90s Celebrities: Then And Now

The 90s was the decade of boy bands, frosted hair tips, teen drama sitcoms, and the beginning of the Pokemon craze. From the Pink Power Ranger (Amy Jo Johnson), to ice skating legend Nancy Kerrigan, to Monica Lewinsky, we compiled a list of the most famous 1990s celebrities and what they are up to today. Nostalgia is one of the greatest comforts we get to experience these days. Whether the nostalgia happens to come from smelling a perfume we wore in middle school, a game we played with friends when we were kids, or a television show we used to obsessively watch after school - the stars that were related to any of these make it feel like home.

Seeing what our favorite stars from the 90s are up to today will either make you very proud of them, or completely surprised at what they are doing and where they ended up. Hollywood has a tendency to make stars' lives harder after fame dies down but there are those who rose above and ended up having an even greater personal career after the height of their fame. Some went into cooking, others went into business empires, but almost all ended up successful one way or another. However, we did say almost all of them, there are those you would be stunned to see what they have been up to.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer began acting as a child in TV commercials. She truly came into the limelight once she was casted in the teen drama, “Party of Five,” as Sarah Reeves. In the late 90s, she solidified her fame by landing a featured role in the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” franchise.

From 2005 to 2010, Hewitt starred on the CBS series “Ghost Whisperer,” which she also acted as Producer. In 2014, Hewitt joined the cast of “Criminal Minds” as Agent Kate Callahan. She left the show in 2015 due to her pregnancy of her second child.

Julia Stiles

In 1997, Julia Stiles landed the a role in “The Devil’s Own,” along side Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt, which lead to her getting the lead role in the 1998 thriller, “Wicked.”

She finished off the 90s strong, by portraying a featured role in “10 Things I hate About You” opposite Heath Ledger. Stiles had continued success in her acting career, including landing roles in the Bourne franchise and the 2012 box office hit “Silver Linings Playbook.” From 2012-2014 she started in the series “Blue.”

Claire Danes

In 1996, Danes became the subject of every female’s jealousy, when she starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, in the film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” In 2010, she played the title role in “Temple Grandin.”

Her performance received high accolades and she won an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award. Most recently, she played the lead role of a CIA agent in the critically acclaimed series “Homeland.”

Mandy Moore

Many Moore took over the 90s showing off her many talents – acting, singing, and songwriting. Moore released her debut single “Candy,” in 1999. That same year she toured with boy bands Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC.

She has now released a total of 6 albums and appeared in multiple hit movies such as “A Walk To Remember,” “Because I Said So,” “License To Wed” and “Tangled.” She currently stars in the NBC drama “This Is Us.”

Brenda Song

Brenda Song has long been on the radar of Disney fans when she was featured on the series The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody.

But as she’s gotten older, the now-27-year-old actress has been trying to transition from roles for children to more general performances, especially outside of Disney. Unfortunately, a career outside the Disney network has been hard to establish for Song.

Tia Carrere

Tia Carrere made her acting debut on the soap opera “General Hospital.” She had appearances in TV shows such as “The A-Team” and “MacGyver.” However, her breakthrough role was as Mike Myer’s love interest in the “Wayne’s World” movies.

In 1992, People magazine named her one of their most beautiful people. She also had roles in films “True Lies” and “Jury Duty.” She continued to act and landed many, many roles. She also dabbled in singing and even won a Grammy award in 2011 for Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei began to make a name for her self in the industry, after she played the reoccurring role of Maggie Lauten on Bill Cosby’s “A Different World.” However, Marisa became an international star when she played the feisty auto mechanic from New York, Mona Lisa Vito, in “My Cousin Vinny,” in 1992.

This performance won her an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She recently had roles in the box-office hits “The Big Short” and “Captain America: Civil War.” She will reprise her role as Aunt May for “Spiderman: Homecoming.”

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker started out the 90s, with a recurring role on TV show “Equal Justice.” In 1993, she landed the role of Sarah, alongside Better Midler, in “Hocus Pocus.”

However, Carrie Bradshaw was the relationship guru and fashion icon in the late 90s, thanks to actress Sarah Jessica Parker. “Sex and the City” quickly gained a cult following after its premiere in 1998. The series was followed up with 2 feature films.

