In the early part of the 2000s, many young adults spent their time fawning over a set group of heartthrobs. Though these young adults are now mature and a little older, they may still have a special place in their hearts for these actors. If that sounds like you, then you may occasionally wonder where your crush is now and what they look like. Here’s what your favorite heartthrobs from the early 2000s look like now!
Patrick Dempsey – Then
Patrick had been around for a while when he popped back up in several mainstream movies in the early 2000s. He made his comeback in films like Sweet Home Alabama and Scream 3, but a bigger role was on its way.
In 2005, a show premiered on ABC that would have fans intertwined in the lives of the doctors of a Seattle hospital for more than a decade to come. It was here, on Grey’s Anatomy, that Dempsey actually left his mark on many hearts as Derek Shepherd (otherwise known as McDreamy).
Patrick Dempsey – Now
Dempsey left his iconic role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy in 2015. Now 54 years old, he looked for some new roles to challenge his skills. He found the challenge on several different television shows.
He nabbed a role in The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair as well as an upcoming project entitled Devils. It has also been confirmed that he will reprise his role on Grey’s Anatomy in its final season.
Tyrese Gibson – Then
Like many other singers to come, Tyrese Gibson gradually edged his way to an acting career along with a successful music career. In 2001, he made a huge impact in his first film, Baby Boy.
After earning a slew of positive reviews for his performance, he soon got offered a number of other roles. Perhaps his most well-known characters are Roma Pearce in 2 Fast 2 Furious and Sergeant Epps in Transformers 2.
Tyrese Gibson – Now
Now, a seminal part of one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood – The Fast and the Furious franchise. He has reprised his role in a total of five of the films in this series. Now 41 years old, the actor/singer is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Though he still makes a little music, his acting career has kept him busy. He’ll soon be starring in the next The Fast and the Furious film as well as Marvel’s standalone film Morbius.
Josh Duhamel – Then
Josh Duhamel is one of many actors that found their start in soap operas. After a successful run as Leo Dupre on All My Children, Josh leaped to primetime on the hit NBC show, Las Vegas.
This show was on air for five seasons and helped Josh find his way into many people’s hearts across the globe. In 2004, he took that fame and earned a role in the romantic comedy, Win a Date With Todd Hamilton.
Josh Duhamel – Now
After more than a decade on the screen, Josh has built himself quite the career. After starring in several action films, including one of the Transformers installments, Josh continues to cause people’s hearts to skip a beat.
He recently took on some sharks in Capsized: Blood in the Water. He even ventured back into TV with the now-canceled Netflix Original, Jupiter’s Legacy.
Hugh Grant – Then
In the early 2000s, it seemed as if Hugh Grant was always part of the cast if you were watching a romantic comedy. His dashing looks and perfect English accent grabbed the attention of people all over the globe.
He starred in hit films like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually. These films are some of the most iconic romantic comedies ever and continue to make hearts swoon and eyes tear up to this day.
Hugh Grant – Now
Hugh Grant, now 59, is still very prolific in film and television. Still a pretty handsome man, he still dabbles in the romantic world of film. However, he has tried his hand at more dramatic roles as of late.
For instance, his role in The Gentleman, where he works beside Mathew McConaughey (another popular heartthrob). He also has a role working alongside Nicole Kidman on the HBO miniseries, The Undoing.
Ricky Martin – Then
By the time the 2000s rolled around, Ricky Martin had already been in the business for several years. He started off as one of the members of the famous Latin boy band, Menudo. In the ’90s, though, he stepped out.
After releasing his first solo album, he hit it big with his 1999 single “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. This shone the spotlight on him and introduced him to more hearts.
Ricky Martin – Now
After more than a decade of creating catchy pop tunes and beautiful ballads, the Latin singer has earned eight Grammy nominations. He would go on to win twice and continue to pump out album after album.
In fact, the now 48-year-old has released 10 studio albums. The pop icon also geared up for a major tour to accompany the release of his 11th album. Many of his fans were super excited to hear this.
Channing Tatum – Then
Channing Tatum started his career off as a model but, like so many others, wanted to step into acting as well. In 2005, he got his first role in the basketball movie, Coach Carter. Though this was the film that launched his career, he wasn’t quite a household name.
