What happened to those noughties TV show stars?
Are you nostalgic for the golden age of television, when you'd eagerly return from commercial breaks, hunt for the remote, and settle in for the latest episode of your favorite show, eager to see how the cliffhanger from last week would be resolved? The noughties brought us some of the most iconic TV shows ever, and with them, a crop of unforgettable stars who quickly became household names.
Whether you were a die-hard Buffy fan or never missed an episode of Heroes, you've probably wondered what became of the stars who defined a generation of TV. We're rounding up ten of the most iconic actors of the era, exploring their post-nineties careers and the diverse paths they've taken since those unforgettable roles, from those who stayed in the spotlight to those who took surprising detours.
Kiefer Sutherland, Mischa Barton, Josh Holloway, Eliza Dushku, Hayden Panettiere, Teri Hatcher, Chad Michael Murray, Lauren Graham, Frankie Muniz, and Jason Dohring all had their moments in the spotlight, but what have they been up to since?
Kiefer Sutherland, for instance, has continued to lean into action-packed roles, playing a corporate spy in the Paramount thriller series Rabbit Hole and set to star in the upcoming action thriller flick Sierra Madre. Mischa Barton, on the other hand, has flown slightly under the radar, starring in The Hills: New Beginnings and the 2023 reboot of the classic Australian soap opera Neighbours. Josh Holloway, known for his charismatic role as Sawyer on Lost, has kept busy with a steady stream of roles, including a recent appearance in the highly-acclaimed period crime thriller Duster.
Eliza Dushku, who played Faith on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has taken a different path, becoming a certified therapist after receiving her master's degree. Hayden Panettiere, another member of the Bring It On squad, returned to screens in the Scream franchise, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Teri Hatcher, who played Susan Mayer on Desperate Housewives, has been keeping busy with a rewatch podcast, Desperately Devoted, with her on-screen daughter Andrea Bowen and her real-life daughter, Emerson Tenney.
Chad Michael Murray, who played Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill, has been topping the Netflix charts with his leading role in Sullivan's Crossing. Lauren Graham, who played Lorelai Gilmore on Gilmore Girls, found further success playing another lovable single mom, Sarah Braverman-Rizzoli in Parenthood. Frankie Muniz, who played the titular character on Malcolm in the Middle, has taken a step back from acting to pursue a career as a professional race car driver, though he occasionally returns for guest appearances.
Jason Dohring, who played Logan Echolls on Veronica Mars, has carved out a steady TV career, appearing in supernatural shows like iZombie and The Originals. He seems to be thriving off-screen, tending to his farm in West Virginia.
These actors have all taken different paths since their noughties heyday, but they remain iconic figures in the world of television.
