Cover Adam Brody photographed at the premier of ‘Jennifer’s Body’ in 2009 (photo: Michael Vlasaty via Creative Commons 2.O)
Adam Brody photographed at the premier of ‘Jennifer’s Body’ in 2009 (photo: Michael Vlasaty via Creative Commons 2.O)
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These former teen idols have reinvented themselves with standout roles, showing contemporary audiences why they were and still are Hollywood’s ultimate leading men
Does charm only deepen with age? You might be inclined to agree after looking at all the 2000s’ swoon-worthy stars who are suddenly experiencing a renaissance in the 2020s. Far from playing brooding high schoolers and idealistic young adults in their teens, these actors are now captivating audiences with more nuanced roles.
Their comebacks, marked by critical acclaim and renewed fandoms, highlight their evolution in their craft while tapping into the nostalgia of an era that shaped millennial pop culture. If you were ever looking for a reason why the 2000s were the best, you can start with this list.
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1. Josh Hartnett
Despite appearing in blockbusters like Black Hawk Down, Pearl Harbour, and 40 Days and 40 Nights, Josh Harnett has always been forthcoming about not wanting to be “swallowed up” by Hollywood. He rejected iconic roles, including Superman (twice!) and Batman, and decided to move to New Hampshire and focus on his family.
Lately, though, he’s been dipping his toes into big-budget productions again. He was in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap, as well as in an episode of Black Mirror. In the next years, he's set to headline other films including one directed by James Franco.
2. Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray’s pensive stare was everywhere in the early aughts, from One Tree Hill to Freaky Friday to A Cinderella Story. His career slowed after the 2005 movie House of Wax, which spurred him to take on smaller projects. His return to mainstream came in 2023 when he took on the role of Cal Jones in Sullivan’s Crossing, which is about to launch its third season. Murray also starred in Mother of the Bride (2024) and is set to appear in the sequel Freakier Friday (2025).
3. Adam Brody
Adam Brody made teenagers in the 2000s swoon thanks to his roles as Dave Rygalski in Gilmore Girls and Seth Cohen in The OC. While he never lacked work after these iconic portrayals, it’s safe to say that he never picked up steam again—until 2024’s Nobody Wants This, which reintroduced him to contemporary viewers as Hot Rabbi.
Brody is married to Leighton Meester, AKA Blair Waldorf, in a real-life The OC and Gossip Girl crossover.
4. Joshua Jackson
Joshua Jackson was a certified child and teen actor, making his name in the ’90s in his starring role as Charlie in The Mighty Ducks franchise. As a teen, he was Pacey Witter in Dawson’s Creek. Jackson never really left the industry, transitioning to adult roles via Fringe and The Affair. He was able to show off his range due to his haunting turn as malpracticing doctor Christopher Duntsch in Dr Death. Currently, he’s playing a more scrupulous medical practitioner as Dr Max Bankman in Doctor Odyssey.
5. Milo Ventimiglia
Milo Ventimiglia was known as poetry-slinging dreamboat Jess Mariano on Gilmore Girls, then later as Peter Petrelli on Heroes. The actor has cemented his comeback with his standout performance as Jack Pearson on NBC’s critically acclaimed series This Is Us. The role earned him three consecutive Emmy nominations and made him one of television’s most beloved leading men.
With his career stable, he’s been experimenting with other roles that expand his range, including as a con artist in the short-lived series The Company You Keep.
