Back in Time Today
From precocious sitcom sidekicks to teen heartthrobs, the ’90s gave us some of the most unforgettable child stars in TV history. But what happened to them after the final credits rolled? Some walked away from Hollywood for good—others quietly reinvented themselves behind the scenes. Here’s what 23 of your favorite ’90s child stars are up to today.
1. Jaleel White (Steve Urkel – Family Matters)
Once America’s most lovable nerd, Jaleel White embraced and later distanced himself from Urkel. He’s since done voice work (Sonic the Hedgehog) and appeared on Dancing with the Stars. Most recently, he popped up in The Afterparty and even launched his own cannabis brand, Purple Urkle.
2. Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter – Boy Meets World)
The ultimate bad boy with a heart, Rider Strong transitioned into indie films and voice work (Kim Possible). He’s also a podcast host and co-wrote Girl Meets World episodes, showing he’s as creative behind the scenes as on screen.
3. Lark Voorhies (Lisa Turtle – Saved by the Bell)
Known for her high fashion and sass, Lark Voorhies largely stepped away from acting amid health struggles but has made appearances in recent Saved by the Bell reunions, reflecting on both her fame and mental health journey.
4. Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor – Home Improvement)
JTT was the ultimate teen heartthrob, but he left Hollywood to attend Harvard and Columbia. Though he voiced Young Simba in The Lion King, he largely disappeared from the spotlight and has only made rare TV cameos since.
5. Kellie Shanygne Williams (Laura Winslow – Family Matters)
Laura Winslow was the sensible counterpart to Urkel’s chaos. After Family Matters, Williams stepped back from acting to focus on family and community work, even launching a youth arts program in Washington, D.C.
6. Ben Savage (Cory Matthews – Boy Meets World)
Savage reprised his role in Girl Meets World and has remained active in acting. In a surprising turn, he ran for Congress in California in 2024, proving he’s still full of surprises.
7. Tatyana Ali (Ashley Banks – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
The fashionable, witty Ashley grew up before our eyes. Tatyana Ali went on to graduate from Harvard, pursue a singing career, and now regularly appears in Hallmark movies and on soap operas like The Young and the Restless.
8. Dustin Diamond (Screech – Saved by the Bell)
Diamond’s post-Screech years were rocky, marked by legal troubles and reality TV. Sadly, he passed away in 2021 at just 44, but he remains one of the most recognizable faces of ’90s television.
9. Christine Lakin (Al Lambert – Step by Step)
Christine played tomboy Al Lambert, one of the most popular kids on the show. She continued acting, took on voice roles (Family Guy, The Wild Thornberrys), and appeared in Hollywood Darlings alongside Jodie Sweetin. She’s now a director and voiceover pro, thriving behind the camera.
10. Jason Marsden (Rich Halke – Step by Step)
Jason Marsden was known for his role as the charming yet mischievous Rich Halke on Step by Step. His character brought humor and a touch of rebellion, making him a standout presence on the show. Marsden’s comedic timing and expressive acting made Rich a beloved character.
Beyond Step by Step, Marsden has enjoyed a diverse career in voice acting, lending his voice to numerous animated characters. His distinctive voice has become well-recognized and appreciated within the industry.
Rich’s dynamic with J.T. Lambert, played by Brandon Call, was a highlight of the show, showcasing the typical teenage antics and enduring friendship. Marsden’s portrayal remains a favorite among fans of the series.
11. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tommy Solomon – 3rd Rock from the Sun)
The alien-turned-teen grew into a critically acclaimed actor (Inception, 500 Days of Summer) and founded the collaborative platform HitRecord. He remains a force in indie cinema and tech-savvy storytelling.
12. Raven-Symoné (Olivia Kendall – The Cosby Show, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper)
After Disney stardom in the 2000s (That’s So Raven), Raven became a talk show host and LGBTQ+ advocate. She continues to act and produce, recently returning to Disney with Raven’s Home.
13. Fred Savage (Kevin Arnold – The Wonder Years)
Fred shifted from acting to directing and producing shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He was recently let go from The Wonder Years reboot due to misconduct allegations, casting a shadow on his legacy.
14. Melissa Joan Hart (Clarissa – Clarissa Explains It All, Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Hart’s quirky charm defined teen TV. She transitioned to directing and still acts, mostly in TV movies. She’s also an entrepreneur and mom of three.
15. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (Michelle Tanner – Full House)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the twin sisters who played Michelle Tanner on ‘Full House’, were beloved for their adorable antics and shared role. With synchronized performances, they brought humor and sweetness to the show, captivating audiences worldwide. The duo became icons of the 90s television scene.
After ‘Full House’, the Olsen twins ventured into a successful business career, launching fashion lines like ‘The Row’. Their transition from child stars to fashion moguls is a testament to their business acumen and enduring popularity.
Did you know? The Olsen twins started acting at just six months old! Their journey from baby stars to entrepreneurs is truly remarkable.
16. Staci Keanan (Dana Foster – Step by Step)
Smart and sarcastic Dana was the feminist firecracker of the blended family. After leaving acting, Keanan pursued law and is now a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles under her real name, Anastasia Sagorsky. That’s one powerful career pivot.
17. Malcolm David Kelley (Young Walt – Lost, Smart Guy)
Before Lost, he appeared on Smart Guy. Post-Lost, he joined the pop duo MKTO (“Classic”) and continued acting in smaller roles and commercials.
18. Tia and Tamera Mowry (Tia and Tamera – Sister, Sister)
The twins stayed in the spotlight through reality TV, books, and acting. Tia starred in The Game, while Tamera became a host on The Real. Both are beloved for keeping it real and staying close.
19. Marcus T. Paulk (Myles – Moesha)
After playing Brandy’s little brother, Marcus continued acting, appearing in Roll Bounce and other films. He’s also done voice work and stays active in community and charity initiatives.
20. Brandon Call (J.T. Lambert – Step by Step)
The charming and slightly dim J.T. was a ’90s teen crush. After the series ended, Call largely retired from acting following a real-life shooting incident in 1996. He’s now living a quieter life away from Hollywood.
21. Alyssa Milano (Samantha Micelli – Who’s the Boss?)
Milano transitioned smoothly from child star to adult success, starring in Charmed, Mistresses, and more. She’s also an outspoken activist and author. Her transformation from precocious teen to cultural force makes her ideal for both featured images and promotional headlines.
22. Brittany Ashton Holmes (Darla – The Little Rascals)
Remember Darla from The Little Rascals? Brittany stole hearts as the adorable, sassy character. After capturing childhood innocence on screen, she stepped away from Hollywood. Why the retreat? To lead a normal life, focusing on studies and growing up away from fame. Brittany’s brief yet impactful career remains a nostalgic highlight for many. Now living a private life, she occasionally joins fan conventions. Her story is a gentle reminder of the fleeting nature of childhood fame and the importance of personal choice in shaping one’s destiny.
23. Jodie Sweetin (Stephanie Tanner – Full House)
Stephanie Tanner was the epitome of youthful exuberance on Full House. Jodie Sweetin embraced this role, and fans adored her for it. Post-Full House, she faced personal challenges but emerged resilient. Did you know she’s now an advocate for addiction recovery? Jodie’s journey is a compelling narrative of redemption and growth. Today, she’s a familiar face on TV, engaging audiences with warmth and authenticity. Her story resonates with many, emphasizing the power of perseverance and self-discovery. Jodie remains an inspiration to those facing their own battles.