Ah, the 90s! A glorious decade filled with grunge music, iconic sitcoms, and fashion choices that make us cringe today. If you were around during those years, you probably remember a slew of celebrities who seemed to be everywhere all at once. But, as time marched on (and our playlists shifted to the 2000s and beyond), some of these stars quietly faded from our screens. You might not have even noticed! Let’s take a little trip down memory lane and revisit eight famous faces from the 90s that you stopped seeing without even realizing it.
1. Claire Danes
Before she was an Emmy-winning actress on shows like “Homeland,” Claire Danes was the heart and soul of the cult classic teen drama “My So-Called Life.” Who could forget her moody portrayal of Angela Chase as she navigated the trials of adolescence? It felt like Claire was everywhere in the mid-90s, but after the show was canceled, she kind of slipped off the radar for a while. She resurfaced years later, but there was definitely a phase when it felt like she vanished into thin air—much like those wide-leg jeans we all used to wear!
2. JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas)
If you were a teenage girl in the 90s, there’s a solid chance you had a poster of JTT on your wall. The “Home Improvement” star was the quintessential heartthrob, with that adorable smile and a voice that could charm the socks off anyone. After he hit the big leagues, he kind of disappeared from the limelight, opting for a quieter life. Where did he go? Well, he pursued his education and then made a few sporadic appearances, but let’s be real: we still miss those shaggy hair days!
3. Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder was the epitome of 90s cool, starring in classics like “Beetlejuice” and “Reality Bites.” But after some highly publicized legal troubles in the early 2000s, she seemed to step back from the Hollywood scene. It was a bummer because we loved her quirky charm and unique style. Thankfully, she made a triumphant return with “Stranger Things,” reminding us that she still has that magic. Who knew we’d be so excited to see her as Joyce Byers years later?
4. David Schwimmer
Ah, Ross Geller! The paleontologist who made us laugh and cringe in equal measure on “Friends.” David Schwimmer became a household name, but after the show wrapped up, he sort of faded into the background. Sure, he took on some roles here and there, but it felt like he was on an extended vacation from the spotlight. Recently, he’s been more active again, but let’s just say it’s hard to forget that awkward “we were on a break!” phase.
5. Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell was the queen of the teen scream in the 90s, especially with her role in the “Scream” franchise and the beloved series “Party of Five.” While she was once everywhere, it seems like she quietly stepped back from the Hollywood hustle. Maybe she was just busy taking care of all those life-and-death situations in the woods! Thankfully, she’s made a comeback in recent years, reminding us all why we loved her in the first place.
6. Tatyana Ali
Who could forget the adorable Ashley Banks from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”? Tatyana Ali brought so much heart to the show, but after it wrapped up, she seemed to drift off into the background. Sure, she popped up here and there, but it wasn’t quite the same. Now, she’s doing her thing as an actress and singer, and it’s great to see her shine again! We’re just waiting for her to get the “Fresh Prince” reunion treatment!
7. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Buffy Summers was a force to be reckoned with! Sarah Michelle Gellar took the role of the vampire slayer to iconic status. After “Buffy” ended, she was still around, but somehow, it felt like she became more of a behind-the-scenes gal. She’s had a solid career with projects like “All My Children” and a few movies, but many of us still fondly remember her as our favorite slayer.
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