Amy Jo Johnson

Amy Jo Johnson made it OK for boys and girls everywhere to love the color pink. Johnson made her TV debut, in 1993, as Kimberly Hart, aka The Pink Ranger, on the series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” She played Kimberly until 1999.

She continued her acting career into the 2000s with leading roles in “The Division” and “Flashpoint.” She also released her first music album in 2001, and has released 2 more since. Set to be released in 2017, she is writing and directing a indie comedy film titled “The Space Between.”

Calista Flockhart

Calista Flockhart was best known for her portrayal as the title role in the TV series, “Ally McBeal.” The somewhat neurotic lawyer, Ally, was a career driven women on the road to find love. Her inner voices and frequent fantasies played into women’s sub-conscious insecurities everywhere.

Calista landed many reoccurring roles on shows such as “Brothers & Sisters,” “Full Circle,” and “Supergirl.” She also married actor Harrison Ford in 2010, who adopted her son, Liam Flockhart.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano made herself widely known in the acting industry after playing Samantha Micelli on “Who’s The Boss?” from 1984-1992. She landed multiple gigs throughout the 90s, and ended strong with recurring roles on the hit TV series “Melrose Place” and “Charmed.”

She has appeared in movies such as “Hall Pass” and “New Years Eve.” However, most of her success still comes from TV. She recently had recurring roles on “Romantically Challenged” and “Mistresses.”

Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani become a pop-rock idol, in the 90s, leading the band “No Doubt.” The band has released a total of 6 albums. In 2004, Stefani began her solo career with “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” Her solo career has been a huge success, releasing hit tracks like “Hollaback Girl,” “If I Was A Rich Girl,” and “Used To Love You.”

In 2014, she became a judge of the reality TV show “The Voice,” where she met her current boyfriend, Blake Shelton. She also has her own perfume and clothing line.

Bug Hall

Bug Hall stole the hearts of many, after portraying the romantic “Little Rascal(s)” Alfala, in 1994. He continued the 90s landing roles in various movies and a recurring role on “Kelly Kelly.”

Hall continues to act, unfortunately, he is still regularly associated with his childhood role. He last appeared on film in 2015’s “Body High.” However, he is credited with starring in 2 films that have yet to be released.

Brandy Norwood

During the 90s, Brandy was known as a famous singer and an actress. Her self-titled album quickly went platinum in the US in 1994. The singer was soon casted to play the lead role in UPN’s TV series “Moesha.”

While on “Moesha,” she landed the role of Karla Wilson, in the hit franchise movie “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.” From 2012-2015, she played the reoccurring role of Chardonnay in TV series “The Game.” In January 2016, Brandy debuted as Zoe Moon in the BET TV series “Zoe Ever After.”

Mike Vitar

In the 90’s hit movie “The Sandlot,” Benny became a legend after he took on the beast behind the outfield fence of a local sandlot. Benny became one of the most iconic movie characters, of the 90’s, thanks in most part to Mike Vitar.

Unfortunately, by the late 90s, Vitar had seemed to disappear from the Hollywood spotlight. In 2002, Vitar joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. He recently made headlines, in 2015, after a fight between firemen broke out and Vitar was arrested.

Elizabeth Hurley

Elizabeth was known for being the girlfriend of veteran actor, Hugh Grant. Already building fame from modeling and acting, she soared into public popularity after she wore the plunging black Versace dress (pictured below) to Hugh Grant’s film premiere “Four Weddings and a Funeral.”

In the late 90s, Hurley also landed big roles in feature films like “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” and “Bedazzled.” Hurley now is busy playing the role of the sassy and back-stabbing Queen Helena, in the television show, “The Royals.” She also still counts Hugh Grant as one of her best friends.

Jenna Von Oy

Jenna Von Oy became a household name after she was casted as Six Lemure in the TV series “Blossom.” After the show ended in 1995, she began studying at the University of Southern California to study film. However, she dropped out after 2 years to return to acting. She had appearances on shows such as “Chicago Hope,” “7th Heaven,” and “Martin.”

