The 2000s gave us some of the most memorable movies and TV shows that we still remember fondly. Along with these remarkable plays, we were introduced to a variety of great actresses whose performances lit up the screen. However, some of these females appear to have faded from the spotlight over time. Have you ever wondered where they are and what they are up to these days? In this post, we’ll go back in time and look at the lives of some of the 2000s’ forgotten actresses. From their ascent to prominence to their current pursuits, let’s follow these remarkable women on their journey and find out what they’ve been up to all these years.
1. Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jennifer Love Hewitt rose to prominence after acting in the smash horror film “I Know What You Did Last Summer” in 1997, which was followed by a successful sequel. Her performance in the 2001 comedy “Heartbreakers” cemented her place as a leading lady in Hollywood. She co-starred with Sigourney Weaver in the picture, which was a commercial and critical success.
Despite her early success, Hewitt’s career suffered in the mid-2000s due to a succession of box office flops. This prompted her to concentrate more on television work, where she achieved new levels of popularity. In 2005, she was cast as the lead in the five-season supernatural drama series “Ghost Whisperer,” which quickly became one of television’s most popular shows.
Hewitt continued to feature in TV shows throughout the 2010s, including “The Client List” and “9-1-1,” for which she received critical acclaim. While she hasn’t had a major role in a film in recent years, Hewitt has continued to make cameo appearances in films such as “Cafe” and “Jewtopia.” Overall, Hewitt’s talent and charisma have enabled her to have a great career in the entertainment sector, both on television and in cinema, and she is still a popular figure among her followers.
2. Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton’s acting career began at an early age when she appeared in several New York City theater shows. Her breakthrough performance on the teen drama series “The O.C.” in 2003, however, catapulted her to popularity. The show was a smash hit, and Barton’s portrayal of Marissa Cooper, a disturbed adolescent from a wealthy family, garnered her critical acclaim and a slew of followers.
Following her popularity on “The O.C.,” Barton went on to feature in other comedies, including “The Oh in Ohio” and “St. Trinian’s.” She quickly moved her focus to independent films, where she was able to exhibit her flexibility as an actress. She appeared in two films in 2008: the horror picture “Walled In” and the drama “Don’t Fade Away.” Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, she worked on lesser films such as “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain” and “L.A. Slasher.”
Barton has returned to television in recent years, appearing in a number of series. In 2016, she joined the roster of “Dancing with the Stars” and had a recurring role on the show “Recovery Road.” She most recently appeared in “The Hills: New Beginnings,” a revival of the iconic reality show “The Hills.”
3. Elisha Cuthbert
Elisha Cuthbert began her career in television and film with minor roles before achieving attention for her appearance in the 2004 romantic comedy-drama “Love Actually.” Her breakout part in the 2004 film “The Girl Next Door” catapulted her to prominence. The picture, which got mixed reviews, highlighted Cuthbert’s range as an actress and secured her status as a Hollywood sex symbol.
The next year, Cuthbert starred in “House of Wax,” a horror thriller based on a legendary horror film from the 1950s. Despite unfavorable reviews, the film’s box office success cemented Cuthbert’s place as a top actress in Hollywood.
Maxim magazine named Cuthbert the “Most Beautiful Woman on Television” in 2013. Since then, she has largely worked in television, including prominent parts in shows such as “24,” “Happy Endings,” and “The Ranch.” She has also appeared in several made-for-TV movies and provided voice work for several animated shows.
4. Rachael Leigh Cook
Rachael Leigh Cook was a promising young actress who appeared in films such as “She’s All That,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” and “Antitrust.” Cook’s career took a knock in the mid-2000s, and despite her early success, she struggled to get employment in high-profile projects.
Rather than abandoning acting entirely, Cook began to concentrate on smaller-budget films, voice-over work in video games and animated programs, and other creative endeavors. She also established her own production firm, allowing her to take control of her career and explore projects that piqued her interest.
Cook won a prominent part in the TNT crime thriller “Perception,” playing a gruff FBI agent opposite Eric McCormack in 2012. The show was initially successful and lasted three seasons until being discontinued in 2015 owing to dwindling viewership.
