'That Can't Be Her': Netizens Can't Recognize This '90s Idol Who Turned 46 – Her Transformation amid Criticism of Her Aging Body

From a '90s teen idol to a Hollywood star speaking out against an industry and society focused on age, take a look at how this actress has changed over the years.

Once celebrated for her girl-next-door charm and youthful looks, this '90s star has found herself at the center of a social media storm in 2025. After making a rare red carpet appearance, netizens were quick to weigh in on her transformation.

1990

In 1990, this future star was already capturing attention with her fresh-faced charm and girl-next-door beauty. With her wide smile, expressive eyes, and signature brunette curls, she embodied the youthful, all-American look that defined the era's teen idols.

1994

1995

1996

1997

By 1997, this star had firmly established herself as one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces. With breakout roles in both "Party of Five" and the box office hit "I Know What You Did Last Summer," she became a fixture on television screens and movie posters alike.

Along with her career, her look had evolved as well. Gone was the sweet, wide-eyed teen of the early '90s — in her place stood a more polished and confident young woman.

Her soft features had matured, framed by sleek, shoulder-length hair and a radiant smile that became part of her signature appeal during this era.

1998

1999

2000

By 2000, this '90s idol's star power had only grown. Riding the momentum of hits like "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" and "Can't Hardly Wait," she continued to dominate both film and television.

With her career reaching new heights, her image had also matured. She now carried a more refined look — a leaner frame, radiant complexion, and a polished, camera-ready presence that reflected her years in the spotlight.

2001

2002

2003

2005

By 2005, this famous actress had noticeably evolved from the youthful ingénue of the '90s into a more sophisticated and polished version of herself.

With darker hair, sharper styling choices, and a more defined sense of glamour, she embraced a grown-up Hollywood image that aligned with her maturing career.

Her features, once defined by soft innocence, now carried a refined elegance. High cheekbones and a sculpted jawline gave her a striking, camera-ready presence that marked this new chapter in both her professional and personal evolution.

2006

2008

2010

By 2010, this Hollywood star's look had softened from the high-glam styles of the mid-2000s in favor of a more understated, elegant approach.

Subtle makeup, fuller brows, and shoulder-length curls framed her face, giving her a classic, timeless beauty that reflected a shift toward maturity and confidence.

2011

2013

2014

2018

By 2018, the signs of aging had begun to show, as they do for everyone. Fine lines and subtle wrinkles were more noticeable, particularly around this famous actress's eyes and mouth, lending her face a maturity that reflected both her age and experience.

This year also marked a return to television with her role on "9-1-1," reintroducing her to audiences in a new light.

2019

2020

By 2020, this '90s idol appearance had taken on a more relaxed and playful tone. Embracing a casual, at-home style during the pandemic era, she experimented with bold choices like pink-tinted hair and minimal makeup.

2021

2022

2023

2024

This actress was none other than Jennifer Love Hewitt, who, in 2024, embraced her changing appearance at 45 with confidence. Fine lines and other signs of aging were more visible, but her warmth and signature smile remained.

Still, having been in the spotlight for decades, the actress openly addressed the criticism she faced for aging in Hollywood.

While she loves her age, Hewitt admitted the hardest part of aging as a celebrity was the public's reaction. "Fans pick… this age that they love that they think represents you, and you're never supposed to grow beyond that," she said.

However, she added, "Age is age. I think women really come into this… acceptance of themselves and comfortability in their 40s that is beautiful."

2025

In 2025, Hewitt celebrated turning 46 in February and shared an inspiring series of makeup- and filter-free selfies on Instagram.

In her candid caption, she reflected on embracing her natural appearance and the personal growth that came with this stage of life. The post highlighted her commitment to authenticity, showing fans a more vulnerable and unfiltered side of herself.

However, a few months later, the '90s idol made a red carpet appearance to promote her new movie, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," a reboot of the classic horror franchise that helped launch her career.

It was this public outing that sparked mixed reactions online about her change in appearance. One person commented, "I hardly recognize her! Not because she doesn't look good, but because she was so so thin before."

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "It's only shocking because she was so thin before." Someone else added, "That can't be her, in her Instagram account she looks way thinner, I'm confused right now, hmmmmmmm [sic]."

Others shared similar thoughts, with comments pointing out how different the actress looks now. Still, not all the responses were negative.

One fan commented, "Curves for days! Weight may fluctuate, value does not," while another wrote, "Oh look, a normal beautiful woman. Refreshing."

More netizens praised Hewitt for showing up confidently and naturally on the red carpet without the extreme measures often seen in Hollywood.

"No Ozempic or Botox, just curves for days," one person commented, while another added, "It's nice to see a celebrity with no Botox!! She looks beautiful."

Through it all, Jennifer Love Hewitt has remained unapologetically herself. Whether celebrated or criticized, she continues to show that aging is not something to hide from but to embrace — even under the harshest spotlight.