The noughties were a golden age of television, but what happened to the stars who captivated us? Prepare for a trip down memory lane as we uncover the diverse paths of iconic actors from that era.
Kiefer Sutherland: Still Racing Against Time
Kiefer Sutherland, the man who had us on the edge of our seats as Jack Bauer in '24', continues to thrill audiences. His relentless portrayal of a counterterrorist agent in real-time created the infamous 'Jack Bauer Syndrome', a term for extreme work dedication. Since then, he's been a go-to action hero, starring in 'Rabbit Hole' and the upcoming 'Sierra Madre', proving he's still Hollywood's savior.
Mischa Barton: From It-Girl to Sleuth
Mischa Barton, the face of early 2000s teen drama, captivated us as Marissa Cooper in 'The O.C.' Her character's beauty and turmoil kept us glued to the screen. After 'The O.C.', she's appeared in various shows like 'The Hills: New Beginnings' and the 'Neighbours' reboot. But here's where it gets intriguing: she's now solving mysteries as amateur detective Amanda Green in 'Invitation to a Murder' and its upcoming sequel.
Josh Holloway: From Bad Boy to Western Hero
Josh Holloway, the charismatic Sawyer from 'Lost', won hearts with his witty one-liners and love triangles. Post-'Lost', he's been a busy bee, starring in 'Yellowstone' and the highly-acclaimed 'Duster', a '70s crime thriller with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. And this is the part most people miss: the series was sadly canceled after its initial success.
Eliza Dushku: From Slayer to Therapist
Eliza Dushku, the cool-girl Slayer Faith in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', had a loyal fanbase despite her character's chaos. After 'Buffy', she led the cult classic 'Bring It On' and produced 'Dollhouse'. But in a surprising twist, she's now a certified therapist, trading Hollywood for a master's degree and a new career.
Hayden Panettiere: From Cheerleader to Horror Icon
Hayden Panettiere, the iconic cheerleader Claire Bennet in 'Heroes', became a pop culture phenomenon. After 'Heroes', she showcased her vocal talents in 'Nashville' and thrilled horror fans in 'Scream 4'. And she's back in the 'Scream' franchise, proving she's a master of both screams and cheers.
Teri Hatcher: From Desperate Housewife to Podcast Host
Teri Hatcher, the lovable Susan Mayer in 'Desperate Housewives', brought vulnerability to the show. After the series, she appeared in 'Supergirl', referencing her '90s role as Lois Lane. Now, she's hosting a rewatch podcast, 'Desperately Devoted', with her on-screen and real-life daughters, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.
Chad Michael Murray: From Heartthrob to Cult Leader
Chad Michael Murray, the smoldering Lucas Scott in 'One Tree Hill', broke hearts when he left the show. Since then, he's played diverse roles, from Agent Jack Thompson in 'Agent Carter' to the bizarre cult leader Edgar Evernever in 'Riverdale'. And he's back in the spotlight, starring in the Netflix hit 'Sullivan's Crossing'.
Lauren Graham: From Gilmore Girl to Bestselling Author
Lauren Graham, the iconic Lorelai Gilmore in 'Gilmore Girls', had an enviable mother-daughter bond with Rory. She reprised the role in 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' and left us hanging with those final four words. Beyond acting, she's a bestselling author with 'Talking As Fast As I Can' and recently returned to the screen in 'The Z-Suite', which she also produced.
Frankie Muniz: From Child Star to Race Car Driver
Frankie Muniz, the precocious Malcolm in 'Malcolm in the Middle', hilariously admitted he thought his character sucked. After the show, he pursued race car driving, but injuries led him back to acting. He's set to return in the 'Malcolm' reboot, 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair', on Disney+.
Jason Dohring: From Brooding Love Interest to Farmer
Jason Dohring, the brooding Logan Echolls in 'Veronica Mars', was part of one of TV's most beloved couples, 'LoVe'. Post-'Veronica Mars', he's appeared in 'iZombie' and 'The Originals'. But in a surprising turn, he's now a farmer, enjoying a peaceful life away from the screen.
The noughties stars have taken diverse paths, from staying in the spotlight to unexpected careers. What's your favorite noughties TV memory, and do you think these actors' new ventures do justice to their iconic roles? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's celebrate the golden age of television together!
