin Tarantino's acclaimed film Pulp Fiction in 1994, Thurman had taken on a variety of roles, with a mix of successes and disappointments. Amid auditions involving numerous actresses, Tarantino found a unique chemistry with Thurman and, following just one meeting, selected her for the pivotal role. This decision contributed significantly to her career's trajectory.
Uma Thurman Today
As history has shown, the film achieved both critical acclaim and box office triumph, marking the inception of a fruitful collaboration between the actress and the esteemed director. Pulp Fiction went on to be hailed as one of the cinematic masterpieces, further solidifying Uma Thurman's character as an iconic female figure of the 1990s.
Arguably her most significant role remains rooted in a Tarantino creation – the iconic Kill Bill (Volume 1 and Volume 2), where she took on the leading character, Beatrix Kiddo, from 2003 to 2004. In 1998, Thurman formed a union with her Gattaca co-star Ethan Hawke, resulting in the birth of two children, a son, and a daughter, who later became actress Maya Hawke. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in dissolution.
Julia Stiles Then
Actress Julia Stiles has been associated with New York's La MaMa Theatre Company since she was just eleven years old. She marked her film debut at the age of fifteen with the romantic drama I Love You, I Love You Not (1996). While she accumulated several noteworthy roles in the ensuing years, her initial lead role materialized in the 1998 thriller film Wicked.
In 1999, Julia Stiles secured her most prominent role of the decade, and quite possibly the zenith of her career, in the immensely popular romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. Here, she portrayed the lead character alongside Heath Ledger. This film presented a contemporary take on Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew." Notably, it was the inaugural entry in a series of three Shakespearean adaptations in which she played a part.
Julia Stiles Today
After the triumph of 10 Things I Hate About You, Stiles embarked on a journey through several feature films. Her horizons expanded to include the stage as well, participating in various theater productions. In 2003, she took on a role in the acclaimed drama Mona Lisa Smile alongside Julia Roberts, and her career trajectory continued with the 2011 American drama Between Us.
Among her more recent endeavors, Stiles reprised her role in Jason Bourne (2016) and took on a significant part in the highly-regarded film Hustlers (2019). Alongside her acting pursuits, Stiles pursued an education, completing her studies in English Literature at Columbia University in 2005. Since 2016, she has found marital happiness with Preston J. Cook, who works as a camera assistant.
Tia and Tamera Mowry Then
Identical twins Tia and Tamera Mowry embarked on a journey that revolved around their sibling bond. From a young age, the sisters nurtured aspirations of stardom, ultimately persuading their mother to relocate to California and chase after this shared dream. They started with modest steps, primarily featuring in commercials and taking on guest roles in television. Interestingly, their older brother was a recurring presence on Full House during this period.
Following their guest appearance on Full House, the twins' potential caught the eye, leading to a major breakthrough in the form of a television series. This show, Sister, Sister, featuring Tia and Tamera Mowry, propelled them to fame in the 1990s. The series narrated the tale of identical twins who had been separated at birth, only to reunite after fourteen years.
Tia and Tamera Mowry Today
Sister, Sister enjoyed a successful run spanning six years, from 1994 to 1999. After the show concluded, the sisters embarked on a new chapter by pursuing psychology studies at Pepperdine University. However, their television journeys were far from over. In 2002, the duo made an appearance in the comedy The Hot Chick, and they shared the screen once again in the Disney Channel movie Twitches in 2005.
In 2013, Tamera became a part of the hosting panel on the talk show The Real, a role she maintained for six seasons. However, she recently revealed her decision to depart from the show. Both sisters are content in their marital lives. Tia exchanged vows with actor Cory Hardrict in 2008, while her sister Tamera entered matrimony with journalist Adam Housley in 2011.
