8 Celebrities You Forgot Were Huge in the 90s

Ah, the 90s! It was a magical time filled with slap bracelets, grunge music, and a whole lot of iconic television. While we often remember the big names like Britney Spears, Will Smith, and Leonardo DiCaprio, there are plenty of celebrities who were absolutely everywhere back then but seem to have faded into the background of our memories. Grab your favorite coffee mug, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane to revisit eight stars who were once household names but might not be on your radar anymore.

1. Tiffani-Amber Thiessen

Remember Kelly Kapowski from “Saved by the Bell”? Of course, you do! Tiffani-Amber Thiessen was the ultimate crush for many a 90s kid. After “Saved by the Bell,” she went on to star in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” solidifying her status as a teen queen. Nowadays, she’s more likely to be seen whipping up delicious recipes on her cooking show than acting, but her 90s charm still shines through!

2. Jonathan Taylor Thomas

Ah, JTT! The heartthrob of millions, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, was the star of “Home Improvement” and stole our hearts with his adorable grin and those infamous posters plastered on bedroom walls. He was the quintessential teen idol, appearing in countless magazines and even lending his voice to Simba in “The Lion King.” These days, he’s taken a step back from the limelight, but he’s still got a loyal fanbase who fondly remembers those days of teen magazine covers.

3. Lisa Loeb

Lisa Loeb 1/30/2013 #5

Who could forget the catchy tunes of Lisa Loeb? She burst onto the scene with “Stay (I Missed You)” in 1994, a song that topped the charts and resonated with anyone who’s ever experienced unrequited love. With her iconic glasses and indie vibe, she was a breath of fresh air in the music world. Nowadays, Lisa’s not just a musician; she’s also a successful author and has her own line of children’s eyewear. Talk about keeping it real!

4. Brandy Norwood

Brandy was everywhere in the 90s! She not only starred in her own hit sitcom, “Moesha,” but she also had a string of chart-topping hits, including “The Boy Is Mine.” If you were a fan of R&B, chances are you had her albums on repeat. Today, Brandy continues to make music and act, but she’s also a proud mother, proving that she can juggle it all while still looking fabulous!

5. Wilmer Valderrama

Before he became the lovable Fez on “That ’70s Show,” Wilmer Valderrama was a rising star in the 90s. Remember the days when he was everywhere, from teen magazines to red carpet events? It seems like just yesterday he was stealing scenes with that adorable accent. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just acting; he’s also a producer and philanthropist, showing that he’s got more than just those good looks going for him.

6. Neve Campbell

Neve Campbell was the queen of the teen drama scene with her iconic role as Julia Salinger in “Party of Five.” She also made waves in the horror genre with the “Scream” franchise. Neve had the perfect combination of talent and relatability, making her a staple in 90s pop culture. These days, she’s still acting and has even reprised her role in “Scream” — proving that some stars just can’t stay away from what made them famous!

7. Jaleel White

Who could forget Steve Urkel from “Family Matters”? Jaleel White brought us countless laughs with his nerdy charm and unforgettable catchphrases. He was a cultural phenomenon, and his character became a staple in 90s television. While you might think of him as the ultimate sitcom geek, Jaleel has transitioned into voice acting and even dabbled in reality TV. Talk about versatility!

8. Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt was the quintessential 90s teen star, known for her roles in “Party of Five” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” With her catchy pop hits and charming smile, she was a favorite among fans. Nowadays, she’s a mom and a successful actress, but there’s still a soft spot in our hearts for the days when she ruled teen magazines and movie screens.

More from Vinyl and Velvet: