36 '90s heartthrobs everyone was obsessed with — and what they're up to now

Shelby Slauer,Frank OlitoMay 15, 2020, 22:25 IST

Keanu Reeves starred in "Speed."Twentieth Century Fox and Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Many actors and musicians we loved in the '90s are still in the spotlight.
Actors like Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio are still acting and raking in the awards.
Likewise, musicians like Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani are still performing.
Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The 1990s have remained a decade of peak nostalgia. From the iconic fashion choices and excellent television dramas to boy bands and pop music hits, the decade has become one of the greatest periods in entertainment.

Many stars from this era had their careers launched, or made, by their work in the '90s.

Take a trip down memory lane and see what your favorite '90s heartthrobs are up to now.

Read the original article on Insider

Ryan Phillippe was another '90s star who had a role in "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

Ryan Phillippe was devious in "Cruel Intentions. Columbia Pictures

Reese Witherspoon was on the rise with roles in "The Man in The Moon," "Fear," and the cult classic "Cruel Intentions."

Reese Witherspoon as Annette Hargrove in "Cruel Intentions." Columbia Pictures

Before he was Aquaman, Jason Momoa began his career as a swoon-worthy lifeguard on "Baywatch."

Jason Momoa on "Baywatch." NBC

Before she starred on "Baywatch," Pamela Anderson rose to fame as "Playmate of the Month" in February 1990.

Pamela Anderson in "Baywatch." NBC

Brandy Norwood became a '90s fan favorite after releasing her first album in 1994.

She began her career as a child. Brenda Chase/Stringer/Getty

Brad Pitt's career gained traction after his leading roles in films such as "A River Runs Through It" in 1992, and "Legends of the Fall" in 1994.

Brad Pitt in "Legends of the Fall." Liaison/Getty

Jared Leto was everyone's crush as Jordan Catalano on "My So-Called Life," which premiered in 1994.

Jared Leto in "My So-Called Life." ABC

Sarah Michelle Gellar became huge after starring as Buffy Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which aired in 1997.

Sarah Michelle Gellar won five Teen Choice Awards through her work on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Getty Images/Handout/Getty

George Clooney gained widespread recognition for his role as dreamy Dr. Doug Ross on "ER."

George Clooney received two Primetime Emmy nominations for his work on "ER." Getty Images/Handout

Joseph Gordon-Levitt started out on "3rd Rock From the Sun," which premiered in 1996.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Getty Images/Handout/Hulton Archive

Courteney Cox also became widely popular after portraying Monica Geller on "Friends."

Courteney Cox as Monica Geller in "Friends." NBC

Jennifer Aniston made a name for herself as Rachel Green on the '90s classic, "Friends."

Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in "Friends." NBC

James Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery, the titular character on the hit WB series, "Dawson's Creek."

James Van Der Beek as Dawson on "Dawson's Creek." The WB

Keri Russell's career skyrocketed after she played Felicity Porter on "Felicity."

Keri Russell won a Golden Globe Award for her work on "Felicity." The WB

Rider Strong also captured hearts on "Boy Meets World."

Strong as Shawn Hunter in "Boy Meets World." ABC

Danielle Fishel is best known as Topanga from "Boy Meets World."

Danielle Fishel. SGranitz/WireImage via Getty Images

Jonathan Taylor Thomas played mischievous teen Randy Taylor on "Home Improvement."

Thomas also voiced young Simba in "The Lion King." ABC

"Clueless" cast member Paul Rudd became a '90s heartthrob after he played Cher's stepbrother.

Paul Rudd as Josh in "Clueless." Paramount Pictures

Alicia Silverstone became an icon after starring as Cher Horowitz in the 1995 film "Clueless."

Alicia Silverstone as Cher in "Clueless." Paramount Pictures

The popular boy band, the Backstreet Boys, formed in 1993.

The Backstreet Boys after announcing their tour in 1999. Diane Freed/Getty

Luke Perry stole hearts as loner Dylan McKay on "Beverly Hills, 90210."

Perry is now best known as Archie Andrews' dad on "Riverdale." FOX

Jennie Garth made her career as Kelly Taylor on the "Beverly Hills, 90210" franchise.

Garth was a part of the "Beverly Hills, 90210" franchise for a full decade. Newsmakers/Getty

Usher's second album, "My Way," is what brought him to fame in the late '90s.

Usher in 1999. Brenda Chase/Online USA/Getty

John Stamos played the charming Jesse Katsopolis on "Full House."

John Stamos as Uncle Jesse in "Full House." ABC

Heather Locklear is best known for her role as Amanda Woodward on the '90s TV show "Melrose Place."

Locklear was nominated for four consecutive Golden Globe awards for her work on "Melrose Place." Brenda Chase/Online USA/Getty

Mario Lopez was the swoon-worthy jock A.C. Slater on "Saved By the Bell."

Lopez primarily hosts television shows now. NBC

Mark-Paul Gosselaar won everyone's hearts as Zack Morris in "Saved By the Bell."

Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack in "Saved By the Bell." NBC

While Jennifer Love Hewitt also had a role in "I Know What You Did Last Summer," her career took off after her role as Sarah Reeves on "Party of Five," which aired from 1994 to 2000.