Unfortunately, her career never really took off so she tried singing. She released her debut album “Breathing Room,” in 2007. She is also a published author writing about funny situations she did and one may encounter during motherhood.

Kel Mitchell

Kel Mitchell ruled the teen comedy scene, in the 90s. He starred on shows like “All That” and “Kenan and Kel.” Any child who owned a TV could tell you his famous line “Who loves orange soda? Kel loves orange soda!” He also landed a role along side Ben Stiller in the movie “Mystery Men.”

After his “Kenan and Kel” days, Kel went on to do some voice acting on shows like “Clifford the Big Red Dog” and “Wild Grinders.” Beginning in 2015, he returned to his roots, and landed a role on a Nickelodeon series, which he still performs on today.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder took over the big screen in the 1990s. She began the decade appearing in “Mermaids,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She then played along side Johnny Depp, in “Edward Scissorhands,” and soon after with Keanu Reeves in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”

In 2001, Winona was arrested for shop lifting and took a hiatus from acting. However, by 2006 she was quickly landing roles once again. These days, Winona is starring as the mother figure in the Netflix hit, “Stranger Things.”

Minne Driver

In 1995, Minnie Driver landed the lead role in “Circle of Friends.” This newfound popularity helped her land movie roles in “GoldenEye,” “Grosse Point Blank” and “Good Will Hunting,” opposite Matt Damon.

In 2015, she had a reoccurring role on TV series “About a Boy.” She currently is the lead role on the TV series “Speechless.” She will also star in the upcoming crime thriller, “The Crash,” with John Leguizamo and Maggie Q, which is set to be released in January 2017.

Andrew Keegan

Andrew Keegan first entered the Hollywood spotlight after landing a role in the cul classic “Camp Nowhere,” in 1994. He then landed roles in the movie “Independence Day,” and as Stephanie Tanner’s love interest on “Full House.” He quickly gained heartthrob status and landed recurring roles on “7th Heaven” and “Party of Five.”

Unfortunately, Keegan hasn’t done much acting since the 1990s. However, he have found himself leading in other ways. In 2014, he joined a religion called “Full Circle” and now serves as a spiritual leader.

Courtney Love

Courtney was known for her punk and grunge-style music, with her band, Hole. However, many know her from her highly publicized life after marriage to Kurt Cobain, from 1992 until his death in 1994. In 2012, Courtney expanded her artistic talents and had a autobiographical art show in New York City.

In Spring 2015, she toured with the currently popular singer, Lana Del Ray, as an opening act. Courtney has lande roles in various film and TV shows, including hit shows like “Empire” and “Sons of Anarchy.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Gellar’s television breakthrough came in 1993, when she played Kendall Hart on “All My Children.” However, her widespread fame came from her portrayal as Buffy, in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Buffy broke the norm of the helpless horror movie female victim and became a strong inspiration to girls everywhere. In 2015, Gellar co-founded Foodstirs, a foodcrafting startup that sells baking kits for kids. She is also set to release a cookbook in 2017.

Gaby Hoffman

Gaby Hoffman became a Hollywood sensation after she played young Samantha, in the coming-of-age movie “Now & Then.” Her performance helped her finish the 90s strong, landing role in multiple films such as “Volcano,” “Everyone Says I Love You,” and “200 Cigarettes.”

She recently reestablished her acting fame after having recurring roles on the HBO series “Girls,” and Amazon series “Transparent.” In 2017, she is set to appear in another HBO series “High Maintenance.”

Luke Perry

Luke Perry began establishing his on-screen career after he landed the role of Kenny in “Another World,” in the late 80s. The role launched his career and made him a teen idol. He landed roles in features films like “Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” “Normal Life,” and “American Strays.”

For most of he 90s, he played Dylan McKay on “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Since the 90s, he has continued to land roles in various TV shows and movies. However, his popularity was never as high was it was in the 90s. He currently filming the TV series “Riverdale.”

Linda Fiorentino

Linda Fiorentino had made a name for herself, in Hollywood, by the late 1980s. She solidified her fame after playing Bridget Gregory in 1994’s “The Last Seduction.” She went on to land roles in hit movies such as “Larger Than Life,” “Men In Black,” and “Dogma.”

