Here Are 33 Of Your Favorite 2000s Heartthrobs, Then Vs. Now

    These stars were the highlights of the noughties.

    Devin Herenda
    by Devin Herenda

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Every decade comes with a group of performers who gain the affection of audiences due to their talent, charm, and charisma. This includes, of course, the 2000s.

    New Line CInema / Via giphy.com

    If there was ever a "2000s Heartthrobs 101" course, Ryan Gosling's performance in The Notebook would be the first topic covered.

    Allow this list to take you back to the entertainers who you were totally crushing on back in the day, and also learn more about what they're up to now.

    Warner Bros. / Via giphy.com

    1. Chad Michael Murray then:

    Chad Michael Murray makes an appearance on MTV for the "TRL BreakOut Stars Week" on January 16, 2004
    Frank Micelotta / Getty Images

    Then: You knew Chad from starring in projects like A Cinderella Story and One Tree Hill. 

    Chad Michael Murray now:

    2. Zac Efron then:

    Zac Efron attends the "High School Musical 2" premiere in Downtown Disney on August 14, 2007
    Jason Merritt / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Then: Zac rose to fame with the High School Musical franchise and starred in Hairspray and 17 Again.

    Zac Efron now:

    Zac Efron is interviewed for the film "Firestarter"
    Access Hollywood / Via youtube.com

    Now: Zac's latest film is Firestarter. His character has a young daughter in the movie, so, it's official, Troy Bolton is now mature enough to have kids.

    3. The Jonas Brothers then:

    Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas pose together for a photo a show at a Universal Records conference in 2008
    Dave Hogan / Getty Images

    Then: The JoBros released awesome music and made some epic fashion statements in the '00s.

    The Jonas Brothers now:

    Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas are pictured at the Billboard Music Awards on May 23, 2021
    Rich Fury / Getty Images for dcp

    Now: Some things never change — Nick, Joe, and Kevin are still putting out great tunes and remaining fashion-forward while doing so.

    4. Omarion then:

    Omarion arrives at the "Somebody Help Me" premiere on November 12, 2007
    Mychal Watts / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Omarion was B2K's lead singer before moving on to a successful solo career. He also acted in projects like the live action Fat Albert film.

    Omarion now:

    Omarion smiles as he arrives at the PLT x Winnie Harlow Event on July 14, 2021
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

    Now: Omarion is still recording and performing music, and his Millennium Tour received two Billboard Music Award nominations in April 2022.

    5. Taylor Lautner then:

    Taylor Lautner poses at the 2009 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Then: Taylor's role as Jacob in the Twilight movies quickly made him a well-loved '00s teen heartthrob.

    Taylor Lautner now:

    Taylor Lautner arrives at the CMT Music Awards on April 11, 2022
    Mike Coppola / Getty Images

    Now: Taylor is still acting, and his next release will be the film Home Team. He also recently got engaged to his girlfriend of three years, Taylor Dome.

    6. Usher then:

    Usher attends the Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards on March 29, 2008
    Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Usher's many hits like "Love in This Club," "U Remind Me," and "Yeah!" made 2000s listeners fall in love.

    Usher now:

    Usher sits in as a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in February 2022
    ABC / Via youtube.com

    Now: Usher performed a very successful set of Las Vegas shows in 2021, and this July he will begin his second Vegas residency. 

    7. Orlando Bloom then:

    Orlando Bloom poses at the 2003 premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl"
    Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

    Then: Orlando stole your heart as he took on lead roles in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean film franchises.

    Orlando Bloom now:

    Orlando Bloom poses at the UNICEF At 75 event on November 30, 2021
    Gregg Deguire / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Now: Orlando's last movie release was Needle in a Timestack, and he'll next be in the action-thriller film Red Right Hand. 

    8. Channing Tatum then:

    Channing Tatum attends the 2008 premiere of "Stop-Loss" at the DGA Theatre Complex
    Jeffrey Mayer / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Channing showed off his comedy chops in She's the Man and proved he has some impressive dance skills while he acted in Step Up.

