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Rob Estes | Source: Getty Images
Rob Estes | Source: Getty Images

These '90s and '00s Heartthrobs Look Nothing Like They Did Before - Photos to Compare

Milla Sigaba
Aug 08, 2025
06:33 A.M.

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.

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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

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

Jason Priestley at the Emmy Awards on September 8, 1996, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Freddie Prinze Jr. during the 2000 Teen Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Ben McKenzie at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Joshua Jackson at the "Skulls" premiere in Los Angeles, California, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Shane West at a special screening of "A Walk To Remember" in New York, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Adam Brody at the 2003 Teen Choice Awards on August 2 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

The Hanson brothers circa 1997 | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Devon Sawa at the premiere of "Wild America" at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Tom Welling during the 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Josh Hartnett posing for a portrait circa 1997 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Chad Michael Murray on the set of "Gilmore Girls" in 2001. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Milo Ventimiglia at the grand opening of the Airstream Diner on July 27, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Ian Somerhalder during the Movieline's 4th Annual Young Hollywood Awards in California in 2002. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Chris Pine at the "Hostage" premiere in New York in 2005. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris on "Saved by the Bell" in 1991. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Eddie Cibrian posing for a portrait in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Scott Speedman at the WB TV Summer Press Tour on July 25, 1998, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield on "Prison Break" in 2005. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Christian Slater at the "If Looks Could Kill" premiere on March 9, 1991, at Mann Plaza Theatre in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Rob Estes at the 10th Annual American Teacher Awards in 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Andrew Keegan during the 7th Annual Environmental Media Awards in Pacific Palisades, California, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Kavana posing for a portrait in the United Kingdom, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

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

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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

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

Thomas Calabro photographed in 1993 | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

David Charvet at a "Baywatch" photocall in Los Angeles, California, circa 1992. | Source: Getty Images

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Today, he has grown into a more defined and mature appearance.

David Charvet from a post dated October 24, 2023. | Source: Instagram/davidcharvetofficial

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

Andrew Shue at the California United Democratic Campaign's Star-Spangled Caravan Tour in 1992. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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

Jonathan Taylor Thomas during the 1996 Nickelodeon Big Help event in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

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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

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.

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