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Home > Celeb > These Photos Reveal Just How Much Your Favorite ’90s Child Stars Have Changed
Celeb Celebrity News

These Photos Reveal Just How Much Your Favorite ’90s Child Stars Have Changed

Maurice Shirley
Published July 4, 2025

They were everywhere — lighting up your TV after school, smiling from posters on your bedroom wall, grinning from glossy teen magazine covers at the checkout line. These ‘90s child stars felt like childhood friends, their faces woven into the fabric of an entire generation’s memory. But fame fades, and time doesn’t stand still. We tracked down these familiar faces to see where life has taken them. Prepare to be shocked. Some of these stars have changed so much that you can barely recognize them.

Macaulay Culkin

Side-by-side comparison of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with blonde hair wears a green coat with a tan hood and plaid shirt, posing indoors. On the right, a man with long blonde hair and facial hair, wearing a red and black plaid shirt, sits in a car, gazing at the camera with a subtle smirk.
Images via @pyramus_thisbe_ and @aprilmacie on X

Few child stars captured the imagination of a generation like Macaulay Culkin. As Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, he turned childhood chaos into an art form that still delights audiences today.

Nicknamed “the king of Christmas” and forever tied to kid-powered comedy, Kevin’s scream and smirk resurface each holiday season in memes and GIFs.

Culkin now keeps things low-key, choosing indie films and running his satirical site Bunny Ears. He’s one of many on this list who swapped fame for creative freedom.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Side-by-side image of a young man and an older man. On the left, a young man with styled brown hair wears a rust-colored shirt with decorative stitching, posing against a plain white background. On the right, an older man wearing glasses, a black beanie, and a beige sweater holds a phone and looks toward the camera while standing outside near a white brick wall.
Images via @MarkAMark on X and u/Aware-Impression8527 on Reddit

While Culkin embodied mischief, Jonathan Taylor Thomas brought heart and smarts. As Randy on Home Improvement and young Simba in The Lion King, JTT became the era’s ultimate boy-next-door crush.

Nostalgic fans still call him “the poster boy of our tween years” and “our first crush with depth,” remembering his floppy hair and warm grin on magazine covers and school lockers.

Thomas left the limelight by choice, focusing on education and personal growth. Rare sightings stir up instant nostalgia — a reminder of how some stars gracefully step back.

Christina Ricci

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with long brown hair wears a red top and a choker necklace, appearing in a warmly lit indoor setting. On the right, a woman with pulled-back hair, wearing a navy and white striped shirt with a dark cardigan, carries bags and looks toward the camera in what appears to be an airport or public space.
Images via @dailysimpsons on X and dailymail on Pinterest

From boy-next-door charm to the queen of dark cool, Christina Ricci made creepy iconic. As Wednesday Addams and Kat in Casper, she delivered performances that balanced wit with vulnerability.

Viewers affectionately remember her as “the original goth queen” and say “she owned the deadpan before memes existed.” Her icy glare remains a go-to reaction GIF online.

Ricci thrives today in layered, offbeat roles — starring recently in Yellowjackets and Wednesday on Netflix, where she delighted fans with her return to the Addams universe. She gives deadpan like no other.

Edward Furlong

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with side-swept dark hair and a subtle smile poses in dim lighting. On the right, an older man wearing a disheveled black suit, white shirt, and loosened black tie looks off to the side with a serious expression outdoors.
Images via thepinkroom00 on Pinterest and @ilikeportello on X

If Ricci made spooky fun, Edward Furlong gave it grit. As John Connor in Terminator 2, he was the rebellious hero of ‘90s sci-fi, with just enough edge to feel real.

Many still regard him as “the youngest sci-fi legend” and “the kid who made dirt bikes heroic,” his tough yet vulnerable image etched in pop culture memory.

Furlong’s path highlights child stardom’s challenges. After struggles off-screen, he appears occasionally at conventions, a symbol of resilience in the face of fame’s complications.