Sadly, she has not landed many roles since the 90s. This may be due to Kevin Smith, director of “Dogma.” He admitted she was one of the hardest actors he ever had to work with. Her last credited role was in 2009.

Denise Richards

Starting her career in television in 1990, Richards made appearances in shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “Seinfeld” and “Melrose Place.” Her first film breakthrough role was in “Starship Troopers,” in 1997.

She continued to land numerous movie roles including Rebecca Ann Leeman in “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” and a bond girl in “The World is Not Enough.” Still as beautiful as ever, she had reoccurring roles on TV series “Blue Mountain State,” “Twisted” and “Vanity.” In 2011, she released her memoir “The Real Girl Next Door.”

Jaleel White

Everyone’s favorite smarty pants (and nerd), from the 90s, was Steve Urkel, who was played by Jaleel White. White was casted on “Family Matters” when he was only 12-years-old. The character was only supposed to appear on the show in one episode.

However, audiences were captivated with Steve Urkel and he became a regular. White became so synonymous with Urkel it was hard for him to land other acting gigs. He hosted SyFy’s series “Total Blackout” from 2012-2013. He continues to land small roles on TV shows and movies, as well.

Yasmine Bleeth

Yasmine became a household name when she landed the role as Caroline Holden on the hit series “Baywatch.” Her fame from “Baywatch” led to roles in “Nash Bridges” and the short-lived series “Titans.” She also appeared in several TV movies in the late 90s, such as “A Face to Die For,” “Talk to Me,” and “Crowned and Dangerous.”

The now 48-year-old looks slightly different, pictured here alongside her husband, Paul Cerrito. Although now sober, Bleeth has not had any acting success since the early 2000s, due to a cocaine addiction.

Melanie Brown

Mel B aka Scary Spice became an international superstar, with the girl band Spice Girls. The Spice Girls released 3 platinum albums and a feature film, “Spiceworld: The Movie,” which grossed $100 million. Since 2013, Mel B has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent.”

She also has not strayed from her roots as she, Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), reunited for the 20th anniversary of the Spice Girls debut album and are working on new music.

Johnathon Taylor Thomas

Child Star John Taylor Thomas stole the show as the son of Tim Allen on Home Improvement. He played Randy Taylor on the show for 7 years. During that time, he made his film debut voicing Simba in “The Lion King.” Thomas eventually enrolled in Harvard University where he studied philsophy and history.

He attended graduate school at Columbia University. He has pretty much stayed out of the limelight except for small appearances on shows like “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter” and “Last Man Standing.”

Debbe Dunning

Speaking of “Home Improvement,” we couldn’t forget about the beautiful Tool Time Girl, Heidi Keppert, played by Debbe Dunning. She played Heidi from 1992-1999.

Unfortunately, her career never took off and she had only one more prominent role in her acting career. From 2006-2007, she had a recurring role on “Wicked, Wicked Games.” She is married to volleyball player Steve Timmons and they have 3 children.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate shot into fame for playing Kelly Bundy on “Married With Children,” for a decade (1987-1997). Simultaneously while working on “Married With Children,” she had roles in movies such as “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead” and “Mars Attacks!.”

Her fame and beauty never stopped growing. She had roles in blockbuster movies such as “Anchorman,” “Vacation,” and “Hall Pass.” You can expect to see her in the 2017 movie “Crash Pad,” alongside Nina Dobrev.

Daniel Stern

After beginning his career on Broadway, Daniel Stern had quite a successful acting career in the 70s and 80s. However, in the mid-90s, Stern became a huge success, after landing the role of Marv, in the “Home Alone” franchise. He continued to act, recently had recurring roles on the TV series “Manhattan” and “Getting On.”

However, he took his talents outside of acting. He is involved in many community service projects, USO tours, and owns a cattle ranch. In 2009, President Obama honored Stern with the Call to Service Award.

Melissa Joan Hart

Melissa Joan Hart took over the TV screen, in the 90’s. She had leading roles in “Clarissa Explains it All,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” She played the role of Sabrina Spellman on 6 different TV series: Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996), Clueless (1996), Boy Meets World (1993), You Wish (1997), Teen Angel (1997) and Robot Chicken (2005).

