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The 1990s were a bit of a whirlwind, weren't they? It was a decade of total chaos, frosted tips, and bell-bottom jeans that we all thought looked the business at the time. But beyond the questionable fashion, the 90s gifted us some truly incredible women who ruled the silver screen.
Ever wondered what happened to your favourite 'It' girls after the credits rolled? From Hollywood heartthrobs to tech moguls and devoted mums, here’s the lowdown on where they are in 2026.
1. Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jennifer was the quintessential "girl next door" who seemed to be everywhere in the 90s. After starting out in sugary-sweet telly ads and the Disney circuit, she struck gold as Sarah Reeves in Party of Five. However, it was her turn as Julie James in I Know What You Did Last Summer that made her a global "Scream Queen." By the mid-2000s, she was the "Ghost Whisperer," but the frantic pace of Hollywood eventually took a backseat. After a high-profile stint on Criminal Minds, she stepped away to focus on her three children with husband Brian Hallisay. In 2026, she is widely praised for choosing her family over fame, though she still occasionally pops up on 9-1-1, proving she’s still got that leading-lady magic whenever she fancies using it.
2. Julia Stiles
Julia was just eleven when she started out, but her big break opposite Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You made her a household name. She smashed it in the Bourne series and Silver Linings Playbook. Most recently, she’s been impressing fans in the sleek TV drama Riviera.
3. Jennie Garth
For an entire generation, Jennie Garth was Kelly Taylor. As the heart and soul of Beverly Hills, 90210, she navigated ten years of high-school drama that gripped the world. When the show ended, Jennie didn't disappear; she leaned into her popularity with the sitcom What I Like About You and even returned for the 90210 reboot. She has dabbled in the reality TV world with The Jennie Garth Project, showing off her passion for home renovation. Even in 2026, while she might not be chasing every red carpet, she remains "TV royalty" to her millions of fans and works steadily on her own terms.
4. Claire Danes
Claire Danes first captured our hearts as the moody, flannel-wearing Angela Chase in My So-Called Life, a role that earned her a Golden Globe at just 15. She followed that up with the ultimate romantic tragedy, starring as Juliet in Baz Luhrmann’s neon-soaked Romeo + Juliet alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. While many teen stars fade, Claire doubled down on her craft. Her portrayal of Carrie Mathison in Homeland cemented her as one of the most powerful dramatic actresses of the 21st century. Today, she is a multi-award-winning powerhouse who chooses complex, gritty roles that continue to wow critics.
5. Amanda Bearse
Amanda Bearse was comedy gold as Marcy D'Arcy, the Bundy family's perpetually annoyed neighbour in Married… with Children. Marcy was the perfect foil to Al Bundy’s antics, and Amanda played her with brilliant comedic timing. Behind the scenes, Amanda was a trailblazer; she was one of the first major primetime stars to come out as a lesbian in the early 90s. Since the show ended, she has moved almost entirely behind the camera. She has become a prolific director for hit shows like Mad TV, Reba, and Dharma & Greg, using her years of experience to shape the next generation of TV comedy.
6. Debbe Dunning
Debbe Dunning became a household name almost overnight when she took over as Heidi, the "Tool Time Girl," on Home Improvement. For seven years, she was the feisty, charismatic assistant to Tim "The Toolman" Taylor. While she didn't chase the Hollywood blockbuster life after the show ended in 1999, she found success in the lifestyle and travel niche. She hosted her own show, Debbe Dunning's Dude Ranch Round-Up, and has spent the last two decades focusing on her three children. She remains a beloved figure of 90s nostalgia, often appearing at fan conventions to chat about the "good old days" of 90s sitcoms.
7. Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore’s career is a masterclass in the "pivot." She started as a bubblegum pop star with the hit single "Candy," but she quickly showed she had serious acting chops in the tear-jerker A Walk to Remember. Just when people thought she might fade into the "pop star" category, she landed the role of Rebecca Pearson in This Is Us, a performance that spanned decades of a character's life and made her a genuine TV legend. Recognized by VH1 as one of the "Greatest Women in Music," Mandy manages to balance a successful recording career with A-list acting roles, all while maintaining one of the most positive reputations in the business.
8. Tia Carrere
Tia Carrere was the ultimate 90s multi-hyphenate. Whether she was rocking out as Cassandra in Wayne’s World (performing her own vocals!) or playing the villain in True Lies, she brought a unique energy to every role. But acting was only half the story; Tia is a gifted musician who eventually won two Grammy Awards for her Hawaiian music, a nod to her heritage. Despite some public struggles with divorces, she has remained incredibly versatile, lending her voice to Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and appearing in numerous TV dramas. Her career is a testament to the fact that you can reinvent yourself as many times as you like.
9. Lark Voorhies
As Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell, Lark Voorhies was the undisputed fashion queen of Bayside High. Her character was the first crush for millions and a style icon for 90s teens. While her co-stars stayed in the mainstream spotlight, Lark’s journey has been more private and often difficult due to health struggles. However, the love from fans has never wavered. In 2026, she remains a cherished symbol of that bright, neon 90s era. Whenever she makes a public appearance or a cameo, it serves as a powerful reminder of her impact as one of the most prominent young Black actresses on Saturday morning telly..
10. Kate Moss
Kate Moss didn’t just join the fashion industry; she completely broke it and rebuilt it in her own image. Arriving at the height of the "Supermodel" era, her smaller frame and "waif" look defined the "heroin chic" aesthetic of the 90s. Over thirty years later, she’s no longer just a face on a billboard; she’s a business mogul. With a net worth estimated at £55 million, she runs her own talent agency and wellness brand, Cosmoss. She has survived every tabloid scandal and industry shift to remain the most influential British model of all time—the ultimate "cool girl" who still dictates what’s trendy in 2026.