    Channing Tatum now:

    Channing Tatum is pictured at "The Lost City" screening on March 31, 2022
    Karwai Tang / WireImage / Getty Images

    Now: In 2022, Channing starred in The Lost City alongside Sandra Bullock and Daniel Radcliffe. He's now shooting the third Magic Mike film. 

    9. Shane West then:

    Shane West poses while sitting in at a Nautica fashion show even on September 14, 2000
    Robin Platzer / Getty Images

    Then: Shane played Landon, a bad boy with a heart of gold in A Walk to Remember. This classic '00s Nicholas Sparks film adaptation which also starred Mandy Moore celebrated its 20th anniversary this year.

    Shane West now:

    10. Corbin Bleu then:

    Corbin Bleu smiles at the "Shrek The Third" premiere on May 6, 2007
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    Then: Corbin reached heartthrob status with lead roles in the High School Musical movies and another '00s Disney Channel flick, Jump In!

    Corbin Bleu now:

    Corbin Bleu poses as he attends the Disney D23 Expo event in 2019
    Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for Disney

    Now: Corbin reunited with his HSM costar Monique Coleman for the Lifetime holiday film, A Christmas Dance Reunion in 2021. 

    He has several projects lined up, such as appearing in upcoming High School Musical: The Musical: The Series episodes and starring as Bert in a stage production of Mary Poppins this summer.

    11. Jesse McCartney then:

    Jesse McCartney appears as a guest on MTV's "Total Request Live" in August 2005
    Peter Kramer / Getty Images

    Then: Jesse sang awesome 2000s hits like "Beautiful Soul," "Leavin'," and "How Do You Sleep?" He also portrayed Bradin in Summerland, and who could forget his guest starring role playing himself in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody?

    Jesse McCartney now:

    Jesse McCartney poses for a photo during an episode of "I Can See Your Voice"
    Fox / FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

    Now: Jesse is on tour now through June for the release of his fifth studio album, New Stage.

    12. Raviv Ullman then:

    Raviv Ullman smiles at the "Disney channel stars meet the press" gathering on July 6, 2005
    Mark Mainz / Getty Images

    Then: You probably remember Raviv, who was previously known as Ricky, from Phil of the Future, in which he played Phil Diffy, a teen from the year 2121 whose family got stuck in 2004.

    Raviv Ullman now:

    Raviv Ullman poses at the "Hadestown" opening night on April 27, 2022
    Paul Archuleta / Getty Images

    Now: Raviv recently told E! News he just directed an opera show at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He'll be an associate director on another upcoming opera, and he is also currently engaged.

    13. Tom Welling then:

    Tom Welling visits MTV Studios in New York City circa 2002
    Scott Gries / Getty Images

    Then: Fans of Smallville and the Cheaper by the Dozen films will recognize Tom from his roles as Clark Kent and Charlie Baker.

    Tom Welling now:

    Tom Welling poses with Jessica Welling at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on October 02, 2021
    Axelle / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Now: Tom played Vincent in Professionals in 2020, and his next film, Deep Six, has begun filming as of April 2022.

    14. Oliver James Hutson then:

    Oliver James Hutson as Ian sits in a boat with Daphne
    Warner Bros. / Via youtube.com

    Then: After appearing as romantic leads in What a Girl Wants and Raise Your Voice, Oliver was a fan favorite '00s hunk.

    Oliver James Hutson now:

    oliver james hutson @oliverjhutson

    cold… but happy.

    Reply Retweet Favorite
    oliverjhutson/twitter / Via Twitter: @oliverjhutson

    Now: It appears that Oliver has moved on from his entertainment career and now works as a psychotherapist.

    15. Sean Faris then:

    Sean Faris poses at the launch of the Hyde Lounge on November 6, 2009
    Noel Vasquez / Getty Images

    Then: Sean made you swoon as Steve in Sleepover and William in the 2005Yours, Mine & Ours remake.

    Sean Faris now:

    16. Adrian Grenier then:

    Adrian Grenier poses at a launch party for Blackberry Bold on October 30, 2008
    John Shearer / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Adrian was a star of Entourage and played Nate in The Devil Wears Prada.