Later in the 2000s, he won roles in two movies at the same time. His roles in She’s the Man and Step Up definitely gave him access to more opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Channing Tatum – Now
Step Up would show the viewers Channing’s incredible skills in the world of dance. This ability would pop up in several other films like Magic Mike as well as its sequel.
Eventually, Tatum took a little sabbatical from acting, his last on-screen role having been in 2017. Having recouped, he’s set to star in a whole slate of films that all hit the theaters this year.
Ryan Phillipe – Then
A lot of people out there have a soft spot for the bad boys, and early 2000s Ryan Phillipe fits that mold perfectly. Portraying bad boy roles in classics like Cruel Intentions and Crash, Phillipe was quickly deemed a heartthrob.
Along with that, though, he made waves in his private life when he tried the knot with costar Reese Witherspoon.
Ryan Phillipe – Now
Like many actors, Ryan Phillipe, now 45, has turned to television to further his career. He has found success with shows like ABC’s Secrets and Lies and USA’s Shooter. Both of these shows ran their course, but it didn’t take long for Ryan to nab a new part.
Just last year, Ryan starred in the ABCs new hit cop drama Big Sky. His role didn’t have much air time, though, so we’re all patiently awaiting his next project.
Freddie Prinze Jr. – Then
Freddie Prinze Jr. came from a Hollywood family and, like so many other kids in his shoes, followed in his father’s path. However, he started in films that were far removed from his dad’s comedic world.
Freddie found his way into hearts through his roles in films including I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scooby-Doo. He also took on video game movies in Wing Commander, though that film didn’t do as well as the others.
Freddie Prinze Jr. – Now
Now 44, Freddie took quite a bit of time away from the camera. During that time, he has focused on other passions like writing, producing, and directing. For several years, he had a job working with the WWE in which he helped in a creative capacity.
Freddie has also done some voice work and just recently returned to work in front of the camera. He’s part of the cast of the Punky Brewster reboot.
Mekhi Phifer – Then
Mekhi Phifer, who grew up in New York, made an impact in the early 2000s, both on television and film. Starting his career with a six-season run on the hit television show ER, Phifer’s character quickly became one of the most popular.
Then in 2000, he jumped to the silver screen with his role in Shaft. But, it wasn’t until his role in 8 Mile that Phifer really rose to prominence. After this, he went on to star in several other movies such as Dawn of the Dead.
Mekhi Phifer – Now
Though there were several years in which Mekhi stepped away from acting, he still kept working behind the camera. Just recently, though, he made his comeback to television as a starring character on a hit Apple TV+ show.
The drama series, Truth Be Told, was so well received that the Apple streaming service picked it up for a second season. So, for those that have a bit of a crush on the handsome actor, you can get your fix there.
Jared Padalecki – Then
We all got our first introduction to Jared in the very popular show, Gilmore Girls. Through his popularity on that show, Padalecki began landing all types of roles — including as one of the starring characters in House of Wax.
During that time, though, he maintained his role on Gilmore Girls — a character he would ultimately play for seven years, two of which he began starring on Supernatural.
Jared Padalecki – Now
Supernatural would end up being Jared’s home for 15 years, with the show finally ending just this past year. During this time, he also worked in film, although he was primarily focused on the hit WB series.
With the show ending, he didn’t wait long before he grabbed his next role. This time, he would take part in the new version of Walker.
Zac Efron – Then
Like so many stars of the early 2000s, Zac Efron found his way to fame via his collaboration with Disney. The young heartthrob played Troy Bolton in the High School Musical films.
It was clear that this handsome young man was talented, though. So, it didn’t take long for him to take that newfound popularity and nab a few big-time acting projects including 17 Again.
Zac Efron – Now
Zac has continued to grow his skills and build his fame over the past decade or so. He has kept true to his musical roots and even starred in the musical drama, The Greatest Showman. But, he has also garnered praise for his more dramatic roles.
Recently, he has earned critical acclaim for his portrayal as serial killer Ted Bundy. He has even done a traveling show for Netflix and is set to star in a movie alongside Jessica Alba.