11. Amy Jo Johnson
For millions of kids, Amy Jo Johnson will always be the original Pink Power Ranger, Kimberly Hart. She brought gymnastic skill and a lot of heart to a role that could have been one-dimensional. However, Amy Jo was always an artist at heart. Since hanging up the pink spandex, she has built a respected career as a singer-songwriter and, more recently, as a critically acclaimed director. She’s helmed episodes of major shows like Superman & Lois and directed her own feature films. She has successfully moved from "teen idol" to "creative visionary," proving there is definitely life after being a superhero
12. Brandy Norwood
Known as "The Vocal Bible," Brandy ruled the 90s R&B charts before she had even finished high school. Her self-titled debut album was a smash, and her sitcom Moesha was a cultural touchstone. Not content with just music and telly, she conquered Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago and made history as the first Black Cinderella in the iconic 1997 Disney film. Brandy’s influence on modern pop and R&B is massive. In 2026, she continues to release music that younger artists constantly reference, all while appearing in films and TV series that prove her star power hasn't dimmed a bit.
13. Fairuza Balk
Fairuza Balk was the high priestess of 90s gothic cinema. Her performance as Nancy Downs in The Craft is legendary, and she brought a gritty, raw intensity to American History X. While she never seemed interested in the typical "Hollywood leading lady" path, she has maintained a fascinating career in the shadows. These days, she’s a visual artist and musician, but you’ll frequently hear her distinctive, raspy voice in animated hits like Family Guy and Justice League. She remains an icon for anyone who preferred the dark side of the 90s over the bubblegum pop.
14. Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano has basically lived her entire life on our screens. She started as the adorable Samantha on Who’s the Boss? and then transitioned into a global superstar as Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed. Alyssa has always been more than just an actress; she’s a producer, a savvy businesswoman, and a relentless activist. In the years since Charmed, she has raised two children and even created a successful comic book series called Hacktivist. She is a prime example of a child star who navigated the industry's traps to become a powerful, multifaceted woman in control of her own career..
15. Tracey Gold
Tracey Gold was the brainy Carol Seaver on Growing Pains, a role that made her a household name for nearly a decade. However, Tracey’s most impactful work happened off-camera. She was one of the first celebrities to speak openly and honestly about her battle with anorexia at a time when such things were hidden away. She turned her personal struggle into a mission, starring in and producing films like For the Love of Nancy to raise awareness. Today, she is remembered as a hero for her advocacy, helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and eating disorders long before it was "mainstream."
16. Liv Tyler
Being the daughter of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler might get you in the door, but Liv Tyler’s talent is what kept her there. She became a 90s muse in Empire Records and That Thing You Do! before starring in the blockbuster Armageddon. Her ethereal beauty made her the perfect choice to play the elf Arwen in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Liv has always balanced the "megastar" life with a very grounded personal life. In 2026, she continues to work in high-quality projects like The Leftovers and 9-1-1: Lone Star, effortlessly balancing her career with her role as a mother of three.
17. Karyn Parsons
As Hilary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Karyn Parsons was the queen of the one-liners and high-end fashion. Hilary could have been a vapid character, but Karyn gave her a charm that made her unforgettable. After the show ended, Karyn found a new calling in storytelling. She founded Sweet Blackberry, a non-profit that produces brilliant animated films and books about unsung Black heroes in history. She has spent the last two decades as a creator and educator, ensuring that the next generation knows the stories that weren't always told in the history books.
18. Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple is still very much active in 2026. She’s an American singer‑songwriter known for her raw, emotional lyrics and distinctive voice. Since her debut in the mid‑90s, all five of her albums have reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200, and she’s sold over 15 million records worldwide. She’s won three Grammys and has three albums listed among Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” .
Right now, she’s gearing up for a 2026 world tour, which fans have been waiting years for. The tour promises to showcase both her classic hits and newer material, reminding audiences why she’s considered one of the most powerful performers of her generation .
There have been rumours about a new album, though reports are mixed—some say she’s back in the studio, while others suggest it’s just speculation .
19. Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder was the face of Gen-X. With Beetlejuice, Heathers, and Edward Scissorhands, she was the ultimate "weird girl" icon. After taking a break from the industry following a period of intense tabloid scrutiny, Winona staged the ultimate comeback. Her role as the frantic, lights-stringing Joyce Byers in Stranger Things introduced her to a whole new generation of fans. In 2026, she is firmly back on top, proving that true talent and a bit of "90s grit" never go out of style.
20. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow’s career has been a series of massive peaks. She won an Oscar for Shakespeare in Love, became a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Pepper Potts, and then did something entirely different: she built a wellness empire. With Goop, she transformed from an actress into a global business mogul. Whether you’re buying her supplements or watching her films, there’s no denying her influence. She has successfully navigated the shift from "90s starlet" to one of the most powerful and discussed entrepreneurs in the world today. and her high-profile marriages to Chris Martin and now Brad Falchuk.
21. Janet Jackson
Janet stepped out of her brother’s shadow to become a global icon in her own right with hits like The Velvet Rope. She even co-starred with Tupac! Proving it's never too late, she had her first child at 50 and continues to be a legendary figure in music and film.
Fancy a trip down memory lane? I can find out which of these icons are currently starring in a new series on Netflix or Disney+ for you!