She jumped back into TV as a leading lady in 2010, on “Melissa & Joey.” The show ran until 2015. Her most recent credited roles, in 2016, were in the film “Gods Not Dead 2,” and the TV movie “Broadcasting Christmas.”

Tyra Banks

In 1993, Tyra made the jump from modeling to acting by appearing in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” In 1996, supermodel Tyra Banks was the first African-American woman ever to appear on the cover of GQ and on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

From 2003-2015, Tyra Banks saw much success hosting and serving as the executive producer from “America’s Next Top Model.” Also in 2016, she had a short stint on the daytime talk show “FABLife.” She chose to leave the show after 3 months to concentrate on her cosmetic line.

Anna Chlumsky

Everyone fell in love with Anna Chlumsky in the early 90s, when she played Vada Sultenfuss in “My Girl,” and “My Girl 2.” In 1994, she appeared along side Sissy Spacek in “Trading Mom,” and in 1995, she starred with Christina Ricci in “Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain.” Between 1999-2005, Anna took a break from acting to go to college.

She majored in international Studies at the University of Chicago and graduated in 2002. Most recently, she has played the reoccurring role of Amy Brookheimer in the HBO series “Veep.”

Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci was a teenage star on the silver screen, in the 90s. Just to name a few roles, she played Wednesday Addams for both Adams Family Movies, Kat in “Casper,” and Roberta in “Now & Then.” By the time the 90s had ended, she proved her strong acting abilities.

Beginning in 2015, she began playing Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald in “Z: The Beginning of Everything,” an Amazon series. A role which she continues to play today.

Heather Donahue

Heather Donahue rose to fame after appearing in the cult-horror film “The Blair Witch Project.” At one point, Heather’s IMDB page marked her as “Missing, presumed dead,” as per the movie marketing team. Even though “The Blair Witch Project,” is considered a one of the most influential horror films ever made, Heather’s acting career never really took off.

In 2012, she released the book “Growgirl: How My Life After The Blair Witch Project Went to Pot.” In the book, she discusses how she lived amongst a community that grew medical marijuana.

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia performed in multiple Aerosmith music videos, before rising to fame in the hit comedy movie “Clueless.” In 1997, she landed the role of Batgirl in the big-budget film “Batman & Robin,” and a role alongside Brendan Fraser in the 1999 film “Blast From the Past.”

Alicia has been flip-flopping from the big screen to Broadway. In 2016, she starred in “King Cobra” and “Who Gets the Dog?.”

George Michael

In 1990, George Michael released the album “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 .” The first single from the album, “Praying For Time,” sky rocketed to number 1. He continued to releases albums throughout the 90s, including “Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael.”

In 2016, Michael had announced he was making his second documentary titled “Freedom.” Unfortunately, in 2016, at the age of 53, Michael passed away. His musical talents will remain legendary and influential in the business for many years to come.

Lucy Lawless

Lawless began the 90s landing roles in various short films, TV shows and TV movies. However, her character, Xena Warrior Princess was the iconic strong female character of the 90s.

Lucy has had a continuous career since Xena ended, with work on “Spartacus,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Agents of Shield.” From 2014-2015, she had a reccuring role on the TV series “Salem,” as Countess Marburg. Her most recent role was on the Starz’s series “Ash vs. Evil Dead” as Ruby Knowby.

Tiffani Thiessen

Tiffani became the crush of every boy, and envy of every girl, when she debuted as Kelly Kapowski on “Saved by the Bell.” After “Saved By the Bell” wrapped she was casted as bad girl, Valarie Malone, in “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

From 2009-2013, Tiffani stared as Elizabeth Burke in the USA series “White Collar.” Tiffani now hosts and executive produces her own cooking show on the Cooking Channel, “Dinner at Tiffani’s.”

Elisabeth Shue

Elisabeth Shue rose to fame after making her film debut opposite Ralph Macchio in “The Karate Kid.” She landed her first starring role in 1987, in “Adventures of Babysitting.” She began the 90s, reprising her role of Jennifer for the third movie in the “Back to the Future,” franchise.

