13 Teen Heartthrobs From the ’90s—Where Are They Now?
Here's a nostalgic roundup of 13 unforgettable ’90s teen heartthrobs and a look at where life has taken them since their poster-boy days.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
The 1990s were a golden era for teen idols, with actors like Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Joshua Jackson capturing the hearts of a generation. Today, these stars have taken diverse paths — from stepping out of the spotlight to continuing successful careers in Hollywood and beyond. This list revisits their heyday and reveals where life has taken them in adulthood.
1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas
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Best known as the middle child Randy on Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas was every teen magazine’s golden boy. After stepping away from the spotlight in the early 2000s, he focused on his education, attending both Harvard and Columbia University. He has mostly stayed out of Hollywood but directed a few episodes of Last Man Standing and is said to enjoy a quiet, private life.
2. Devon Sawa
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With roles in Casper and Now and Then, Devon Sawa became a tween favorite in the mid-’90s. He continued acting into adulthood with appearances in Final Destination and more recently, the SyFy series Chucky. Sawa is now active on social media and has leaned into his horror roots, gaining a cult following among genre fans.
3. Freddie Prinze Jr.
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Freddie Prinze Jr. was the king of late ’90s teen rom-coms like She’s All That and I Know What You Did Last Summer. He transitioned to voice acting and writing, even working for the WWE as a producer and writer. Today, he’s married to Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the two keep a relatively low-key family life while occasionally working on new projects.
4. Rider Strong
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Rider Strong melted hearts as Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World, portraying the troubled best friend with charm and depth. He pursued a degree in English and later an MFA in fiction and returned to voice work and indie films. Strong also co-hosts a podcast with former castmates called Pod Meets World, reconnecting fans with the beloved sitcom.
5. James Van Der Beek
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As Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek became the sensitive guy every teen rooted for. Post-teen stardom, he has enjoyed a steady career, with roles in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and Pose. He now lives in Texas with his wife and children, embracing farm life and mindfulness while still acting occasionally.
6. Joshua Jackson
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Jackson played Pacey Witter on Dawson’s Creek, stealing scenes and hearts with his sarcastic charm. He’s gone on to have a successful career with acclaimed roles in Fringe, The Affair, and Dr. Death. Jackson remains active in television and film and was recently married to actress Jodie Turner-Smith, though they have since separated.
7. Andrew Keegan
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Keegan became a 90s teen sensation with roles in 10 Things I Hate About You and Party of Five. In a twist, he founded a spiritual community called Full Circle in Venice Beach, which attracted both interest and controversy. These days, he still acts occasionally but focuses more on wellness, parenting, and creative projects.
8. Mark-Paul Gosselaar
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As Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell, Gosselaar was the quintessential cool guy of Saturday morning TV. He has continued to act steadily, with recent roles in Mixed-ish, Pitch, and Franklin & Bash. He’s also reprised his role as Zack in the Saved by the Bell reboot, showing off his comedic chops as a grown-up version of the character.
9. Paul Walker
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Walker’s heartthrob status transitioned into blockbuster stardom with the Fast & Furious franchise. Tragically, he passed away in 2013 in a car accident, but his legacy lives on through his films and the Paul Walker Foundation. He is remembered not just for his roles but for his humanitarian efforts and love for marine biology.
10. Leonardo DiCaprio
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DiCaprio shot to teen idol fame with Romeo + Juliet and Titanic, and unlike many others, he never slowed down. He became one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, winning an Oscar for The Revenant and starring in major films like Inception and Killers of the Flower Moon. He also devotes himself to environmental causes through his foundation.
11. Jared Leto
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Jared Leto stole scenes and hearts as Jordan Catalano on My So-Called Life. He later found success as the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars and as an Oscar-winning actor in Dallas Buyers Club. Known for his chameleon-like transformations, Leto continues to balance music, acting, and avant-garde projects.
12. Scott Wolf
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As Bailey Salinger in Party of Five, Wolf exuded boy-next-door charm that captivated audiences. He continued acting in TV shows like Everwood, V, and Nancy Drew. Wolf is now a father of three and still acts regularly, choosing roles that support a family-friendly lifestyle.
13. Wil Wheaton
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Wheaton became known as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation and gained even more cult status through Stand by Me. Though he stepped back from mainstream acting, he became a beloved figure in geek culture, writing memoirs and hosting shows like TableTop. Wheaton is now an outspoken advocate for mental health and continues to engage with fans through conventions and online platforms.