Only ’90s Kids Will Remember These 9 Forgotten Celebrities

Remember when you’d rush home from school to catch your favorite TV shows? The 1990s gave us some of the most beloved young stars who seemed to be everywhere—on our screens, in our magazines, and even on our lunchboxes.

But where did they all go? Many of these once-famous faces quietly stepped away from Hollywood, choosing different paths that might surprise you.

1. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Every girl in middle school had a poster of JTT on their bedroom wall. As Randy Taylor on Home Improvement, he became America’s heartthrob with his floppy hair and charming smile. He also voiced young Simba in The Lion King, making him even more unforgettable.

But then something unexpected happened. Instead of chasing more fame, Jonathan walked away from acting to hit the books. He attended Harvard University and later Columbia, proving he had brains to match his good looks.

Today, he occasionally pops up in small TV roles but mostly stays out of the spotlight. His choice to prioritize education over celebrity status surprised many fans who thought he’d become a huge movie star.

2. Mara Wilson

She could move objects with her mind—at least that’s what it looked like in Matilda. Mara Wilson captured hearts as the brilliant little girl who stood up to mean adults. Before that, she made us laugh and cry in Mrs. Doubtfire alongside Robin Williams.

After her childhood fame, Wilson decided Hollywood wasn’t for her anymore. She found a new passion in writing, eventually publishing a memoir about her experiences as a child star. Her honest reflections have helped others understand the pressures young actors face.

Now she contributes to magazines and websites, sharing her unique perspective. Wilson transformed from child actress to respected writer, proving there’s life beyond the camera.

3. Jonathan Lipnicki

“Did you know the human head weighs eight pounds?” That adorable line from Jerry Maguire made Jonathan Lipnicki instantly recognizable. His big glasses and even bigger smile stole scenes from Tom Cruise himself. Everyone wanted to pinch his cheeks and hear him share more random facts.

As he grew up, Lipnicki faced the typical struggles of former child stars adjusting to normal life. But he found an outlet in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming a serious competitor in the martial art. His transformation from cute kid to tough athlete surprised many.

He still acts occasionally in smaller projects while balancing his athletic pursuits. Lipnicki proved that child stars can reinvent themselves in completely unexpected ways.

4. Ariana Richards

Screaming at dinosaurs made Ariana Richards famous overnight. As Lex Murphy in Jurassic Park, she survived velociraptors and T-Rexes while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. That terrifying kitchen scene with the raptors still gives people nightmares today.

Rather than continuing in blockbuster movies, Richards discovered a different kind of creativity. She pursued professional painting, creating beautiful artwork that’s been displayed in galleries. Her artistic talent found a quieter, more personal expression than acting ever provided.

Richards occasionally appears at Jurassic Park anniversary events, delighting fans who remember her brave character. But her true passion lies with her paintbrush, not the camera, showing that talent takes many forms.

5. Larisa Oleynik

Turning into a puddle of silver liquid was just another day for Alex Mack. Larisa Oleynik starred in The Secret World of Alex Mack, a Nickelodeon show that had kids wishing for superpowers. She perfectly played a regular girl dealing with extraordinary abilities while hiding her secret from everyone.

After the show ended, Oleynik continued acting but never reached the same level of fame. She appeared in 10 Things I Hate About You and several other projects, gradually fading from the public eye. Many fans lost track of her as she took smaller roles.

Today, she works steadily in television with guest appearances on various shows. While she’s not a household name anymore, true 90s kids still remember her fondly.

6. Devon Sawa

Girls everywhere fell for the human version of Casper the Friendly Ghost. Devon Sawa brought the ghostly character to life for just a few magical minutes, but those moments created countless crushes. He also starred in Now and Then, cementing his status as the ultimate 90s heartthrob.

His role in Final Destination showed he could handle horror too, not just romantic scenes. For a few years, Sawa seemed destined for major stardom. But Hollywood can be unpredictable, and his career took unexpected turns.

He continues acting in smaller films and TV shows, maintaining a loyal fanbase. Social media has helped him reconnect with fans who grew up watching him, keeping his 90s legacy alive in the digital age.

7. Christine Taylor

Before marrying Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor was Melody Hanson on Hey Dude, a Nickelodeon show set at a dude ranch. The comedy followed teenage staff members getting into various adventures, and Taylor’s character was the sweet, relatable one everyone liked. The show became a staple of early 90s children’s programming.

She later appeared in movies like The Brady Bunch Movie and several films with her husband. But she never became the A-list star some predicted. Her career focused more on supporting roles than leading lady parts.

Taylor has worked steadily over the years in comedies and dramas alike. While not a mega-celebrity, she built a respectable career that many actors would envy, proving consistency matters too.

8. Andrew Keegan

With his perfectly styled hair and charming smile, Andrew Keegan played the popular guy everyone loved to hate. He appeared in 10 Things I Hate About You as Joey, the self-absorbed model who thought he could have any girl. Before that, he had recurring roles on shows like Party of Five and 7th Heaven.

His career seemed promising in the late 90s, with teen magazine covers and growing recognition. But the 2000s saw his star power fade as new heartthrobs took over. He took fewer acting roles and explored other interests instead.

Keegan later founded a spiritual community in California, taking his life in a completely different direction. His transformation from teen idol to spiritual leader surprised everyone who remembered him from their favorite movies.

9. Rider Strong

Shawn Hunter was the troubled best friend with a heart of gold on Boy Meets World. Rider Strong brought depth to the character, dealing with serious issues like poverty and family problems while still being funny and loyal. His chemistry with the cast made the show feel genuine and heartfelt.

After the series ended, Strong stepped back from acting to attend college. He studied at Columbia University, choosing education over immediate career opportunities. This decision showed maturity that many young actors lack when fame comes early.

He’s since directed episodes of the spin-off Girl Meets World and hosts a podcast with his former co-star. Strong found ways to stay connected to his roots while building a life beyond acting, balancing nostalgia with new creative pursuits.