Cook remains renowned and admired personality in the entertainment business, despite her attempts to maintain her A-list status. She has continued to work in cinema and television, most recently in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Love, Guaranteed.” While she may not have achieved the same level of celebrity as she did in the early 2000s, Cook’s talent and dedication to her art have gained her a devoted fan base and the admiration of her peers.
5. Carmen Electra
Carmen Electra rose to prominence as a model, actress, and television personality in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her amazing beauty, confidence, and sexual personality made her a darling among men’s publications, and she swiftly rose to become one of the industry’s most sought-after models.
In addition to her excellent modeling career, Electra found work in the film industry, acting in over 30 films over her career. Her most prominent roles include cameos in comedies such as “Scary Movie” and “Date Movie,” as well as action blockbusters such as “Starsky & Hutch.”
While Electra may not be as well-known as she was in the early 2000s, she is still active in the entertainment world and has worked constantly in cinema and television. She has also volunteered for a number of philanthropic organizations, including those that help children afflicted by violence, brain tumor survivors, and persons with severe ailments.
6. Julia Stiles
Julia Stiles rose to prominence in the early 2000s with successful films highlighting her talent and flexibility as an actress. She rapidly became a fan favorite, appealing to both young and sophisticated audiences with her portrayals in films like “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Save the Last Dance,” as well as dramas like “Mona Lisa Smile” and the Bourne series.
While Stiles’ output has slowed in recent years, she has continued to feature in films and television shows, gaining critical acclaim for her work. In 2010, she had a recurring part in the hit television series “Dexter,” for which she received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She starred in the highly acclaimed film “Silver Linings Playbook,” which got eight Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress two years later.
Stiles has recently shifted her focus to web series, starring in the critically praised series “Blue,” for which she was nominated for both a Satellite Award and an Art Directors Guild Award. Stiles has shown a dedication to her art and a willingness to take on demanding and complicated roles throughout her career, confirming her place as one of the most accomplished actors of her time.
7. Denise Richards
In the early 2000s, Denise Richards was a well-known name in the entertainment business. Richards garnered great fame for her parts in science fiction films and popular TV series after making her cinematic debut in the 1990s. Her most notable role was as the Bond girl, Dr. Christmas Jones, in the James Bond film, The World Is Not Enough in 1999.
Richards moved her concentration to television in the early 2000s, appearing on famous sitcoms such as Friends, Two and a Half Men, and Spin City. During this time, she also became a model and spokesperson, offering her face and voice to various advertising projects.
Richards became well-known for her personal life and acting and modeling activities, having married actor Charlie Sheen for several years before their widely publicized divorce in 2006. “The Real Girl Next Door,” her memoir, was a national success in 2011 and provided insights into her personal and professional life.
Denise Richards is still acting in TV shows and films today, including the drama series “Paper Empire” and “The Guardians of Justice.” She also appeared on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” a reality show focusing on the personal and professional lives of several women living in or near Beverly Hills, California.
8. Shannon Elizabeth
Shannon Elizabeth’s big break in Hollywood was unquestionably her performance in the smash hit comedy American Pie. Despite having acted in a number of other films and television episodes, the actress found it difficult to remove the image of her character, Nadia. She proceeded to play similar roles in the same genre but with less success than her initial smash.
Elizabeth decided to change careers and began playing poker professionally in 2006. She competed in a number of international poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker. Elizabeth has always had a strong affinity towards animals and became a vegan in 2002.
She is passionate about animal rights activism and has formed her own animal rescue organization, the Animal Avengers, in addition to her poker career. She also contributes to other animal welfare and conservation organizations. Shannon Elizabeth continues to pursue her hobbies and make a difference in the world despite not being in the spotlight as much as she once was.
The early 2000s were a great era for the entertainment business, with a slew of new, talented actresses breaking through. While some have remained household names, others appear to have gone from the spotlight. This isn’t to say they haven’t been active; many of these actresses have continued to work in the industry, albeit in various capacities. They have discovered their own routes to success, from TV shows to indie films and poker tournaments to charitable work. Although these actresses are no longer in the spotlight, their contributions to the profession will not be forgotten.