She steadily kept acting in the 90s, and was even nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the 1995 film “Leaving Las Vegas.”

Erika Eleniak

Erika Eleniak became a Hollywood bombshell once she began playing the role of Shauni McClain on the hit TV series “Baywatch.”

She played Shauni from 1989-1992. Also, in the early 90s, she had big roles in “Under Siege” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” She has continued to land roles in movies, however, she is still heavily remembered for her time lifeguarding in the red one-piece. She is currently credited with a the title role of a movie about Marilyn Monroe that is in pre-production.

Keri Russell

Keri Russell began her career, like many other 90s actors, on the Mickey Mouse Club. She stayed in the club until 1993. However, her role in 1992’s “Honey I Shrunk The Kids” skyrocketed her career.

By the late 90s, she was starring in the title role on the TV series “Felicity.” In 2013, Russell began playing Elizabeth Jennings on the FX series “The Americans.” This is where she met her current co-star and boyfriend, Matthew Rhys.

Tina Majorino

Tina Majorino became a child star after befriending a seal, in the the 1994 film, “Andre.” She finished the 90s portraying Alice, in the TV movie “Alice in Wonderland.” She went dark from 1999-2003. However, in 2004, she played the quirky character of Deb in the hit movie “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Her role of Deb helped reestablish her acting career. She had recurring roles on multiple popular TV series such as “Veronica Mars,” “The Deep End,” “Big Love,” “True Blood,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Her most recent roles were in 2014, in TV series “Legends” and the “Veronica Mars” movie.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams made her film debut in 1994, in the hit film “Lassie.” Throughout the 90s she continued to land roles in movies such as “A Thousand Acres,” “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later,” “Dick, (still featured below)” and “But I’m A Cheerleader.”

She finished the 90s strong landing the role of Jen Lindley in the TV series “Dawson’s Creek.” She continues to act and recently played Randi Chandler in the Golden Globe winning movie “Manchester By The Sea.”

Jessie James

Jessie James was born in 1988, in Italy. However, her father was a part of U.S. Air Force, and therefore, she spent most of the 90s moving around the world. She won her first talent contest at the age of 9. By 15 years old, she made her way to Nashville to try to make it big in country music.

Her debut album, “Jessie James,” was released in 2009, and debuted at number 23. Although she was a country singer, the label made her album’s sound more pop. She has released a few more singles and extended plays since her original album. In 2013, she married NFL player, Eric Decker.

Monica Lewinsky

The 22-year-old was unknown to most of the world until 1998. The Former White House intern became infamous for her “inappropriate relationship” with President Bill Clinton between 1995-1997. Although Clinton tried to deny the allegations at first, it was found to be true by a grand jury.

In 2014, Lewinsky reemerged in the public eye to write an essay for magazine “Vanity Fair” where she discussed her life and the scandal. In October of that year, she began rallying against cyberbullying, as she feels personally affected by the subject.

Taylor Swift

Born in rural Pennsylvania, in the late 80s, Taylor Swift has truly come a long way in her career. After pursuing her dream and moving to Nashville at age 14, she was determined to become a music star. Since 2006, she has released 5 studio albums, all have which have been certified platinum numerous times.

She has had numerous endorsement deals and created her own line of perfume. She is currently considered one of the most successful artists in the world.

Lady Gaga

Before she was Lady Gaga she was Stefani Germanotta. She played piano since a young age and participated in theater in high school. Her mother encouraged her to apply to musical theater program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

She was 1 of 20 students to gain early admission and began her studies at age 17. However, she dropped out to pursue a musical career. After performing with a band, and being dropped from Def Jam Records. Singer-producer, Akon, was able to get her a joint deal with his label, Kon Live, and Interscope Geffen A&M. She has since released 6 studio albums.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

When Beyoncé was 8 years-old, she and childhood friend, Kelly Rowland, tried out and were selected for an all-girls singing group. The original group called “Girl’s Tyme” didn’t see much success until 1996, when the group changed to “Destiny’s Child.”

The group sold millions of records, but eventually split. Beyoncé started a solo career and has had multiple albums gone platinum. She has also dabbled in acting, appearing in movies such as “Dreamgirls” and “Obsessed.” Today, she is married to Jay-Z, and the two are considered one of the most influential and powerful couples in the music industry.

Gisele Bündchen

Brazilian Supermodel, got her first big break in 1997, after she was selected to walk in an Alexander McQueen fashion show in London. She was chosen not only for her looks but for her ability to walk in towering high heels on a very slippery run. Her success only continued and by 2000 she was selected to be a Victoria Secret Angel.

A position which she held until 2007. She has since landed multiple modeling campaigns and has been the face for Versace, Givenchy and Chanel. She is now married to Super Bowl Winning Quarterback, Tom Brady.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris began her acting career in the late 80s, appearing in the TV show “Simon and the Witch.” In the 90s, she continued her stint on TV, with recurring roles in Runaway Bay and The Tomorrow People. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that she made her jump to movies.

However, her success in Hollywood since then hasn’t stopped. She has appeared in movies such as 28 Days Later…, Skyfall, and Pirates of the Caribbean films. Her most recent role of Paula, in Moonlight, earned her an Oscar nomination.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe was born in 1985, so she was truly a 90s child. Since a young age, she dreamed of becoming a singer and a performer. She eventually moved to New York City and study drama at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After moving to Atlanta, she met OutKast’s Big Boi, who helped her launch her singing career.

Big Boi told P. Diddy to look at Janelle, and instantly feel in love with her work. She signed to Bad Boy in 2006. She has released 4 albums and also has made the jump to acting. She most recently appeared in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight.

McKayla Maroney

Born in the mid-90s, McKayla Maroney had dedicated her life to the sport of gymnastics. A journey that paid off in 2012. That year, she participated in the summer Olympic games, representing the U.S. Although she is famously known for her “not so thrilled” picture after winning silver on the vault, she still took home a gold with the all-around team win.

She kept busy after the Olympics, touring the U.S. with our famed athletes. However, in 2014, she underwent knee surgery, as well as some nude photos were leaked. But, she moved on, and announced her retirement from gymnastics in 2016.

Mariah Carey

In the 1990s, Mariah Carey was a pop star queen. The notoriously self-proclaimed diva, was honored as being the best-selling recording artist of the 1990s at the World Music Awards. Her singing career also paved the way for a small jump into acting.

She appeared in films such as Glitter, Precious, and The Butler. Despite a lip-synching incident on live television on New Year’s Eve, Carey is still moving forward with her acting and singing career. In February 2017, she released the single “I Don’t.”

Will Smith

Will Smith certainly went through the 90s on top of his game. Appearing in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and releasing hits such as “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It” and “Just the Two of Us”, Will Smith was unstoppable.

He also made the jump into films in the early 90s, and has since appeared in blockbuster hits such as “Men In Black,” “Bad Boys,” “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Suicide Squad.” Smith is still a star and is expected to appear in multiple films throughout the next few years.

Elin Nordgren

Elin Nordegren is a former Swedish model. However, she is best known for her ill-fated marriage to ex-husband Tiger Woods. Elin spent her childhood into young adulthood, in Sweden. In 2000, she began modeling. Nordegren eventually took a job at a clothing store in Stockholm, where she met, Mia Parnevik, who was married to famous golfer Jesper Parvenik.

Mia offered Elin a full time nanny job where she would have to move to the U.S. After accepting the position, she was introduced to Tiger, at the 2001 open championship. They eventually married, but sadly, their marriage was doomed for disaster and they divorced in 2010. She received $100 million from the divorce, and bought a Florida mansion with some of those funds.

Tonya Harding

Tonya Harding is best known for the 1994 scandal “The Whack Heard Round the World.” Harding’s biggest competitor, Nancy Kerrigan, was on her way to the locker room before the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, when Shane Stant, Tonya Harding’s ex-husband’s friend, hit her in the leg with a police baton.

Tonya pleaded guilty to a felony of hindering the prosecution. Since her ice skating days, Harding has certainly led an interesting life. She made and sold a sex tape, had a short-lived boxing career, and set a new land speed record for a vintage gas coupe. Hollywood is currently making a movie about the scandal and Margot Robbie will play Harding.