Hottest actresses from the 90s: What they look like now!
The 1990s produced some of the most iconic and unforgettable actresses in Hollywood history. From rom-com queens like Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock to action stars like Angelina Jolie and Milla Jovovich, the decade was full of talented and beautiful women who captured our hearts on screen.
While some 90s stars continue to be major players in Hollywood today, others have taken more of a backseat in recent years. But one thing's for sure: these actresses made a lasting impact during their 90s heyday. Join us as we take a nostalgic walk down memory lane and check out what some of the hottest actresses from the 90s look like now!
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock first rose to fame in the 1994 action flick Speed opposite Keanu Reeves. With her sweet charm and girl-next-door looks, Bullock quickly became America's sweetheart. She scored hit after hit in the 90s with beloved romantic comedies like While You Were Sleeping (1995), Hope Floats (1998), and Forces of Nature (1999).
Of course, Bullock is still a huge star today. In the 2000s, she won critical acclaim for her raw performance in Crash (2004) and scored one of the biggest hits of her career as a tightly-wound publisher in The Proposal (2009), opposite Ryan Reynolds. She then won her first Oscar for the inspiring drama The Blind Side (2009).
Now at 59 years old, the still stunning Bullock looks just as fabulous now as she did in the 90s. She continues to balance dramatic turns, like her highly praised performance in 2018's Bird Box, with comedies like The Lost City, which hit theatres in 2022. It's clear Sandy's got staying power!
"I like to do films that make people feel good and make them laugh or be uplifted in some way. That's all I want to do. I don't care about becoming a big movie star." - Sandra Bullock
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston quickly became one of Hollywood's most beloved funny ladies thanks to her iconic role as Rachel Green on TV's megahit series Friends. During Friends' 10-season run from 1994–2004, Aniston's unique style, wit, and charm as Rachel earned her international stardom.
While nothing could match the phenomenon of Friends, Aniston successfully transitioned to movie star status in the 2000s with hits like The Break-Up (2006), Marley & Me (2008), and a string of romantic comedies. Proving she was far more than just a rom-com queen, Aniston wowed critics with her turn in 2014's Cake, earning Golden Globe and SAG award nominations.
Now 54, Aniston remains an A-lister in Hollywood. Along with launching her own hair care brand, LolaVie, she currently stars in the hit series The Morning Show opposite Reese Witherspoon. She continues to make Hollywood headlines in her personal life as well, namely for her headline-grabbing marriages and divorces from Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux.
"I always say that when people tell me they're miserable, I ask them if their hair looks right. They laugh at me, but I'm not really joking. There is nothing worse than bad hair. Nothing!" - Jennifer Aniston
Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth Hurley shot to instant fame in 1994 when she wore that iconic safety pin dress1990s while accompanying then-boyfriend Hugh Grant to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral. This jaw-dropping fashion moment catapulted the English actress and model to international stardom.
Hurley went on to land a string of high-profile Hollywood roles throughout the 1990s, including Vanessa Kensington in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) and the devil's longtime lover in Bedazzled (2000), opposite Brendan Fraser. She also notably starred alongside Matthew Perry on the sitcom Friends in a guest stint as Chandler's kooky girlfriend.
Now 58 years old, Hurley remains an enduring star, although she focuses less on acting nowadays and more on modelling and her successful swimwear line, Elizabeth Hurley Beach. Married to businessman Arun Nayar from 2007–2011, Hurley has one son, Damian, born in 2002.
"I don't diet. I smoke and drink and I'm still thin!" - Elizabeth Hurley
Jennifer Connelly
With her striking beauty and immense talent, Jennifer Connelly has captivated moviegoers for over 35 years on screen. One of her first breakout roles came as a teenager in the 1984 crime drama Once Upon a Time in America,1990s, starring Robert De Niro. She gained wider recognition in the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth with David Bowie.
Connelly's career soared even higher throughout the 1990s, starting with hits like The Rocketeer (1991) and Career Opportunities (1991), where she flaunted her obvious sex appeal. But it was her Academy Award-winning turn in 2001's A Beautiful Mind starring alongside Russell Crowe that truly cemented her status as one of Hollywood's greatest dramatic talents.
Richard Wells
Flash forward to today, and the now 53-year-old Connelly remains an in-demand and versatile actress, taking on diverse, complex roles. Recently, she's wowed critics with memorable performances in heavy dramas Requiem for a Dream (2000) and 2014's Noah. Most excitingly, she appeared in 2022's long-awaited Top Gun sequel, looking as sensational as ever.
"There's so many things that mattered so much to me when I was younger, that I smile about now." - Jennifer Connelly
Rachel Weisz
With her elegant beauty and dedication to her craft, English actress Rachel Weisz has lit up the screen in both mainstream and independent film for over 3 decades. While Weisz has been acting since the late 80s, her breakthrough international role came as adventurer Rick O'Connell's wife Evelyn in 1999's mega-hit The Mummy.
Weisz went on to gain even more prominence in the 2000s, earning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her complex performance in 2005's The Constant Gardener. She also appeared in diverse critical darlings like Wong Kar-wai's My Blueberry Nights (2007) and scored a second Oscar nod for 2018's The Favourite opposite Olivia Colman.
Now age 53 with 17-year-old son with director Darren Aronofsky, Weisz maintains her reputation as one of the most compelling and selective actresses working today. Her rare choice of projects, dazzling talent, and enduring beauty cement her screen icon status.
"Beauty and seduction are nature's tools for survival, because we have to breed." - Rachel Weisz
Penelope Cruz
With talent, tenacity, and smouldering on-screen charisma, Penelope Cruz has entranced international audiences for decades. Born in Spain in 1974, Cruz got her first big break in the 1992 comedy Jamón, Jamón, all through the 90s she scored roles in Spanish TV and film.