Haley Joel Osment

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with straight light brown hair and blue eyes rests his arms on a surface, gazing calmly at the camera. On the right, an adult man with a beard, styled light brown hair, and blue eyes smiles while wearing a suit jacket and white shirt.
Images via sadikperez and themirrorus on Pinterest

Haley Joel Osment showed the flip side of rebellious cool: quiet brilliance. In The Sixth Sense, his unforgettable line — “I see dead people” — became one of cinema’s most haunting moments.

Fans say, “he out-acted adults at 11” and “those eyes said everything.” His performance still sends chills to first-time viewers and longtime fans alike.

Osment embraced lower-profile projects, focusing on voice work and indie films. His career shows that child stars can keep working without chasing the spotlight.

Mara Wilson

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a young girl with short dark hair and bangs wears a denim dress with a red bow headband and smiles gently at the camera. On the right, an adult woman with a short dark bob and pink lipstick looks at the camera with a neutral expression, wearing a bright blue top against a plain wall.
Images: leilonnieea19 on Pinterest / Still from “Actress Mara Wilson on How Hollywood Treat Child Stars” by Amanpour & Company on PBS

From eerie chills to pure heart, Mara Wilson gave the ‘90s some of its sweetest moments. As Matilda and Natalie in Mrs. Doubtfire, she made kindness feel powerful.

Netizens often recall her as “the childhood friend we all wished for” and “the emotional core of ‘90s family films,” her work still sparking nostalgia today.

Wilson left acting behind at a young age, finding new purpose as a writer, podcaster, and mental health advocate. She represents how some child stars redefine success on their own terms.

Anna Chlumsky

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with long straight blonde hair and visible gap teeth wears a red top. On the right, an adult woman with long hair partially tucked into a green knit hat and bundled in a winter coat and scarf smiles at the camera outdoors.
Images via lovelyretro_ on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Anna Chlumsky’s turn as Vada in My Girl brought tears to a generation. She portrayed friendship, loss, and hope in a way that felt heartbreakingly real.

Enthusiasts say, “She was childhood innocence personified,” and admit, “We still can’t watch My Girl without crying.” Vada’s story continues to move audiences today.

After stepping away for years, Chlumsky returned with acclaimed adult roles, like in Veep. Her journey proves that child stars can come back stronger, on their own timeline.

Thora Birch

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a young girl with long, wavy brown hair and red lipstick wears a black top and smiles slightly against a plain yellow background. On the right, an adult woman wearing a brown hoodie with "Chicago" printed on it and a blue baseball cap looks at the camera at an outdoor event.
Images via kamilamorgan4326 on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Thora Birch balanced child stardom with indie cred. From Hocus Pocus to American Beauty, she carved out a space that was equal parts mainstream and mysterious.

Fans describe her as “the cool one we all rooted for” and “a rare talent who nailed big and small roles,” her work still enjoying cult status.

Birch today chooses her projects carefully, exploring directing and staying largely out of the media storm. Like Ricci, she stayed true to her offbeat strengths.

Devon Sawa

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with parted blonde hair and blue eyes poses for a professional photo, with "Teen Beat Devon Sawa" text at the bottom. On the right, an adult man with short brown hair and blue eyes wears a dark hoodie, looking at the camera in an indoor setting.
Images via alexfanfics on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Where Birch exuded indie cool, Devon Sawa brought heartthrob energy. As human Casper and in Final Destination, he became the crush of choice for ‘90s teens.

Some still look back fondly on him as “the VHS-era dream guy” and “the face on our bedroom walls,” with his roles still inspiring tribute videos.

Sawa works steadily in smaller TV and film roles now, happy in his niche. His story shows how fame can evolve into something quieter but still meaningful.

Andrew Keegan

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with medium-length dark wavy hair wears a light shirt under a dark jacket, posing against a plain backdrop. On the right, an adult man with short dark hair and a slight mustache smiles at the camera in front of a light blue background with a logo.
Images via arnealia19 on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Rounding out the ‘90s crush arc, Andrew Keegan charmed in 10 Things I Hate About You and 7th Heaven. His smirk and swagger made him a teen mag fixture.

