Female Icons of the 2000s: Then and Now
This article was originally published at Lizanest.com.
The 2000s were wild — a decade of low-rise jeans, flip phones, and women who defined pop culture in ways we’re still feeling today. These were the stars who ruled magazine covers, red carpets, and our collective imagination. They were bold, messy, brilliant, and unforgettable — the soundtrack and storyline of a generation growing up in real time. From pop divas to movie queens, this list revisits the icons who made the 2000s shimmer — and shows where life has taken them now.
#1: Angelina Jolie Then
In the 2000s, Angelina Jolie was Hollywood’s ultimate wild child turned A-list powerhouse. After her Oscar win for Girl, Interrupted, she ruled tabloids with her edgy image and high-profile romances. Blockbusters like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mr. & Mrs. Smith cemented her as both an action star and a global sex symbol.
Angelina also began showing her humanitarian side, adopting children and becoming a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador — setting her apart from other celebrities of the time. Her mix of chaos and compassion made her one of the most talked-about women of the decade, balancing scandal with genuine global influence.
#2: Angelina Jolie Now
Today, Angelina is seen as a respected humanitarian, filmmaker, and mother of six. She’s shifted from tabloid chaos to quiet influence, focusing on human rights and refugee advocacy. Her film work continues, with projects like Maleficent and Eternals, but her public image now leans toward activism over Hollywood glamour.
Though her marriage to Brad Pitt ended in a long, public divorce, Angelina remains one of the world’s most recognizable women. She’s redefined her fame, evolving from Hollywood’s rebel to an advocate for change — proof that even the most scrutinized star can grow into something more meaningful.
#3: Madonna Then
Madonna was already the Queen of Pop in the 00s — but she wasn’t done reinventing herself. After ruling the ’80s and ’90s, she kicked off the millennium with Music and Hung Up, proving she could still dominate the charts. Her tours were massive spectacles, and her image, ever-changing.
Madonna also dove into film, motherhood, and controversy, adopting children from Malawi and sparking global conversations about fame, faith, and family. Whether it was her Confessions on a Dance Floor leotard or her MTV kisses, Madonna knew exactly how to stay shocking — and relevant — in a new pop era.
#4: Madonna Now
Madonna stands as pop’s eternal icon to this day — still performing, still pushing buttons, still impossible to ignore. Her Celebration Tour proved her longevity, revisiting decades of hits that shaped pop music itself. At 60-plus, she’s more of a living legend than a chart contender, but her influence remains everywhere.
She’s also embraced her role as a provocateur-turned-mentor, constantly reinventing herself online and off. Whether fans love or question her latest era, Madonna’s ability to evolve with each generation has made her more than a star — she’s a cultural blueprint.