The 2000s were a decade of pop culture that continues to resonate with us today. From low-rise jeans and reality TV to celebrity culture, the era left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. But what about the celebrities who defined the decade? How have they fared since their heyday? Let's take a look at some of the stars who made the 2000s what they were, and where they are now.
One of the decade's teen heartthrobs, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, chose to focus on his education after a taste of the spotlight, attending both Harvard and Columbia. His best-remembered roles include Randy Taylor in Home Improvement, Marshall Stouffer in Wild America, and Ben Archer opposite Chevy Chase in Man of the House. Thomas has since stepped away from the limelight, but his legacy as a heartthrob of the 2000s remains.
Amanda Bynes, another 2000s icon, led the way on Shakespeare adaptation She's the Man, Colin Firth comedy What a Girl Wants, and modern fairytale Sydney White. However, after a successful acting career, Bynes stepped back from the spotlight in 2010 to focus on her education and personal wellbeing. She has since made a brief return to acting, but has since stepped away again.
Freddie Prinze Jr., another 2000s heartthrob, was one of the decade's definitive leading men. His best-loved credits include She's All That, Head Over Heels, and Scooby-Doo as the buttoned-up Fred. Prinze Jr. married his regular co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2002, and has since transitioned into scriptwriting and production roles for WWE.
Bridget Fonda, who packed a punch of star power throughout the '90s and early 2000s, decided to step back from acting in 2003 following a car accident. She has since retired for good, but her legacy as a 90s and 2000s icon remains. Fonda is now enjoying life as a mother to son Oliver with husband Danny Elfman.
Teddy Dunn, who appeared in episodes of Gilmore Girls and Grey's Anatomy, as well as his best-known role in Veronica Mars, headed back to school after his final role in 2009. He graduated with a law doctorate from Boston College Law School in 2013, and has since pursued a successful career in law.
Leelee Sobieski, who became a famous name as a teen star during the late '90s, moved into the 2000s with roles in The Glass House and Joy Ride. However, she retired from acting to focus on being a mother, and has since described showbiz as a "gross industry".
Jennifer Stone, who starred as Selena Gomez's BFF on Wizards of Waverly Place, chose to major in psychology before receiving a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. This prompted a shift to a career in nursing, but she seems set to return onscreen with several upcoming roles.
Seann William Scott, who brought the loud, brash Steve Stifler to life in the American Pie franchise, is slowly making a comeback after a hiatus. He has since starred in serious thriller Bloodline and is currently working on Tim Allen sitcom Shifting Gears.
Evangeline Lilly, who starred in all six seasons of Lost as Kate Austen, has since worked on The Hobbit as warrior elf Tauriel and has a recurring role as Hope van Dyne in Ant-Man. In 2024, she announced that she was stepping away from acting for the foreseeable future to focus on her humanitarian work and writing.
Eliza Dushku, who became a staple on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Faith, the edgier foil to Buffy Summers' girl-next-door persona, has since left acting behind. She graduated with a master's degree in 2025 and has become a certified therapist.
Craig Kilborn, who took over hosting duties on The Late Late Show from Tom Snyder between 1999-2004, has since given Hollywood a spin with romps like Old School and Full of It. He currently runs a podcast called The Life Gorgeous with Craig Kilborn, which invites listeners to join the host on "a journey to improve your life".
Jay Mohr, who was comedy royalty through the '90s and '00s, is still performing on stage with live sets and hosts podcast Mohr Stories on YouTube, currently sitting at almost 600 episodes. Mohr continues to bring his comedy to fans around the world.
Bridgit Mendler, who soared into the A-list through the '00s and into the 2010s, continues to impress fans in a different sector entirely. The former actress is now CEO and co-founder of satellite data company Northwood Space.
Chris Kattan, who co-starred with Jennifer Coolidge and Will Ferrell in A Night at the Roxbury and Corky Romano, is now active as a comedian and co-host of the What's Up Peeps?! podcast with his wife, journalist and actress Maria Libri.
Lauren Conrad, who starred in several of the 2000s most iconic reality shows, including The Hills and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, is now keeping busy as a mother of two and focusing her energy on building her fashion brand LC Lauren Conrad and Little Co. by Lauren Conrad.
Dane Cook, who took the world of 2000s rom-coms by storm with roles in Good Luck Chuck, Employee of the Month, and My Best Friend's Girl, has continued working in comedy and still performs onstage. He also regularly keeps his fans updated via his Instagram page.
Jason Mraz, whose songs 'I'm Yours' and 'I Won't Give Up' soundtracked the experiences of 2000s teens, is still singing and touring, continuing to bring his music to fans around the world.
Andy Milonakis, who was at the height of his comedy prowess in the 2000s and even had his own sketch show, is still easily accessible for fans today, though in shorter, vertical format on his Instagram page. He continues to act occasionally, with roles in The Guardians of Justice and The Sweet East.
Oliver James, who played opposite Amanda Bynes in What a Girl Wants, has since stepped away from acting and now works as a psychotherapist in Guildford. His legacy as a teen heartthrob of the 2000s remains.
From teen heartthrob to therapist, these celebrities have had very varied careers since their heyday. While some have stepped away from the limelight, others have continued to work in the entertainment industry, albeit in different roles. The 2000s may be over, but the legacy of these stars lives on.