His blend of confidence and sensitivity captured the era’s perfect bad-boy energy — a mix that still makes rom-com marathons better with every rewatch.

Keegan left Hollywood for spiritual and wellness work. His journey reminds us that child stars often seek purpose far beyond fame’s flash.

Tatyana Ali

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl wearing a bright red hat, heart-shaped necklace, and colorful top poses at a public event with a "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice" sign in the background. On the right, an adult woman in glasses and a light green hoodie smiles subtly while seated on an airplane, with one hand near her face and an earbud visible.
Images via devynnn21 on Pinterest and @tatyanaali on Instagram

After all those big-screen icons, it’s impossible to forget the charm of Tatyana Ali. As Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, she brought sweetness, sass, and unexpected vocal talent.

Her glow-up on the show inspired generations. The kid sister character who evolved with grace, humor, and style, leaving fans cheering for her every step.

Ali stepped back from the spotlight, focusing on advocacy, family, and select projects — showing, like many peers, that true success sometimes means slowing down.

Ben Savage

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with short curly hair wears a blue plaid shirt over a white T-shirt against a plain background. On the right, an adult man with short dark curly hair and a trimmed beard smiles warmly at the camera while wearing a gray T-shirt indoors.
Images via usweekly on Pinterest and @bensavage on Instagram

Few characters embodied ‘90s coming-of-age stories like Ben Savage’s Cory Matthews in Boy Meets World. His relatable awkwardness made viewers feel seen as they navigated growing up.

“He was the good guy who made mistakes but always tried,” fans brought up. “Cory’s moments with Topanga still melt hearts.”

Savage has since stepped into politics, proving, as others have, that life after child stardom can take meaningful new directions.

Rider Strong

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with short dark hair wears a denim vest over a T-shirt and beaded necklace, posing against a dark backdrop. On the right, an adult man with medium-length dark hair, a graying beard, and a black jacket smiles gently at a public event with a light blue backdrop.
Images via elowsons on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Right alongside Cory was Rider Strong’s unforgettable Shawn Hunter — the best friend with a big heart and a hint of danger. His journey gave the sitcom emotional depth.

A fan noted, “Shawn was the soul of the show” and “his stories hit hardest.” His character remains a favorite in fan discussions and throwback marathons.

Strong now focuses on writing and directing, embracing creativity behind the camera, echoing how so many child stars found lasting fulfillment outside the spotlight.

Jodie Sweetin

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with long blonde hair styled in a half-updo and bangs wears a plaid jumper and earrings, posing for a magazine photo with “Tiger Beat Jodie Sweetin” text. On the right, an adult woman in a bright blue hoodie smiles subtly, holding one hand to her head in a casual selfie.
Images via cassiemfowler on Pinterest and @jodiesweetin on Instagram

Shifting from boyhood best friends to family sitcom magic, Jodie Sweetin’s Stephanie Tanner in Full House delivered humor, heart, and that unforgettable “How rude!”

Stephanie’s one-liners, spark, and resilience made her a standout in a crowded cast. She’s a character whose spirit lives on in memes and throwback marathons.

Sweetin has been open about her battles with addiction, turning that struggle into advocacy and strength. She blends parenting, podcasting, and outreach, staying connected to fans who are joining her on the journey.

Michael Fishman

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with dark hair wears a colorful striped shirt and sits in front of a crocheted blanket on a couch. On the right, an adult man with salt-and-pepper hair and a subtle smile poses outdoors at sunset, with a coastal view in the background.
Images via cjiangnews on Pinterest and Michael Fishman on Facebook

Continuing with sitcom family ties, Michael Fishman quietly charmed as D.J. Conner in Roseanne. He anchored the show’s chaos with his low-key, boy-next-door appeal.

D.J. was the unsung hero of the show, as his expressions always said so much. In the present, you can still see Fishman’s sweet smile and sweet eyes. He never lost his charm.

