'90s & '00s Heartthrobs: Where Are They Now?

Some actors were able to cement their status in their youth as a heartthrob. They were the guys that millions of teens would fantasize about, and their posters would cover so many bedroom walls. Teens would always tune in when these heartthrobs were in a movie or television show because they would have to see as much of their crush as they could. However, eventually, these teenagers grow up. That also means that the heartthrobs had to grow up. They cannot stay teen idols forever. The grown-up teenagers may wonder, where are these heartthrobs now? These dreamboats may not have their former idol status, but they are people that could have turned their lives into something new and interesting!

1. Rider Strong

It’s not always the star that gets all of the attention. While "Boy Meets World" centered around the adventures of Cory Matthews, viewers wanted to look more at his best friend Shawn Hunter. The bad boy with a heart of gold was the object of many people’s affections. It was also Rider Strong’s good looks and charm that made the character so likable and gazeworthy. The actor made a name for himself in the '90s into the 2000s with this role, and everyone wanted more of Shawn. Strong ended up reprising the role for the sequel series "Girl Meets World" in the mid-2010s. While he hasn’t really acted since then, he currently hosts a "Boy Meets World" rewatch podcast, entitled "Pod Meets World", with his former co-stars Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle. So if you need it, this can be your frequent dose of Strong.

2. Freddie Prinze Jr.

It’s always nice to see a versatile actor on the screen. It helps when the actor is easy on the eyes. Freddie Prinze Jr. fit this bill in the late-90s and early-2000s, which is when he enjoyed peak heartthrob status. Starring in the teen horror film I Know What You Did Last Summer helped put FPJ on the map, and he became a heartthrob as the leading man in She’s All That. Audiences also loved seeing his goofy side in the adventure comedy Scooby-Doo. He leads a quieter life these days, but he is still fun to see. Prinze Jr. is currently married to his Scooby-Doo co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar, with whom he has two children. Some of his more recent big acting roles was a main role on the "Punky Brewster" revival and last year's Holiday rom-com Christmas With You. Lately, FPJ has focused on wrestling, in terms of podcasting and running a streaming network, as he has a love for the sport. Prinze Jr. may not be as constantly seen as he once was, but it looks like he is happy with his current career.

3. James Van Der Beek

Viewers would tune in week after week to see what would happen on the teen drama "Dawson’s Creek" in the early-2000s. They also wanted to see the dreamy lead Dawson Leery every week, played by James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek and his handsome looks also got a lot of notice when he starred in the hit films Varsity Blues and Rules of Attraction. Since then, the teen heartthrob has become a family man. Van Der Beek is currently married and raising six children. He doesn't act as much as he used to, but he recently had a successful run on "Dancing with the Stars". Even though he has not been seen in movies and television series as much anymore, Van Der Beek is still working hard -- just this time in the home.

4. Chad Michael Murray

When it comes to heartthrobs of the 2000s, Chad Michael Murray has to be in the conversation. CMM became a star with his leading role as Lucas Scott in "One Tree Hill". The romantic lead quickly became a favorite amongst the show’s fans. He was also eye candy in the popular teen films A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday. Everyone wanted Murray on their screens. Fortunately, Murray is still trying to be on people’s screens. He has stuck to his CW roots and recently had a recurring role on "Riverdale". He also had a leading role in a Canadian series, "Sullivan’s Crossing", which will soon have its American premiere. Murray is now happily married with children but will remain the teenage dream in many people’s eyes.

5. Adam Brody

Every 2000s teen remembers "The O.C." cutie Seth Cohen, as well as his portrayer, Adam Brody. Brody captured hearts as the funny dork of people’s dreams. He also got attention for his small stint in "Gilmore Girls", where he played the just-as-lovable Dave. While Brody is no longer playing teenage heartthrobs, he is still doing well for himself. He is currently married to "Gossip Girl" star Leighton Meester and they have two children together. When it comes to acting, Brody is still getting himself noticed. He was recently in the critically-acclaimed miniseries "Fleishman is in Trouble" and has also been in the Shazam! films. Brody also had a notable (and much less-likable) part in the Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman. While he is no longer playing the big teenage heartthrob parts he used to play, he is still showing off his fantastic acting talents.

6. Shane West

Everyone loves to see a rom-com heartthrob. That is what helped get Shane West so many doting fans. West starred in the Nicholas Sparks film A Walk to Remember, where audiences swooned over his portrayal of an emotional love interest. Audiences also got to see his good looks on a more regular basis during his stint as a main character on "ER". In the 2000s, many people had their eyes on West. To this day, West is still acting and can still be seen in many exciting projects, like Mid-Century, Escape the Field, and more. He may not be the teen heartthrob anymore, but he is still a hard-working actor.

7. Devon Sawa

Devon Sawa got his start as a child actor in '90s movies like Little Giants and Casper, but it was his role in 2000's Final Destination that cemented him as a teen heartthrob. These days, the now grown-up Devon has managed to keep his career alive and thriving, most notably his recent multiple roles in SyFy's "Chucky" series. 

8. Robert Pattinson

Fortunately for some teen heartthrobs, they are able to break out of their heartthrob reputations and get to be taken seriously as an actor. That is the case for Robert Pattinson. He became the ultimate teen heartthrob when he starred in the Twilight films as brooding vampire Edward Cullen. He also was memorable in the popular Harry Potter films and was more of a realistic romantic lead in Remember Me. These were films that made teenagers obsessed with Pattinson in the 2000s. However, Pattinson wanted to be seen as a real actor, and he got his wish. He recently starred in the popular dark The Batman film to great critical acclaim. He was also a star in Tenet and The Devil All The Time. Even though he is no longer a teen icon, everyone still wants to see Pattinson act his heart out in films.