MomSkoop
Remember when you couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing certain stars everywhere? The 2000s gave us some of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, from teen heartthrobs to action heroes.
But as the years rolled by, many of these once-ubiquitous celebrities seemed to vanish from the spotlight, leaving fans wondering what happened to them.
1. Freddie Prinze Jr.
Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, Freddie Prinze Jr. was the king of teen romantic comedies.
He starred in massive hits like “She’s All That” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” making teenage girls swoon everywhere.
His chemistry with real-life wife Sarah Michelle Gellar made them Hollywood’s golden couple.
After his rom-com reign ended, Freddie stepped away from the big screen to focus on family life and voice acting work.
He’s done some voice work for animated shows like “Star Wars Rebels” and occasionally appears in smaller TV roles.
These days, he seems perfectly content living a quieter life away from Hollywood’s constant glare.
2. Rachael Leigh Cook
Who could forget that iconic makeover scene in “She’s All That”?
Rachael Leigh Cook became an instant star after playing the artsy girl who transforms into prom queen.
She followed up with roles in “Josie and the Pussycats” and various teen-focused films that defined the era.
While she hasn’t disappeared completely, Rachael shifted her focus to independent films and Hallmark movies rather than blockbusters.
She’s also become a producer and advocate for various causes close to her heart.
Her career path shows that not every star needs constant mainstream attention to find fulfillment in their work and personal life.
3. Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes was everywhere in the 2000s, transitioning seamlessly from Nickelodeon darling to movie star.
Her show “The Amanda Show” launched her career, and films like “She’s the Man” and “Hairspray” proved she had serious comedic chops.
Critics and audiences alike adored her natural timing and infectious energy.
Unfortunately, Amanda faced well-documented personal struggles that led her to step away from acting entirely.
She’s spent recent years focusing on her mental health and recovery, staying out of the public eye.
Fans continue to support her journey and hope she finds peace, whether that includes returning to acting or not.
4. Mischa Barton
“The O.C.” made Mischa Barton a household name practically overnight when it premiered in 2003.
As Marissa Cooper, she embodied the troubled rich girl that viewers couldn’t stop watching.
Her character’s dramatic storylines kept audiences glued to their screens every week.
After leaving the show, Mischa struggled to find roles that matched her earlier success, appearing mostly in independent films.
She’s been open about the pressures of early fame and how it affected her mental health.
Today, she works occasionally in smaller projects and has become an advocate for discussing the darker side of child stardom in Hollywood.
5. Jesse McCartney
With blonde hair and a dreamy voice, Jesse McCartney captured hearts as both a singer and actor in the 2000s.
His hit songs like “Beautiful Soul” dominated radio waves while he also acted in shows like “Summerland.”
Teen magazines couldn’t get enough of his boy-next-door appeal.
Though he’s not topping charts anymore, Jesse has actually maintained a steady career behind the scenes.
He’s done extensive voice acting work, most notably as the character Roxas in the “Kingdom Hearts” video game series.
He still releases music occasionally and tours for his dedicated fanbase, proving you don’t need constant mainstream visibility to sustain a career.
6. Hayden Christensen
Landing the role of Anakin Skywalker in the “Star Wars” prequels should have launched Hayden Christensen into superstardom.
He appeared in two of the biggest films of the 2000s, becoming the face of one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
Fans had mixed reactions to the prequels, but his performance remains memorable.
After “Star Wars,” Hayden largely retreated from Hollywood, appearing in only a handful of films over the following years.
He’s been selective about his projects and seems to prefer a private life on his farm in Canada.
Recently, he returned to the “Star Wars” universe for the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series, delighting longtime fans.
7. Josh Hartnett
During the early 2000s, Josh Hartnett seemed destined to become the next big leading man in Hollywood.
He starred in blockbusters like “Pearl Harbor” and “Black Hawk Down,” showcasing both romantic appeal and action credentials.
Studios were practically throwing leading roles at him left and right.
But here’s the twist: Josh deliberately walked away from fame, turning down major roles including Superman and Spider-Man.
He’s been vocal about wanting a more normal life and choosing artistic projects over commercial success.
He’s continued acting in smaller, critically acclaimed films and recently appeared in shows like “Penny Dreadful,” proving he’s still got the talent.
8. Shannyn Sossamon
With her unique look and mysterious vibe, Shannyn Sossamon stood out in “A Knight’s Tale” opposite Heath Ledger.
She brought an ethereal quality to her roles in films like “40 Days and 40 Nights” and “The Rules of Attraction.”