Fishman today stays behind the scenes, exploring directing and production, like so many peers who turned child stardom into lifelong creativity.

Zachery Ty Bryan

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with blonde hair styled in the 90s parted look wears a plaid shirt over a beige top, posing for a magazine photo labeled “BOP Zachery Ty Bryan.” On the right, an adult man with short dark blonde hair, a neutral expression, and a mark on his cheek wears an orange jumpsuit in what appears to be a mugshot.
Images via carolynargabright on Pinterest and Queen City News on Facebook

On Home Improvement, Zachery Ty Bryan made Brad Taylor’s teenage bravado and pranks endlessly entertaining. He captured the spirit of a ‘90s older brother — mischievous but lovable.

“Brad’s hair alone defined teen heartthrob style,” fans joke. “He was the big brother we envied and teased.” His GIF-worthy moments still get shared today.

In his adulthood, Bryan’s life has been marked by legal troubles, including arrests related to domestic violence charges that led to jail time.

David Gallagher

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a smiling young boy with blonde parted hair wears a white T-shirt under an open green button-up shirt, posing in a studio setting. On the right, an adult man who is bald with a full beard wears a green T-shirt featuring a graphic of a woman and sits at a table with a colorful '90s-themed backdrop.
Images via nypost on Pinterest and @iamdavidgallagher on Instagram

Keeping with the theme of TV’s beloved sons, David Gallagher’s Simon Camden on 7th Heaven brought boy-next-door sincerity to prime time.

Simon’s charm, optimism, and relatable struggles cemented him as a comforting presence — the golden boy made 7th Heaven feel like home.

Gallagher works quietly now, taking voice and indie roles — another example of how child stars often seek out peace and passion projects in adulthood.

Jamie Lynn Spears

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with shoulder-length blonde hair wears a light pink top and poses against a purple background with “Pop Star” text. On the right, an adult woman with darker blonde hair pulled back wears a sleeveless black top and rests her chin on her hand while seated outdoors, possibly in a jungle or camp setting.
Images via magazine1965 on Pinterest and @JamieLynnCharts on X

Jamie Lynn Spears stepped into the spotlight as Zoey Brooks on Zoey 101, winning over a generation with her blend of confidence, smarts, and charm.

Zoey’s adventures and friendships inspired countless daydreams of California schools and close-knit squads. It was a show that made viewers wish they could enroll at PCA.

Spears shifted her focus to family life, taking only rare forays into music and television, following a path that prioritizes stability over constant fame.

Kel Mitchell

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy wearing a black backwards cap and red plaid shirt looks up at the camera while seated near a wooden dresser. On the right, an adult man dressed in a blue and white striped uniform with a name tag that says “Ed” and a paper hat gestures with both hands, appearing to be in character.
Images via @kenanthompson on X and @iamkelmitchell on Instagram

With infectious energy and slapstick brilliance, Kel Mitchell became a Nickelodeon icon on Kenan & Kel and All That. His love of orange soda remains a meme legend.

His wild physical comedy, catchphrases, and joyful chaos made him the heartbeat of ‘90s kid TV. Without him, we can’t imagine getting the biggest laughs every Saturday.

Today, Mitchell blends acting with faith-based projects and family life, showing how child stars can evolve while staying connected to what made fans love them.

Josh Server

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with dark hair wears a denim shirt and oversized fake ears as part of a comedic costume on a colorful set. On the right, an adult man with short dark hair and facial stubble makes a playful expression while taking a selfie outdoors near a gated building.
Images: Still from “Kel Mitchell & Josh Server On Pizza Face & Earboy | All That Reunion” by All That Official on YouTube / @josh_server on Instagram

Josh Server was Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy MVP, turning every character on All That into a laugh-out-loud moment. His expressive face became a signature of ‘90s kid humor.

He brought a lovable, off-the-wall energy to every skit — a scene-stealer who made sure viewers tuned in for the next hilarious surprise. “Josh made us tune in every Saturday,” a fan happily recalled.