Orlando Bloom – Then
Talking about starting out strong. Young Orlando Bloom earned roles in two of the biggest franchises of the early 2000s — The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean. With his accent and boyish good looks, it’s not hard to see why so many fell for him.
Of the two roles, though, it was probably his performance as young Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean that etched his charming smirk and sparkly eyes into millions of hearts.
Orlando Bloom – Now
Orlando, over the decade or so since his first role, has garnered many amazing roles. Currently, though, he has taken a step away from the big screen for a role on a hit Amazon series.
He’s currently starring on Carnival Row. This role seems to be enough for those that have a bit of a crush on the British actor.
Antonio Banderas – Then
The Spanish-born heartthrob found fame donning the mask of the Spanish swashbuckler, Zorro, in 1998 alongside the stunning Catherine Zeta-Jones. With his smooth accent and handsome features, he soon became one of the most sought-after talents.
After his initial movie, he moved on to voice Puss in the Shrek movies and made several other films, including a sequel to his first big hit, The Mask of Zorro.
Antonio Banderas – Now
Though he’s now 61 years old, the Spanish heartthrob still makes ladies swoon with every role he plays. He continues to land blockbuster films to this day.
In fact, just recently, he starred alongside Selma Hayek, Ryan Reynolds, and Samuel L. Jackson in the sequel of The Hitman’s Bodyguard. His work schedule is packed, so it’s a given that we will be swooning for years to come.
Chad Michael Murray – Then
Chad Michael was one of the many heartthrobs that came out of the WB stable (now CW). He earned his first main role on the hit teen drama One Tree Hill in 2003, after leaving an impression on Gilmore Girls fans.
He strolled across television screens as Lucas Scott for six years. During this time, he took his turn on the big screen as well. He earned roles in films like Freaky Friday and A Cinderella Story.
Chad Michael Murray – Now
Chad continues to make hearts skip a beat on the small screen. He has become a regular on many Hallmark Channels romantic comedies. But, this is not the only place you can see the handsome actor.
In fact, he has also returned to his roots on the hit CW show, Riverdale. Here, he had a recurring role as a crazy cult leader. He may have been a bad guy, but he certainly looked good doing it!
Corbin Bleu – Then
Corbin was one of the many faces that everyone was introduced to through the Disney Channel hit movies series High School Musical. Portraying Troy’s best friend, Chad, Corbin was yet another hunk to set teenage hearts ablaze.
He would go on to star in other Disney projects and even did a little voice work as well. He also had a recurring role in the soap opera, One Life to Live.
Corbin Bleu – Now
Corbin, now 32, has kept working hard over the years earning several guest spots on popular television series. But, perhaps the biggest project he’s taken on over the years is competing on Dancing With the Stars.
Currently, he’s working on several projects that are in post-production. In the next year, we can listen for his voice in an upcoming Disney project, as well as a couple of TV movies.
Shane West – Then
Shane West started acting at the young age of 15, but it wasn’t until his role in A Walk to Remember that he found his place in the list of heartthrobs. After this, he went on to star in several television shows, and thus, maintained his dreamboat status.
In the early 2000s, he had a recurring role on Once and Again, and later, he worked his way onto ER.
Shane West – Now
Since his run on ER, West has stuck to the small screen for the most part. He found success in shows like Salem and Nikita. Recently, he had a recurring role on Fox’s Batman-inspired show, Gotham, in which he portrayed Bane.
He has several projects in post-production, with one set to be released in 2021 — and two the following year. So, it seems like he’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon.
Luke Wilson – Then
Luke Wilson had worked a bit by the time he earned the role of Dr. Peter Flynn in the dark comedy, Rushmore. This was, of course, where many people first fell for the hunk. Following that, he would eventually find more roles in blockbuster films.
Throughout the early 2000s, he starred in Charlie’s Angels, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. He also earned a recurring role on the hit TV show, That ’70s Show as Michael Kelso’s brother (played by Ashton Kutcher).
Luke Wilson – Now
Luke Wilson has worked hard over the years and so, he’s continued to earn big roles, primarily in comedies. His dry wit and deadpan reactions are priceless. Most recently, you can catch him on DC Universe show, Stargirl.