Jennifer Love Hewitt joined "Party of Five" in the second season. Diane Freed/Getty

While Jennifer Love Hewitt also had a role in "I Know What You Did Last Summer," her career took off after her role as Sarah Reeves on "Party of Five," which aired from 1994 to 2000.

Freddie Prinze Jr. developed a loyal fanbase after the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" films that came out in the late '90s.

Prinze Jr. is now married to Sarah Michelle Gellar, another '90s heartthrob. Brenda Chase/Online USA/Getty

Leonardo DiCaprio became a household name after receiving an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1993 film, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."

DiCaprio's first acting gig was as a child on "Romper Room and Friends" in 1979. Brenda Chase/Online USA/Getty

Tatyana Ali is best known for her role as Ashley Banks on "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Ali played one of Will's cousins on "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.". NBC

Before he became a huge movie star, Will Smith was best known for starring as a fictionalized version of himself in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Smith in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." NBC

Gwen Stefani first made a name for herself as lead vocalist of the band No Doubt, which experienced major success after its first studio album dropped in 1995.

Stefani has received many accolades for her band as well as for her solo albums. Scott Gries/ImageDirect

In fact, all members of *NSYNC were certifiable '90s crushes.

*NSYNC in 1999. Brenda Chase / Stringer

Before launching a successful solo career, Justin Timberlake was known as the lead singer of the boy band *NSYNC.

Timberlake at the 5th Annual Blockbuster Awards in 1999. Brenda Chase/Online USA, Inc./Getty

Keanu Reeves made a name for himself in classics like "Speed" and "The Matrix."

Keanu Reeves played Jack Traven in "Speed." Twentieth Century Fox

Where all of your favorite characters end up on 'Dead to Me' season 2

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

36 '90s heartthrobs everyone was obsessed with — and what they're up to now

Ryan Phillippe was another '90s star who had a role in "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

Reese Witherspoon was on the rise with roles in "The Man in The Moon," "Fear," and the cult classic "Cruel Intentions."

Before he was Aquaman, Jason Momoa began his career as a swoon-worthy lifeguard on "Baywatch."

Before she starred on "Baywatch," Pamela Anderson rose to fame as "Playmate of the Month" in February 1990.

Brandy Norwood became a '90s fan favorite after releasing her first album in 1994.

Brad Pitt's career gained traction after his leading roles in films such as "A River Runs Through It" in 1992, and "Legends of the Fall" in 1994.

Jared Leto was everyone's crush as Jordan Catalano on "My So-Called Life," which premiered in 1994.

Sarah Michelle Gellar became huge after starring as Buffy Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which aired in 1997.

George Clooney gained widespread recognition for his role as dreamy Dr. Doug Ross on "ER."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt started out on "3rd Rock From the Sun," which premiered in 1996.

Courteney Cox also became widely popular after portraying Monica Geller on "Friends."

Jennifer Aniston made a name for herself as Rachel Green on the '90s classic, "Friends."

James Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery, the titular character on the hit WB series, "Dawson's Creek."

Keri Russell's career skyrocketed after she played Felicity Porter on "Felicity."

Rider Strong also captured hearts on "Boy Meets World."

Danielle Fishel is best known as Topanga from "Boy Meets World."

Jonathan Taylor Thomas played mischievous teen Randy Taylor on "Home Improvement."

"Clueless" cast member Paul Rudd became a '90s heartthrob after he played Cher's stepbrother.

Alicia Silverstone became an icon after starring as Cher Horowitz in the 1995 film "Clueless."

The popular boy band, the Backstreet Boys, formed in 1993.

Luke Perry stole hearts as loner Dylan McKay on "Beverly Hills, 90210."

Jennie Garth made her career as Kelly Taylor on the "Beverly Hills, 90210" franchise.

Usher's second album, "My Way," is what brought him to fame in the late '90s.

John Stamos played the charming Jesse Katsopolis on "Full House."

Heather Locklear is best known for her role as Amanda Woodward on the '90s TV show "Melrose Place."

Mario Lopez was the swoon-worthy jock A.C. Slater on "Saved By the Bell."

Mark-Paul Gosselaar won everyone's hearts as Zack Morris in "Saved By the Bell."

While Jennifer Love Hewitt also had a role in "I Know What You Did Last Summer," her career took off after her role as Sarah Reeves on "Party of Five," which aired from 1994 to 2000.

Freddie Prinze Jr. developed a loyal fanbase after the "I Know What You Did Last Summer" films that came out in the late '90s.

Leonardo DiCaprio became a household name after receiving an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 1993 film, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."

Tatyana Ali is best known for her role as Ashley Banks on "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Before he became a huge movie star, Will Smith was best known for starring as a fictionalized version of himself in the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Gwen Stefani first made a name for herself as lead vocalist of the band No Doubt, which experienced major success after its first studio album dropped in 1995.

In fact, all members of *NSYNC were certifiable '90s crushes.

Before launching a successful solo career, Justin Timberlake was known as the lead singer of the boy band *NSYNC.

Keanu Reeves made a name for himself in classics like "Speed" and "The Matrix."