Server now prefers life out of the spotlight, occasionally joining reunions — a path many of his peers have taken to stay close to fans without chasing stardom.

Daniel Tamberelli

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with medium-length brown hair wears a dark “Creep Radiohead” T-shirt and holds a bowl of blue candies, with his mouth full of them, sitting on a red couch. On the right, an adult man with similar hair smiles at the camera, sporting a short reddish beard and wearing a black shirt.
Images via Wikimedia Commons

Daniel Tamberelli carved out his own cult following on The Adventures of Pete & Pete and All That, blending quirky humor with genuine heart. His red-haired rebel persona stood out.

Little Pete’s mischief, weird wisdom, and fearless vibe made him a hero for every kid who felt a little different. He was a true icon of Nickelodeon’s golden age.

Tamberelli currently channels that creative energy into music and podcasting, echoing a familiar theme among his Nickelodeon peers — choosing passion over spotlight.

Larisa Oleynik

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with blonde hair in an updo and wispy bangs wears a floral dress and a silver necklace, standing outdoors at an event. On the right, an adult woman with wavy brown hair and a wide smile wears a dark top and a black pendant necklace, posing indoors at a gathering.
Images via r/OldSchoolCelebs on Reddit and @people on Instagram

Where Tamberelli brought quirky mischief, Larisa Oleynik brought quiet strength. As Alex Mack, she made superpowers feel relatable, mixing vulnerability with courage in every scene.

Her character’s struggles with identity and responsibility resonated deeply with the fans. “Alex Mack wasn’t just cool; she felt like the kind of friend you’d trust with any secret.”

Oleynik still works steadily in theater and guest roles, embracing a low-key career path that keeps her connected to fans without courting fame.

Jason Zimbler

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with short red hair wears a gray sweater over a blue turtleneck and looks to the side with a slightly annoyed expression while seated indoors. On the right, an adult bald man with a red goatee poses playfully with his hands together and an amused look, wearing a dark button-up shirt in a studio setting.
Images: Still from “The Darling Family Controls Their T.V. Addiction | Clarissa Explains It All | NickRewind” by NickRewind on YouTube / IMDb

Nickelodeon’s legacy of unforgettable sibling dynamics wouldn’t be complete without Jason Zimbler. As Ferguson on Clarissa Explains It All, he perfected the art of lovable annoyance.

Fans joke, “no one annoyed a big sister better” and call him “the king of kid brother pests.” His antics still pop up in classic clip threads.

Zimbler left acting behind for tech and theater work — another example of a child star who found fulfillment beyond the screen.

Alexa Vega

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a young girl with long dark hair wearing a red headband, choker, and red-and-beige shirt strikes a martial arts pose against a blue backdrop. On the right, an adult woman with wavy, light brown hair wears a gray sweatshirt with graphic prints and looks to the side in a casual indoor setting.
Images via keyonnadale7 on Pinterest and Alexa PenaVega on Facebook

Stepping beyond sitcoms and sketches, Alexa Vega brought action hero energy as Carmen Cortez in Spy Kids. She balanced bravery and heart, becoming a role model for young fans.

Carmen’s cleverness, courage, and gadgets captured the imaginations of many. She showed kids everywhere that heroes come in all sizes and that family always comes first.

Vega now focuses on family and selective projects, a reminder that many stars from this era chose quieter personal lives over staying in the Hollywood race.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with long dark hair smiles softly at the camera, wearing a dark collared shirt against an outdoor backdrop. On the right, an adult man with short, tousled dark hair and a slight smile takes a selfie in a bathroom with a towel hanging in the background.
Images via pagesix on Pinterest and Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Facebook

Joseph Gordon-Levitt showed how child actors could seamlessly mature on screen. As Tommy in 3rd Rock from the Sun, he brought intelligence and deadpan humor that won over viewers.

