14 Biggest Teen Heartthrobs of the ’90s

Long before social media influencers and bingeable streaming hits, television and film in the 1990s gave rise to a new class of heartthrobs who made teens swoon and set trends for a generation. These young stars seemed to be everywhere — gracing magazine covers, dominating TV lineups, and securing starring film roles. While some have remained in the limelight, others have taken unexpected paths. Here, we catch up with the most memorable 90s teen idols and revisit what made them so captivating.

Jared Leto

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Known for his brooding roles and as the frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto stood out on My So-Called Life, where he played the role of Jordan Catalano. His career has since zigzagged through Oscar-winning performances and rock stardom — he took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, per Britannica.

Jaleel White

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Beloved for his role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters, Jaleel White charmed audiences with his comedic timing and unforgettable catchphrase. What started as a one-time guest appearance quickly became a breakout star turn — White joined the main cast in season two after the character proved wildly popular with viewers.

Brian Austin Green

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Brian Austin Green became a household name as David Silver on Beverly Hills, 90210, a role he held for the entirety of the show’s run from 1990 to 2000, according to TV Insider. He’s still a familiar face, attending premieres and appearing in various TV projects, showing his versatility as an actor over the decades.

Jason Priestley

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With his portrayal of Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, Jason Priestley quickly became a TV icon. He remains active in the entertainment industry, balancing roles in television and behind-the-scenes work as a director — he directed episodes of the series and also served as an executive producer, per Biography.

Rider Strong

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As Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World, Rider Strong captivated audiences with his layered performance. He continues to work as an actor, director, and writer — Strong graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University and also earned a Master of Fine Arts in fiction and literature from Bennington College, according to Wikipedia, making his artistic pursuits well beyond the screen.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

With hits like She’s All That and the Scooby-Doo films, Freddie Prinze Jr. was the boy-next-door of 90s teen cinema. He’s continued to act, produce, and even write for television, remaining a steady presence in Hollywood.

Joey Lawrence

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A child star who lit up sitcoms like Blossom, Joey Lawrence‘s charm and a signature catchphrase made him a teen favorite. Lawrence co-starred in the hit TV series Blossom on NBC from 1991 to 1995, playing Joey Russo, per Wikipedia. He acts, makes music, and regularly turns heads at celebrity gatherings.

Neil Patrick Harris

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Whether playing Doogie Howser or the sharp-tongued Barney Stinson on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris‘s career spans sitcoms and Broadway. He won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway, according to Biography.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

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As Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell, Mark-Paul Gosselaar was the ultimate cool kid. He’s gone on to star in several acclaimed series and took on the Zack Morris role again in 2020 for Peacock’s revival of Saved by the Bell, keeping his place in the spotlight, as reported by NBC.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

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Freddie Prinze Jr. played Fred Jones in the 2002 live-action film version of Scooby-Doo, and reprised the role in the 2004 sequel, both alongside his wife Sarah Michelle Gellar, per People. He continues to balance acting and production projects, much to the delight of longtime fans.

Andrew Keegan

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Andrew Keegan was a staple in late ’90s teen entertainment. He had a starring role in the teen romantic comedy film 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), after recurring roles on 7th Heaven and Party of Five, according to US Weekly. He remains active in small film projects and unique creative endeavors today.

Ben Savage

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Best known as Cory Matthews on Boy Meets World, Ben Savage grew up in front of audiences across the show’s seven-season run from 1993 to 2000. He’s since reprised his beloved character in the Disney Channel sequel Girl Meets World, per Screen Rant, keeping his name relevant for nostalgic fans.

Mario Lopez

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A.C. Slater’s muscular dimples won hearts on Saved by the Bell, and Mario Lopez has proved a powerhouse TV host and personality since. He successfully transitioned into hosting Extra and Access Hollywood, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards and becoming a trusted voice in celebrity news and pop culture, as reported by Parade.

Devon Sawa

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From Casper to Final Destination, Devon Sawa graduated from child actor to cult-favorite star. He received wide recognition for playing the title role as a human boy in Casper (1995), then went on to star in Final Destination (2000), which became a major success and spawned a popular film franchise, according to Hello! Magazine. He keeps busy with roles in horror and thriller series, captivating a new generation of viewers.

This story 14 Biggest Teen Heartthrobs of the ’90s first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

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