He’s currently filming a new television series entitled New-Gen. He also has two projects in post-production that are slated to be released in 2022.
Usher – Then
In the early 2000s, you couldn’t turn the radio on without hearing Usher belting out one of his many dance hits. Naturally, though, the singer wanted to try his hand at acting after earning success in the music industry.
After a two-year stint on the hit TV show Moesha, he knew he had the chops. So, he began to audition and won many guest roles on some of the biggest TV shows like 7th Heaven.
Usher – Now
Usher continues to put out top-charting hits, but he balances with roles in movies too. His smooth voices and dance moves are by no means the only reason people get a little warm watching this heartthrob do his thing.
Currently, he’s placing more of a focus on his music, with several new collaborations and songs set to drop over the year.
Milo Ventimiglia – Then
There were several people to come off the show American Dreams that were immediately catapulted to the spotlight. One of those was the handsome Milo Ventimiglia.
After the show ended, he earned a role as Jesse on the CW show, Gilmore Girls. After his five years there, he starred in Heroes, which may be where he really earned his heartthrob status!
Milo Ventimiglia – Now
After starring in films like Rocky Balboa and Creed II, Milo still finds that he’s more comfortable on the small screen. His star shines the brightest on the NBC family drama, This Is Us. But along with that, he has several other projects he keeps busy with.
He has appeared in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and plays a role on the podcast series, Strawberry Spring. We hope to see him in plenty more projects — and soon!
Hayden Christensen – Then
Hayden Christensen broke onto the scene in one of the biggest film franchises ever created — Star Wars. But, he had many roles before, though none of them would bring him as much attention as his role as Anakin Skywalker.
Though the movies were received with mixed emotions, there’s no denying that Hayden’s talent and looks earned him heartthrob status.
Hayden Christensen – Now
He would go on to have another couple of successful films but none that ever reached Star Wars level. That may be why he’s set to star in the upcoming Obi-Wan Disney+ series. This series is slated to be released in 2022.
He’s also part of another Disney+ limited series that’s just now starting pre-production. So, it seems that if we want to see him, it will be in the Star Wars universe or no place at all.
John Legend – Then
John Legend began writing his own music and recording it after graduating from college. It wouldn’t be until 2004 when he released his debut album in which he worked with several well-known musicians.
This album would eventually earn him plenty of acclaim, and the rising superstar would go on to collaborate with several other big names. He eventually released his second album, which only served to bring him further into the spotlight.
John Legend – Now
The last couple of years have been pretty busy for John Legend. He has been working on music and is one of the coaches on the popular singing competition show, The Voice. He continues to collaborate with artists and write music for movies.
In 2020, Legend finally released his seventh album titled Bigger Love. Just recently, John has switched record companies leaving Sony Music for Republic Records.
Robert Schwartzman – Then
Robert Schwartzman probably became best known for his role as Michael in The Princess Diaries. For most of the early part of the 2000s, he would work on short films and other small parts, but this role definitely gave him heartthrob status.
Although he doesn’t have much of an acting resume, he continued to act for a while during the 2000s. Still, none of his roles ever lived up to that pivotal character, though.
Robert Schwartzman – Now
Like many young actors, Robert turned his love of being in front of the camera to work behind the camera. Over the past decade, although he has acted periodically, he concentrated more on writing and directing.
He has also worked in the music section, composing several original scores. Along with this, he also has six other producer credits. Seems like he began a new phase of his career.
Benjamin Bratt – Then
It seems like the year 2000 was the year of Benjamin Bratt. Not only did he have a leading role in one of the most popular American television shows, Law & Order, but he was in several major Hollywood films.
Of all these films, the one where most people probably developed a crush on him was the iconic romantic comedy, Miss Congeniality.
Benjamin Bratt – Now
Since the banner year of 2000, Benjamin Bratt has worked nonstop on both TV and in film. In the TV world, he has had leading roles in shows like Private Practice and 24. But, he has also had some pretty outstanding film work.
He has done voice work in animated films like Despicable Me 2 and has had several live-action roles as well — including in Doctor Strange and Ride Along 2.
Omarion – Then
Omarion is one of the many young heartthrobs from the early 2000s that walk the line between music and film. Starring in music videos for artists such as B2K and Lil’ Bow Wow, Omarion quickly turned his success into a full-on career.