His comic timing, charm, and expressive awkwardness made Tommy stand out. It’s not a surprise that Tommy is a character who grew up alongside his audience in the best way possible.

Today, Gordon-Levitt blends acting with his creative platform HitRecord, a path that lets him shape stories his own way, just like many of his peers sought creative control.

Frankie Muniz

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with short dark hair and bright blue eyes wears a red crewneck shirt and makes a playful expression against a white background. On the right, an adult man with a shaved head and similar blue eyes wears a pale yellow shirt and smiles while standing outdoors among trees.
Images via magazineellefr on Pinterest and @imacelebrityau on TikTok

Frankie Muniz became the face of lovable chaos as the title character in Malcolm in the Middle. His neurotic charm and fast-talking wit anchored the wildly funny family series.

Malcolm’s brilliance and misadventures hit close to home — he was the smart, awkward kid who made viewers laugh, cringe, and cheer all at once.

Muniz stepped back from acting, focusing on racing and family — another star who found happiness in life far from Hollywood’s constant buzz.

Erik Per Sullivan

Side-by-side image of a boy and a man. On the left, a young boy with short light brown hair and prominent ears wears a black tuxedo with a bow tie, posing at a formal event. On the right, an adult man with short dark hair and a big smile wears a gray sweater with button details, standing outside near a porch.
Images via peonycupcake14 on Pinterest and @entertainmenttonight on Instagram

If Muniz captured chaotic genius, Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey brought sweet, offbeat wisdom to Malcolm in the Middle. He stole scenes with his innocent weirdness.

“Dewey was the best part of the show,” fans argued. “Nobody can deliver one-liners like him.” His clips remain favorites in nostalgic GIF threads.

Sullivan quietly left acting, opting for a private life, reflecting a choice many former child stars made when the cameras stopped rolling.

Marcus Toji

Side-by-side image of a younger and older man. On the left, a young man with dark, neatly styled hair wears a blue button-up shirt over a white T-shirt, smiling slightly against a red wooden background. On the right, the same man as an adult, with slightly longer hair, smiles widely while holding a small child with long bangs, both dressed in white in front of festive holiday decorations.
Images via IMDb and @the_toji on Instagram

Marcus Toji may not have headlined shows, but his supporting roles in Little Giants and Party of Five left a lasting impression. His expressive charm always stood out.

To this day, fans think that he’s “the funny kid you will always remember.” The scene-stealer who made sure you noticed him, no matter how packed the cast was.

Now, Toji focuses on voice work and production, embracing a creative career path that avoids the pressures of fame — a story familiar to many on this list.

Ross Hull

Side-by-side image of a younger and older man. On the left, a young man with dark, parted hair and a serious expression wears a black jacket over a gray T-shirt in a dim indoor setting. On the right, the same man as an adult smiles proudly wearing a black graduation cap and gown with a gold hood, standing in a well-lit indoor space.
Images via IMDb and @thatguyrossh on Instagram

Ross Hull offered something different — mystery and atmosphere. As the Midnight Society’s leader in Are You Afraid of the Dark?, he guided kids into spooky storytelling territory.

Ross was the campfire narrator we trusted. His voice gave us chills. His intros made scary tales fun, not just frightening.

Hull left acting for meteorology, showing how life after child fame can take surprising, fulfilling turns far beyond the entertainment world.

Lark Voorhies

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with curly hair, wearing a tiara, large pink hoop earrings, and a purple jacket, looks off-camera against a colorful backdrop. On the right, an adult woman with long straight hair, sparkly makeup, and dark lipstick smiles gently at an event.
Images via xantaljr on Pinterest and RRG on YouTube

Ending this stretch with sitcom style, Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle brought fashion, wit, and charm to Saved by the Bell. Her comedic timing and bold looks set trends.

We all envied Lisa. Remember? She often had the newest clothes and was interested in all things related to style, even aspiring to be a fashion designer.

However, unlike her character, Voorhies now focuses on writing and making selective public appearances, following a path shared by many who prioritize personal growth over constant fame.

