
These '90s and '00s Heartthrobs Look Nothing Like They Did Before - Photos to Compare
Time moves fast — especially in Hollywood. Take a look at how some of the most recognizable faces of late-'90s and early-2000s pop culture have changed over the past two decades.
The faces of late-'90s and early-2000s fame are permanently etched into memory: tousled hair, smirky expressions, and that specific brand of boyish charm that ruled the red carpet. But decades later, those same faces have shifted — some gracefully and some dramatically.

Chad Michael Murray circa 2001. | Source: Getty Images
1 – Jason Priestley
From teen heartthrob to silver-haired style icon. Priestley's signature smirk, ocean-green eyes, and jet-black hair once made him the poster boy of the '90s.

Jason Priestley at the Emmy Awards on September 8, 1996, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
These days, he's rocking a salt-and-pepper beard, but the charm is still intact, just more rugged and refined.

Jason Priestley from a post dated March 21, 2024. | Source: Instagram/jason_priestley
2 – Freddie Prinze Jr.
Forever the boy-next-door with perfect brows and a jawline that launched a thousand teen crushes. Freddie's clean-cut good looks were pure late-'90s rom-com gold.

Freddie Prinze Jr. during the 2000 Teen Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now, he's aging like fine wine — smiling wider, hair grayer, still very much a heartthrob.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. from a post dated September 1, 2024. | Source: Instagram/sarahmgellar
3 – Ben McKenzie
McKenzie's earlier look was fresh-faced and understated — clean-shaven, with a soft hairstyle and wide blue eyes that gave him a boy-next-door quality.

Ben McKenzie at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now in his late 40s, the actor's face has filled out, and subtle lines have emerged, particularly around the eyes.

Ben McKenzie at the "Deep Cover" world premiere during SXSW London 2025 at the Barbican Centre on June 4 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
4 – Joshua Jackson
Jackson's youthful years were marked by his boyish face and easy-going demeanor, with soft features and a slightly mischievous expression.

Joshua Jackson at the "Skulls" premiere in Los Angeles, California, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
Today, he presents a refined version of that charm. His face is fuller and more structured, and he now sports a short beard and gray-streaked hair.

Joshua Jackson at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
5 – Shane West
In the early 2000s, West had the classic bad-boy look — defined jawline, tousled hair, and a brooding presence that helped cement his image in teen dramas and romantic films.

Shane West at a special screening of "A Walk To Remember" in New York, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
In recent years, he's maintained a similar edge but now leans into a more mature, rugged style.

Shane West from a post dated February 22, 2025. | Source: Instagram/theshanewest
6 – Adam Brody
Brody's early look was defined by tight curls, a clear complexion, and soft, symmetrical features that gave him a relaxed charm.

Adam Brody at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Now older, a full beard and smile lines give his face more character, while his style has shifted toward a more refined appearance.

Adam Brody at the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2025, in California. | Source: Getty Images
7 – The Hanson Brothers
In their teen years, the Hanson brothers were known for their long, blond hair and soft facial features.

The Hanson brothers circa 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Over time, each brother's appearance has developed in distinct ways. Their hairstyles are now more tailored, and their faces show natural signs of aging that mark the shift from adolescence to adulthood.

The Hanson brothers during their festival, Hop Jam, in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 21, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
8 – Devon Sawa
Sawa had a smooth, boyish face in the late '90s — wide blue eyes, fuller lips, and straight, parted hair that added to his youthful image.

Devon Sawa at the premiere of "Wild America" at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
Today, his features have matured, with a squarer jawline, more defined cheekbones, and subtle lines that give his face stronger structure.

Devon Sawa at "The Life of Chuck" premiere at the Hollywood Legion Theater on June 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
9 – Tom Welling
Welling was known for his classic leading-man looks in the 2000s — square jaw, clear skin, and youthful charm.

Tom Welling during the 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Over time, he has developed a more solid, muscular build and a face that shows signs of maturity, shifting from fresh-faced to a more commanding presence.

Tom Welling from a post dated May 3, 2024. | Source: Instagram/tomwelling
10 – Josh Hartnett
Hartnett's early appeal came from his brooding eyes, tousled hair, and smooth complexion.

Josh Hartnett posing for a portrait circa 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
His look has since matured, with a fuller face and facial hair giving him a more rugged and relaxed style that contrasts with his once-clean-cut image.

Josh Hartnett at the "Fight or Flight" premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on May 6, 2025, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
11 – Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray had sharp, defined features and a boyish edge that helped define early 2000s heartthrob style.

Chad Michael Murray on the set of "Gilmore Girls" in 2001. | Source: Getty Images
Today, his look has evolved into something more refined, as his overall appearance is noticeably more mature.

Chad Michael Murray at the "Freakier Friday" premiere on July 31, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
12 – Milo Ventimiglia
Ventimiglia had a youthful, sharp look in the early 2000s — angular features, smooth skin, and a lean build.

Milo Ventimiglia at the grand opening of the Airstream Diner on July 27, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
He has since grown into a more rugged version of himself, with longer hair and subtle aging that add more definition to his overall appearance.

Milo Ventimiglia at the 2024 AFI Fest premiere of "Heretic" at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 24 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
13 – Ian Somerhalder
Somerhalder's early charm came from his piercing eyes, clean complexion, and neatly styled hair.

Ian Somerhalder during the Movieline's 4th Annual Young Hollywood Awards in California in 2002. | Source: Getty Images
In recent years, he has adopted a scruffier look, with expressive features that have become more pronounced over time.

Ian Somerhalder from a post dated June 13, 2024. | Source: Instagram/iansomerhalder
14 – Chris Pine
Pine began with classic leading-man looks — sharp jawline, clear skin, and piercing eyes.

