A lot has changed since the ’90s but some things will always stay the same. Mainly, the undying love, respect, and admiration that we as a moviegoing audience have for our favorite starlets.
So as a way of paying homage to some of the most popular actresses of the age, let’s take a look at some of the ’90s’ most iconic “it girls” : then vs. now.
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Then: Cameron Diaz
Did you know that The Mask was actually Cameron Diaz’s very first film role ? She positively commanded the screen, thanks in no small part to her iconic red dress. The Mask may not be Cameron’s greatest achievement, but it’s certainly one of her most memorable.
Now: Cameron Diaz
Cameron officially retired from acting in 2018 — much to the dismay of her legions of fans. However, it was recently confirmed that she’ll be making a return , opposite Jamie Foxx, in the aptly titled film, Back in Action .
Then: Sarah Michelle Gellar
Don’t be fooled by her kind eyes and pretty smile, because although it might not look it at first glance — Buffy could kick some serious butt. Sarah’s work in Buffy the Vampire Slayer is easily one of the highlights of the ’90s.
Now: Sarah Michelle Gellar
It feels like an eternity since fans last saw Sarah in front of a camera, but don’t make the mistake of presuming she’s disappeared from the limelight entirely. She recently provided voicework for the popular Masters of the Universe: Revelation series and i s slated to appear in Clerks III .
Then: Christina Ricci
Cards on the table: I had the biggest crush on Christina Ricci back in the day. I remember Jumbo Video used to have this 3 for $5 rental deal, and all I’d ever watch was Casper, The Addams Family Values, and Now and Then.
Now: Christina Ricci
Yep, Christina Ricci is still every bit the babe she once was — and then some. I’m also pleased to report that she hasn’t strayed far from her spooky roots. Christina absolutely steals the show in Yellowjackets, and rumor has it she’s due to appear in the upcoming live-action Wednesday series on Netflix.
Then: Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston was a triple threat in the ’90s. She was as gorgeous as they come, side-splittingly hilarious, as well as a fashion icon, to boot. I can still remember women walking into their salons and asking for “The Rachel.”
Now: Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer is still a force to be reckoned with in 2022. Her Emmy Award-winning series The Morning Show is now in its 3rd Season and Jen will also be reprising her role as Audrey Spitz in Murder Mystery 2.
Then: Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell was a relative newcomer to the big screen when Wes Craven’s Scream first hit theaters. Prior to that, she was mostly known for her work in The Craft as well as the highly underrated family drama, Party of Five .
Now: Neve Campbell
Today, Neve Campbell may be the only woman alive who could truly give Jamie Lee Curtis a run for her money in the contest for top Scream Queen. Neve most recently appeared in Scream 5 , which is rumored to be her final appearance in the iconic horror franchise.
Then: Rachel Leigh Cook
I understand how and why some people might find She’s All That to be problematic by today’s standards. But you’ll never be able to convince me that Laney Boggs’ walk down the stairs isn’t the greatest slow-motion walk in cinema history.
Now: Rachel Leigh Cook
For the past five-plus years, Rachel’s bread and butter have come in the form of TV movies. Most recently, she treated ’90s kids to a heavy dose of nostalgia with He’s All That and she’s also due to appear in Spirit Halloween , coming out this fall.
Then: Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jennifer Love Hewitt was one of the ’90s biggest teen dreams. She became a household name, thanks to her work in the cult classic slasher film, I Know What You Did Last Summer , as well as the supernatural sci-fi series, Ghost Whisperer .
Now: Jennifer Love Hewitt
The years have been incredibly kind to Jennifer, as she looks just as vibrant and youthful as she did 25 years ago. Her acting resume has cooled off, but her work in the action drama series 9-1-1 is as stellar as its ever been.
Then: Halle Berry
Halle Berry’s face adorned the cover of every magazine in the ’90s and her name was on the marquee of some of the decade’s most memorable hit movies. If you’ve yet to see her work in Jungle Fever and Losing Isaiah, they’re two of her greatest and most underappreciated films.
Now: Halle Berry
It goes without saying that Halle Berry is even more beautiful today than she was back then. I’m so glad to see her rocking the blonde hair and have high hopes that this could signify the return of her X-Men character, Storm .
Then: Joey Lauren Adams
You can’t call yourself a true child of the ’90s without possessing a genuine appreciation for the great Joey Lauren Adams. She appeared in some of the decade’s most defining films, including Dazed and Confused , Chasing Amy , and Coneheads.
Now: Joey Lauren Adams
For the past five years, the majority of fans probably presumed that Joey Lauren Adams had confined herself to retired life. However, I’m happy to say that she has four projects currently on the go, including a Mallrats sequel !
Then: Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder was Tim Burton’s muse, having starred in two of the legendary director’s greatest films — Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands . No disrespect intended toward Christina Ricci, but I always wondered how Winona would’ve handled the role of Wednesday Addams.
Now: Winona Ryder
Winona possesses an uncanny ability to reinvent herself and tap into different facets of her acting ability. The Oscar-nominated actress is best known these days for her role as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things but her most recent work in the mystery/thriller Gone in the Night is equally as formidable.
Then: Reese Witherspoon
Show me a teenage boy in the ’90s who didn’t have a crush on Reese Witherspoon and I’ll show you a liar. The fact that Man in the Moon was Reese’s first-ever starring role speaks volumes about her talent as an actress.
Now: Reese Witherspoon
Have you seen photos of Reese standing beside her daughter, Ava ? The two of them look more like sisters than they do mother and daughter. These days, Reese is known equally for her work in front of the camera as she is behind the scenes as a producer.