He found his way onto several TV shows and even did some voice work too. Most of his work was done on television in shows like Cuts.
Omarion – Now
In the past few years, Omarion has had several guest spots on television shows. He has since returned to the stage to focus on his music. He has done collaborations with artists such as Rick Ross and Chris Brown.
Most recently, however, people may have been excited to see him as the Yeti on the hit music competition show, The Masked Singer. It seems he wanted to have a little fun with his reentry into the music world.
Devon Sawa – Then
Devon Sawa had already had a pretty strong career by the time the 2000s rolled around. Thanks to hit movies like Final Destination, Sawa was catapulted into heartthrob status and a whole new career stratosphere.
In the early part of the 2000s, this handsome young actor appeared in the film. In 2010, however, he moved to the small screen with a starring role on the action-fiction show, Nikita.
Devon Sawa – Now
Devon has pretty much continually worked nonstop since the beginning of his career. Over the past few years, he’s done several independent films and made appearances on shows such as MacGyver and Magnum PI.
Just recently, though, he has had a starring role in the TV adaptation of the classic horror film Child’s Play, titled Chucky. He also has several projects in post-production. So, it appears he will continue to make our hearts pound for a while longer.
Adam Brody – Then
You may recognize him from his bit parts in several big-time movies and television shows, but it probably was his role in Gilmore Girls that got him his first dose of attention.
From there, though, he continued working nonstop in minor roles, finally landing his big part. Adam’s big break would arrive in 2003 when he was cast as Seth Cohen in The OC — where he would stay for four years.
Adam Brody – Now
Since then, he has been in several big movies such as Jennifer’s Body and Shazam. He continues to work in television, having success in shows such as StartUp and Curfew. He continues to balance both film and television work.
Recently, he has been working on the television series Single Parents as well as several movie projects, including the Shazam sequel that’s set to be released in 2023.
Joshua Jackson – Then
In the early 2000s, if you managed to have yourself a hit television show on the WB (now CW), you could often parlay that into a pretty stellar career.
Joshua Jackson won the role of Pacey Witter in the iconic teen drama, Dawson’s Creek, and quickly became a heartthrob. While on the show, he had several hit movies such as The Skulls and Lone Star State of Mind.
Joshua Jackson – Now
Joshua continued to work in film and has had quite a bit more success in the television realm. Over the past couple of years, he has been in hit television shows such as Fringe and The Affair.
Recently, though, he has starred in several limited series — which earned him some critical acclaim. Maybe the biggest of these was the adaptation of hit podcast Doctor Death, where he played the infamous Dr. Christopher Duntsch.
Josh Hartnett – Then
When it comes to his heartthrob status, it was definitely his role in Pearl Harbor that set Josh Hartnett on the track to success. Once he had earned that role and claimed it as his own, he went on to star in many notable films.
Throughout the early 2000s, he would star in films such as Black Hawk Down and Sin City, all of which continued to earn him tons of heartthrob-status points.
Josh Hartnett – Now
Since the early 2000s, Josh Hartnett has worked hard and continuously. In 2014, he earned the role of Ethan Chandler in the hit TV series, Penny Dreadful. More recently, though, he has been working on several different television shows including Paradise Lost.
He also has several projects in post-production including a new television series entitled The Fear Index. In 2021, he also worked in a TV miniseries documentary called Exterminate All the Brutes.
Rider Strong – Then
If you’re a ’90s kid, then you probably rush home every week to make sure you didn’t miss the exploits of Cory and Topanga on Boy Meets World. Plenty of people had a crush on the main character, but it was his best friend that had most hearts pounding faster.
There’s just something about that ‘bad boy’ charm that teenage girls really can’t get enough of. Strong starred on the show alongside Ben Savage for seven seasons.
Rider Strong – Now
Over the past few years, he’s continuously worked on television, whether a live-action or invoice work. He even reprised his role as Sean in Girl Meets World.
Though he hasn’t really worked the last two years, most recently, he lent his voice to Tom on the animated series, Star vs. the Forces of Evil. It seems that many of our 2000s heartthrobs find their way to voice work!