Chris Pine at the "Hostage" premiere in New York in 2005. | Source: Getty Images
In recent years, he has embraced a more unconventional style. His appearance is now marked by a fuller beard and longer hair.

Chris Pine arriving at "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on May 9, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
15 – Mark-Paul Gosselaar
Gosselaar had a boyish, all-American charm in the early '90s, with bright eyes and a smooth complexion.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris on "Saved by the Bell" in 1991. | Source: Getty Images
He now carries a more mature look, with facial hair and a stronger jawline giving him a more refined, grown-up presence.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards on February 7, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
16 – Eddie Cibrian
Cibrian's '90s appeal centered on a sculpted jawline, thick hair, and smooth skin that gave him a polished, model-like presence.

Eddie Cibrian posing for a portrait in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Today, he has grown into a more rugged look, with visible aging and graying that add definition to his still-prominent features.

Eddie Cibrian at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
17 – Scott Speedman
Speedman had a youthful, easygoing charm in the early 2000s, with tousled hair and a boyish smile.

Scott Speedman at the WB TV Summer Press Tour on July 25, 1998, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
His appearance now leans more refined, with fuller facial hair and a stronger, more structured look that reflects his evolution over the years.

Scott Speedman at Tod's Los Angeles Dinner celebrating the Fall/Winter 2024/25 collection at The Tower Bar at Sunset Tower on October 23, 2024, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
18 – Wentworth Miller
Miller was once known for his sharp features, lean frame, and close-cropped hair that gave him an intense, defined look.

Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield on "Prison Break" in 2005. | Source: Getty Images
Over time, while his striking bone structure remained, the actor grew into a fuller, more composed appearance.

Wentworth Miller as Senator Mark Hanson on "Madam Secretary" in 2019. | Source: Getty Images
19 – Christian Slater
Slater had a youthful edge in the '90s — slicked-back hair, angular features, and a mischievous grin.

Christian Slater at the "If Looks Could Kill" premiere on March 9, 1991, at Mann Plaza Theatre in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
He now sports a more refined look, with a smoother face and subtle signs of aging that have rounded out his once-rebellious image.

Christian Slater at the "Gonzo Girl" premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theater on June 12 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
20 – Rob Estes
Estes had a clean-cut, leading man look in the '90s — sharp features, bright eyes, and a polished presence.

Rob Estes at the 10th Annual American Teacher Awards in 1999. | Source: Getty Images
With time, his appearance has matured noticeably. His face now carries deeper lines, with a softer jaw and gray tones adding to a more natural, relaxed style.

Rob Estes at the Los Angeles Italia Film, Fashion, and Art Festival screening of "The Italians" at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 4, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
21 – Andrew Keegan
Keegan's early appeal came from his sculpted features, smooth skin, and confident expression.

Andrew Keegan during the 7th Annual Environmental Media Awards in Pacific Palisades, California, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
These days, he has grown into a more rugged look. His once-youthful face now shows more texture and definition, marking a clear contrast from his teen heartthrob days.

Andrew Keegan during the Imperial Legacy Los Angeles Fashion Week x The Society Fashion Week at Union Station event on March 24, 2023, in California. | Source: Getty Images
22 – Kavana
Kavana had a cheeky, boyish energy in the '90s, with expressive features and a signature grin that gave him an approachable charm.

Kavana posing for a portrait in the United Kingdom, 1997. | Source: Getty Images
As he's matured, his appearance has become more refined, though traces of his earlier look remain.

Kavana from a post dated January 25, 2024. | Source: Instagram/kavana_real
23 – Erik von Detten
Von Detten was once the poster boy for teen cool — blonde hair, piercing eyes, and a surfer-like charm that defined his appeal.

Erik von Detten attends the "Cookie's Fortune" premiere on March 29, 1999, at the Cineplex Odeon Showcase Cinemas in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, he has grown into a more laid-back and mature look.

Erik von Detten and his wife from a post dated July 31, 2024. | Source: Instagram/angelavondetten
24 – Thomas Calabro
Calabro had a smooth, clean-cut look in the '90s, with youthful features and a confident smile that fit the heartthrob mold of the time.

Thomas Calabro photographed in 1993 | Source: Getty Images
As he's matured, his appearance has taken on a more seasoned and relaxed quality. The charm is still there, now complemented by the natural signs of aging.

Thomas Calabro from a post dated December 28, 2024. | Source: Instagram/codeethel
25 – David Charvet
Charvet once had the sun-kissed look of a quintessential heartthrob — bright eyes, thick hair, and a chiseled jaw that made him a standout in the '90s.

David Charvet at a "Baywatch" photocall in Los Angeles, California, circa 1992. | Source: Getty Images
Today, he has grown into a more defined and mature appearance.

David Charvet from a post dated October 24, 2023. | Source: Instagram/davidcharvetofficial
26 – Andrew Shue
Shue's youthful look in the '90s featured strong facial structure, tousled dark hair, and a brooding intensity that made him stand out.

Andrew Shue at the California United Democratic Campaign's Star-Spangled Caravan Tour in 1992. | Source: Getty Images
As he's grown older, his appearance has matured into something far more rugged. Subtle lines and a graying beard now define a face that once captured the clean-cut charm of a different era.

Andrew Shue spotted on February 14, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
27 – Jonathan Taylor Thomas
In the '90s, Thomas had classic teen idol looks — bright blue eyes, a youthful smile, and neatly parted hair that gave him a polished, all-American appeal.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas during the 1996 Nickelodeon Big Help event in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, he has grown into a more mature appearance, with features that reflect the passage of time.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas seen on August 14, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
These before-and-after photos show just how much can change in two decades, and how the faces of a generation have grown up right along with their fans.