15 Celebrities Who Were Way Bigger Than You Remember
These stars once ruled pop culture—and you might’ve forgotten just how massive they were.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Fame can be fleeting, but these 15 celebrities had a grip on the spotlight that was nearly impossible to ignore. At their peak, they dominated TV screens, magazine covers, and conversations across the globe. Their faces were everywhere, and their influence ran deep—even if time has since dulled that shine. Get ready for a reminder of just how huge they really were.
1. Mischa Barton Was The Face of Teen Drama
MTV International on Wikimedia Commons
At the height of The O.C., Mischa Barton wasn’t just famous—she was a cultural blueprint. She graced every teen magazine and set fashion trends just by existing. For a while, it felt like the whole world revolved around Marissa Cooper.
2. Jonathan Taylor Thomas Was Every Kid’s Idol
AP75011 on Wikimedia Commons
Between Home Improvement, The Lion King, and teen magazines, JTT had an unmatched chokehold in the ’90s. He was cute, clever, and somehow wise beyond his years. Everyone either had a crush on him or wanted to be him.
3. Ashlee Simpson Had a Moment—And Then Some
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
Before the SNL fiasco, Ashlee Simpson was selling out arenas and topping the charts. Her edgy style and relatable lyrics made her the emo-pop princess of the early 2000s. You couldn’t escape her voice or her layered hair.
4. Freddie Prinze Jr. Was the Internet’s Dream Boy
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Long before social media crowned “It Boys,” there was Freddie Prinze Jr. He was in every teen rom-com that mattered and stole hearts without breaking a sweat. Every VHS rental shelf had his face on it.
5. Mandy Moore Was Pop’s Sweetheart
Daniel Benavides on Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming a respected actress, Mandy Moore was neck-and-neck with Britney and Christina. Her bubblegum pop anthems played on repeat everywhere, from malls to middle school dances. She was the definition of late ’90s soft glam.
6. Jesse McCartney Was a Radio Regular
Crisco 1492 on Wikimedia Commons
“Beautiful Soul” was more than a song—it was a moment. Jesse McCartney had the swoopy hair, the voice, and the perfect boy-next-door vibe. His posters were everywhere, and his songs lived rent-free in everyone’s head.
7. Kel Mitchell Was Nickelodeon Royalty
Super Festivals on Wikimedia Commons
Long before memes, Kel was already a walking punchline in the best way. His energy on All That and Kenan & Kel made him a standout. If orange soda was cool, it was because of Kel.
8. Hilary Duff Defined a Generation
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Lizzie McGuire wasn’t just a show—it was an identity. Hilary Duff’s reign extended to movies, music, and every backpack sticker in middle school. She was the role model for the millennial tween crowd.
9. Frankie Muniz Was the Cool Nerd
Paula R. Lively on Wikimedia Commons
Malcolm in the Middle made Frankie Muniz a household name. He was quirky, brainy, and somehow relatable to every kid. He even dipped into racing because being famous wasn’t enough.
10. JoJo Had the Voice of a Powerhouse
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At just 13, JoJo belted heartbreak anthems as if she’d lived through five divorces. “Leave (Get Out)” was on every teenager’s breakup playlist. She was young, talented, and absolutely unstoppable—for a time.
11. Devon Sawa Was the ’90s Movie Crush
Super Festivals on Wikimedia Commons
Between Casper, Now and Then, and Final Destination, Devon Sawa was always the guy who made hearts flutter. His smirk alone deserved an award. He was everywhere—and then suddenly, nowhere.
12. Vanessa Carlton Was Piano Pop Perfection
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“A Thousand Miles” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural reset. Vanessa Carlton made piano-driven pop cool again. Her song was featured in romantic comedies, teen dramas, and even iconic parody scenes.
13. Raven-Symone Had the Disney Throne
Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/ on Wikimedia Commons
That’s So Raven was a powerhouse show, and Raven-Symoné ruled it all with charisma and comedic timing. She was Disney’s golden girl long before the next wave of stars arrived. Her influence is still unmatched.
14. Aaron Carter Had Tween Pop on Lock
Paparazzo Presents on Wikimedia Commons
Aaron Carter could rap, sing, and moonwalk his way into any kid’s heart. His music videos were a sleepover staple. For a while, he was the ultimate preteen heartthrob.
15. Tia and Tamera Mowry Were TV Icons
Sidewalks Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
Sister, Sister gave us two dynamic leads who were funny, smart, and impossible not to love. Tia and Tamera Mowry were a double dose of charm and became staples of ‘90s TV. Their show was aired for years—and people still quote it.