Soleil Moon Frye

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a young girl with long brown hair and bangs smiles softly, wearing a black floral shirt under black overalls at an indoor event. On the right, an adult woman with dark braided hair smiles brightly, wearing a leather jacket over a graphic T-shirt and layered necklaces, posing at a public event with a blue backdrop.
Images via nancyspnugen on Pinterest and Wikimedia Commons

Soleil Moon Frye became a beloved icon as Punky Brewster, bringing fearless energy and colorful style that inspired kids everywhere.

Her catchphrase, “Punky Power!”, became synonymous with her pluckiness and determination. For the fans, it symbolized a form of “girl power” and individuality.

Today, Frye focuses on family and documentaries like Kid 90, reflecting on her unique journey, much like other stars here who turned the lens inward.

Nicholle Tom

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with a short blonde bob haircut holds a fluffy black-and-white puppy, wearing a blue shirt in a bright indoor setting. On the right, an adult woman with blonde hair pulled back and sunglasses on her head smiles while wearing a blue hoodie outdoors.
Images via lynncl82 on Pinterest and dailymail.co.uk

Nicholle Tom charmed audiences as Maggie Sheffield in The Nanny and brought strength to her voice work as Supergirl in Justice League. She balanced sass and sincerity effortlessly on screen.

Comic book fans appreciated Nicholle’s ability to make Supergirl “stand out in her own unique way” despite being Superman’s cousin. If comic fans complimented you, consider that a big deal.

You don’t see her often now, but Tom still works quietly in selective TV and voice roles. She’s stepped back from the frenzy of the spotlight while staying connected to the fans who grew up watching her.

David Lascher

Side-by-side image of a younger and older man. On the left, a smiling young man with dark hair wears a blue pullover and white T-shirt, sitting casually with his hand resting against his temple. On the right, the same individual as an adult, with short hair and stubble, wears a dark sweater and speaks while seated inside a car.
Images via teenstarsforeverpinups on Pinterest and @davidlascher on X

David Lascher became the nice guy of the ‘90s on shows like Blossom and Hey Dude, where he played the older brother figure with charm and low-key humor.

He has expressed that it’s “a special thing to have been part of somebody’s childhood” and appreciates how fans who grew up with his shows continue to follow his work.

Lascher has long since stepped away from acting’s front lines, focusing on family and occasional creative work — another example of a child star who embraced a quieter life.

Tiffani Thiessen

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with long straight brown hair and bangs wears a cream and brown patterned sweater over a turtleneck in a studio portrait. On the right, an adult woman wearing a black LA cap, maroon hoodie, and crossbody bag looks focused while pushing something outdoors.
Images via margaretefaria on Pinterest and dailymail.co.uk

Tiffani Thiessen became a teen icon as Kelly Kapowski on Saved by the Bell, blending beauty, kindness, and humor in a way that defined the era’s girl-next-door ideal.

She was the aspirational crush for countless viewers, particularly young boys, and a role model for many girls. They wanted to be either Tiffani or Kelly. Maybe a combination of the two. Why not?

Thiessen today focuses on family, cooking shows, and selective acting, showing how stars can grow up gracefully while staying close to fans’ hearts.

Melissa Joan Hart

Side-by-side image of a girl and a woman. On the left, a smiling young girl with long straight blonde hair and bangs wears a colorful off-the-shoulder floral top and crosses her arms while standing outside near a door. On the right, an adult woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wears a blue plaid shirt and looks off to the side while standing outdoors near buildings.
Images via IMDb and @melissajoanhart on Instagram

Closing our journey with Melissa Joan Hart. She gave us two unforgettable characters — Clarissa from Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Both roles made smart, funny, independent girls look cool.

Fans described Melissa as someone who doesn’t conform to trends; she always wants to stand out, and they loved her for it. She inspired young girls to explore non-conformist fashion.

Hart now balances family life, acting, and business ventures, showing how a ‘90s icon can thrive well beyond childhood fame.

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