Her unconventional beauty made her perfect for indie and alternative film projects.
Shannyn never quite broke into mainstream stardom, instead carving out a niche in independent cinema and horror films.
She’s appeared in cult favorites and smaller projects that align with her artistic sensibilities.
She also pursued music and other creative endeavors, showing that Hollywood success isn’t one-size-fits-all for every talented performer.
9. Michelle Trachtenberg
From playing Buffy’s little sister Dawn to the conniving Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl,” Michelle Trachtenberg owned the 2000s.
She had a knack for playing complex characters that audiences loved to watch.
Her performances showed incredible range, from vulnerable teenager to manipulative schemer.
After “Gossip Girl” ended, Michelle’s on-screen appearances became less frequent, though she’s popped up in various TV shows and films.
She’s been active on social media, connecting with fans and occasionally discussing her past roles.
Like many child stars, she seems to be enjoying life outside the constant pressure of Hollywood’s spotlight while still keeping doors open.
10. Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser was the ultimate action-adventure hero of the late 90s and early 2000s, thanks to “The Mummy” franchise.
His combination of humor, heart, and physicality made him incredibly likable in everything from family films to comedies.
He seemed unstoppable, with hit after hit at the box office.
Then he suddenly vanished from Hollywood for years, later revealing he’d dealt with serious health issues and personal struggles.
His story sparked important conversations about how the industry treats its stars.
In a heartwarming turn, Brendan made a triumphant comeback with “The Whale,” earning an Oscar and reminding everyone why we loved him in the first place.
11. Ashanti
In 2002, you couldn’t escape Ashanti’s voice on the radio with hits like “Foolish” and “Happy.”
She dominated the R&B scene, collaborating with major artists and winning a Grammy for her self-titled debut album.
Her smooth vocals and girl-next-door charm made her a superstar almost instantly.
While she continued releasing music throughout the years, Ashanti never quite recaptured that initial explosive success.
She’s stayed active in entertainment, acting in films and stage productions including Broadway shows.
She’s also become an entrepreneur and remains beloved by fans who grew up with her music, even if she’s not topping today’s charts anymore.
12. Sarah Michelle Gellar
As Buffy Summers, Sarah Michelle Gellar became a cultural icon and feminist hero throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
She also starred in horror hits like “Scream 2” and “The Grudge,” proving her versatility beyond the vampire-slaying role.
Her talent and work ethic made her one of TV’s highest-paid actresses.
After “Buffy” ended, Sarah deliberately chose family over constant fame, stepping back to raise her children with husband Freddie Prinze Jr.
She’s done occasional TV work and business ventures, including a successful baking company.
Her choice to prioritize family shows that success doesn’t always mean staying in the spotlight forever.
13. Topher Grace
Topher Grace made Eric Forman one of the most relatable characters on television during “That 70s Show’s” run.
His awkward charm and perfect comedic timing made him a standout in the ensemble cast.
When he left the show early to pursue film, it seemed like a smart career move.
He landed roles in movies like “Spider-Man 3” and “Interstellar,” but never quite became the movie star many predicted.
Instead, Topher has settled into a solid career of supporting roles in both film and television.
He’s also known for his fascinating hobby of re-editing movies in his spare time, showing he’s genuinely passionate about filmmaking beyond just acting.
14. Frankie Muniz
“Malcolm in the Middle” made Frankie Muniz one of the most recognizable child actors of the 2000s.
He earned Emmy nominations and became the face of smart, sarcastic kid characters everywhere.
His success led to film roles in the “Agent Cody Banks” franchise and other family movies.
After the show ended, Frankie surprised everyone by pursuing professional race car driving instead of continuing to act.
He’s also managed bands, played in various musical projects, and opened businesses including an olive oil company.
His memory issues from multiple concussions have been well-documented, but he remains positive and engaged with fans who still adore Malcolm.
15. Eliza Dushku
Playing the rogue slayer Faith on “Buffy” made Eliza Dushku a fan favorite with her edgy attitude and complex character arc.
She continued with action roles in shows like “Tru Calling” and Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse,” proving she could carry her own series.
Her tough-girl persona and genuine acting talent seemed to promise a long, successful career.
Eliza has been selective about her roles in recent years, focusing more on activism and speaking out about industry issues.
She’s been vocal about her experiences with harassment in Hollywood, becoming an advocate for change.
She’s also pursued education and other interests, showing there’s life and purpose beyond constant acting work.