THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Sweet Home Alabama' 18 years later

Gabbi ShawSep 25, 2020, 02:10 IST

"Sweet Home Alabama."TIMOTHY WHITE/TOUCHSTONE/KOBAL/SHUTTERSTOCK

"Sweet Home Alabama" premiered on September 27, 2002 — nearly 18 years ago.
The film starred Reese Witherspoon as Melanie Carmichael, an NYC fashion designer trying to choose between her not-so-ex-husband Jake and her new fiancé Andrew, played by Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey, respectively.
With this film, Witherspoon solidified herself as the newest rom-com queen.

Eighteen years ago, viewers were introduced to Melanie Carmichael — or should we say Melanie Smooter — a trendy New Yorker with a secret: She used to be a country girl from Pigeon Creek, Alabama.

"Sweet Home Alabama" is notably among the rom-com canon for having two actually viable love interests (see also: "The Notebook"). It's genuinely hard for viewers and Melanie alike to choose which guy she wants to be with — that is, if either will have her.

Ideas for a sequel have been floating around for years, with both Josh Lucas and Reese Witherspoon and director Andy Tennant stating they'd be on board.

Keep scrolling to see what the cast of "Sweet Home Alabama" is up to now, 18 years after it premiered in 2002.

Reese Witherspoon played teenage-rebel-turned-fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (née Smooter).

Witherspoon in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Today, Witherspoon is an Oscar-winning actress who has become the queen of streaming. She also has a successful lifestyle brand, Draper James.

Reese Witherspoon in 2020. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Josh Lucas played Jake Perry, Melanie's estranged husband and first love back in Pigeon Creek.

"Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Lucas recently appeared in the Oscar-nominated film "Ford v. Ferrari"

Josh Lucas in 2019. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Patrick Dempsey played Andrew Hennings, Melanie's dreamy NYC fiancé.

Patrick Dempsey on the set of "Sweet Home Alabama." Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images

Now, Dempsey will forever be linked with Dr. Derek Shepherd and "Grey's Anatomy."

Patrick Dempsey in 2020. Felix Hörhager/picture alliance/Getty Images

Dakota Fanning appears very briefly in the film's first scene as the young version of Melanie.

Dakota Fanning in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Fanning is currently starring on "The Alienist."

Dakota Fanning in 2020. John Shearer/Getty Images for PEOPLE

Ethan Embry played Bobby Ray, one of Melanie's closest childhood friends.

Ethan Embry in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Embry currently stars on "Grace and Frankie" as Coyote.

Ethan Embry in 2019. Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for CDGA

Melanie Lynskey played Lurlynn, another one of Melanie's friends who still lives in Pigeon Creek.

Melanie Lynskey in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Lynskey is most recognizable now for her longtime role in "Two and a Half Men."

Melanie Lynskey in 2020. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Candice Bergan played Mayor Kate Hennings, single mother to Andrew and the film's antagonist.

Candice Bergen in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Bergen reprised her iconic role as Murphy Brown in the 2018 CBS revival.

Candice Bergen in 2019. Bruce Glikas/WireImage/Getty Images

Mary Kay Place played Melanie's mother, Pearl Smooter.

Mary Kay Place in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Place is currently on "911: Lone Star."

Mary Kay Place in 2020. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Fred Ward played Earl Smooter, Melanie's dad who participates in Civil War reenactments.

Fred Ward in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

After a 42-year career, Ward hasn't acted since 2015.

Fred Ward in 2011. Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Jean Smart played Jake's lovable mom, Stella.

"Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Smart has had an extensive career in TV. She was nominated for an Emmy this year for her performance in "Watchmen."

Jean Smart in 2020. Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Courtney Gains played Sheriff Wade, one of Melanie and Jake's friends from childhood who became a cop.

Courtney Gains in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Gains frequently plays police officers and soldiers.

Courtney Gains in 2017. Amy Graves/WireImage/Getty Images

Mary Lynn Rajskub played Dorothea, Wade's wife and a bank teller.

Mary Lynn Rajskub in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Rajskub pops up in sitcoms frequently, including "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

Mary Lynn Rajskub in 2020. Presley Ann/Getty Images for Pizza Hut

Rhona Mitra played Tabatha, one of Melanie's best friends in New York and one of her models.

Rhona Mitra in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Mitra frequently appears in action films and TV shows.

Rhona Mitra in 2018. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI

Nathan Lee Graham played Frederick Montana, Melanie's fashion mentor and friend.

Nathan Lee Graham in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Graham starred in the recently canceled "Katy Keene."

Nathan Lee Graham in 2019. Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

Sean Bridgers played Eldon, another of the Pigeon Creek locals.

Sean Bridgers in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Bridgers appears in Western shows.

Sean Bridgers in 2018. Araya Diaz/WireImage/Getty Images

Kevin Sussman played Barry Lowenstein, one of Kate's employees who poses as a reporter to dig up dirt on Melanie.

Kevin Sussman in "Sweet Home Alabama." Buena Vista Pictures

Sussman is well-known for his role on "The Big Bang Theory."

Kevin Sussman in 2019. Presley Ann/FilmMagic/Getty Images

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