But it was Cruz's sizzling performance in 2001's Vanilla Sky opposite Tom Cruise that sparked her Hollywood breakthrough. Starring roles soon followed in 2004's Head in the Clouds and 2006's Volver, the latter earning Cruz best actress awards at Cannes, the LA Film Critics Association, and National Society of Film Critics.
Richard Wells
Flash forward to today, and Cruz remains an iconic and acclaimed actress at 49 years old. Especially known for her frequent collaborations with director Pedro Almodóvar, Cruz makes very selective but always superb film choices with roles in 2009’s Nine and 2021’s Official Competition. She won an Oscar in 2009 for her funny, moving turn in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
"Pain is temporary; quitting lasts forever." - Penelope Cruz
Michelle Pfeiffer
With her piercing blue eyes, blonde bombshell looks, and sheer acting brilliance, Michelle Pfeiffer captivated audiences across the 80s and 90s as a versatile and magnetic force on screen. Launching to A-list fame as mob wife Elvira Hancock in 1983's Scarface opposite Al Pacino, Pfeiffer showed off comedic chops in 1988’s Married to the Mob.
But it was through her varied performances in the 90s - from the fierce Catwoman in Batman Returns (1992) to dreamy romantic leads in The Age of Innocence (1993) and 1996’s Up Close and Personal - that truly highlighted Pfeiffer's breathtaking range and depth. Her moving turn as a former beauty queen in 1993’s Love Field even scored her first Oscar nomination.
Now age 65 with 2 children, Pfeiffer continues to carefully choose dynamic roles amongst both small indies and big budget blockbusters. Most recently, she appeared as Queen Ingrith in 2019's fantasy smash Maleficent: Mistress of Evil opposite Angelina Jolie. Her legendary screen presence and talent remain utterly timeless.
"I was always terrified of being ordinary." - Michelle Pfeiffer
Halle Berry
With luminous beauty and acting chops, Halle Berry has made history throughout her decades-long career in Hollywood. Rising to fame in the 90s thrillers like The Last Boy Scout (1991) and TV Series Knots Landing. But it was her raw, layered performance as a troubled wife in 2001’s Monster’s Ball that earned Berry a Best Actress Oscar - the first for a Black woman in history.
In the 2000s and beyond, Berry continued smashing ceilings with standout performances in films like 2003’s Gothika and 2014’s Frankie and Alice. She also thrilled audiences in one of her trademark action roles playing the feline Fatale in 2004’s female-led superhero flick Catwoman.
Now 57, Halle Berry still stuns on every red carpet she walks with her legendary beauty. The acclaimed actress also uses her platform to advocate for greater inclusion in Hollywood and raise her two young children, Maceo and Nahla Aubry.
“If you wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” - Halle Berry
Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie - the daughter of famous actor Jon Voight - began acting at a young age in lesser-known films. But it was her gripping Golden Globe-winning turn as a troubled sociopath in 1999’s Girl, Interrupted that launched Jolie to superstardom at just 24 years old. She soon gained a reputation as an exciting actress and Hollywood wild child, wearing vials of blood around her neck during her first marriage to Billy Bob Thornton.
Jolie then gained major box office clout as daring action star Lara Croft in 2001’s smash hit Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. She also earned critical acclaim for 2003’s Beyond Borders before pivoting to directing and humanitarian work. After her storied romance and marriage with Brad Pitt, Jolie continues to balance blockbusters with hard-hitting dramas as part of her lifelong mission of social justice.
Now 48, Angelina Jolie retains her status as one of Hollywood’s most exciting stars on and off-screen between her ever-growing brood of children, philanthropy, and recent return to the spotlight in Marvel's The Eternals.
“Nothing would mean anything if I didn't live it with you.” - Angelina Jolie
Milla Jovovich
While still a teenager, Ukrainian-born stunner Milla Jovovich launched a modeling career in the late 80s that soon parlayed into action movie dominance. With her statuesque beauty and serious athletic prowess, Jovovich killed it in breakthrough 1997 sci-fi thriller The Fifth Element and the girl power 2000 cheerleading comedy Bring It On.
But it was playing ass-kicking heroine Alice in the smash Resident Evil franchise starting in 2002 that cemented Jovovich as a female action icon for the modern age. She would ultimately star in all 6 original Resident Evil films spanning 15 years. Not just an action star, Milla has also flexed comedic muscles in hits like 2001’s Zoolander.
Now 48, Jovovich continues to reign with beauty and brawn. Though she said goodbye to Resident Evil in 2017’s The Final Chapter, fans remain eager to see what exciting projects this multi talented Ukrainian spitfire takes on next!
“You know, I'm Russian. We don't play bad guys with subtlety.” - Milla Jovovich
There you have it - a nostalgic trip down memory lane revisiting 10 of the hottest, most memorable actresses that graced the screens throughout the wonderful 90s. From America's sweetheart Jennifer Aniston to statuesque action icon Milla Jovovich, these sensational women left an eye watering mark in pop culture and our hearts.
It's incredible to see how these stars have endured and evolved through the decades - whether still dominating Hollywood or following exciting new pursuits while still retaining their iconic status. We can't wait to see what the coming years still hold in store for these wildly talented women!
While styles and trends always change with the times, a great actress always remains compelling to watch no matter her age or appearance. These sensational women have only grown in talent, wisdom, and philanthropic spirit over the years. Through marriages, divorces and raising families, their focus on social impact and dedication to causes close to their hearts leave lasting impacts on the world.
Clearly, that captivating charm will never fade out for these legends. They have earned their places in the spotlight forever.
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