    Adrian Grenier now:

    17. Enrique Iglesias then:

    Enrique Iglesias attends the Jingle Bell Ball event on December 10, 2008
    Samir Hussein / Getty Images

    Then: With songs like "Hero" and "Could I Have This Kiss Forever," Enrique was a soulful and crush-worthy 2000s vocalist.

    Enrique Iglesias now:

    Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin pose at a press conference at Penthouse on March 4, 2020
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Now: Enrique has recorded more chart-topping music since the '00s, like the singles "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)," "I Like It," and "Bailando." He has two upcoming North American performances this year and also just celebrated his 47th birthday.

    18. Robert Schwartzman then:

    Robert Schwartzman as Michael invites Mia to watch his band play
    Walt Disney Pictures

    Then: When Mia Thermopolis was invisible, Robert's Princess Diaries character, Michael Moscovitz, saw her. His performance was a standout in early '00s rom-coms.

    Robert Schwartzman now:

    Robert Schwartzman poses at a celebration to honor "Shiva Baby" on March 05, 2022
    Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

    Now: Robert is the lead singer of the band, Rooney, and is a co-founder of Utopia Movies, a film distribution company.

    19. Jonathan Bennett then:

    Jonathan Bennett attends the 2004 premiere of "Mean Girls" on April 19, 2004
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Then: '00s movie buffs will always and forever remember Jonathan as Mean Girls character Aaron Samuels, one of the most popular students at North Shore High.

    Jonathan Bennett now:

    Jonathan Bennett arrives at the GLAAD Media Awards on April 02, 2022
    Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images for GLAAD

    Now: Jonathan and his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, recently launched an LGBTQ+ podcast called Pridecast. He was a lead character in Hallmark's first-ever LGBTQ holiday film in 2020 and signed a deal to star in more upcoming Crown Media movies in April 2022.

    20. Penn Badgley then:

    Actor Penn Badgley stops by Fuse Studios on October 8,2007
    Jamie Mccarthy / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Penn played Scott in John Tucker Must Die before he got his television big break, the role of Dan Humphrey in the CW series Gossip Girl. 

    Penn Badgley now:

    Penn Badgley smiles as he sits in as a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in October 2021
    Randy Holmes / ABC via Getty Images

    Now: Penn's performance as Joe Goldberg in the first three seasons of the popular Netflix series,You, has fans hooked. Season 4 was in production as of March 2022.

    21. Robert Pattinson then:

    Robert Pattinson speaks during a "Twilight" press conference at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in November 2008
    Vera Anderson / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Robert was first seen as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter before he was cast as vampire Edward Cullen in theTwilight films.

    Robert Pattinson now:

    Robert Pattinson poses at the premiere of "The Batman" on March 01, 2022
    Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

    Now: 2022's The Batman was Robert's latest Hollywood venture. Variety reported in April that he'll return to the titular role for a sequel to the film.

    22. Mark Ruffalo then:

    Mark Ruffalo smiles at the "XX/XY" premiere on April 3 Hollywood California
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    Then: Mark charmed moviegoers with performances in numerous 2000s rom-coms like 13 Going On 30, Just Like Heaven and Rumor Has It. 

    Mark Ruffalo now:

    Mark Ruffalo poses at the premiere of "The Adam Project" on February 28, 2022
    Jamie Mccarthy / Getty Images

    Now: Mark has received three Oscar nominations, starred as the Hulk in four Avengers films and played Louis Reed in The Adam Project in 2022.

    23. Chris Pine then:

    Chris Pine poses at an event circa 2005
    Jim Spellman / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Chris was a dreamy leading man in '00s flicks The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Just My Luck,  and Star Trek. 

    Chris Pine now:

    Chris Pine attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2022
    Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Now: Chris will next be featured in Olivia Wilde's film, Don't Worry Darling. He'll additionally reprise his role as Captain Kirk in the next Star Trek film installment, which doesn't yet have a definite filming schedule.

    24. Ashton Kutcher then:

    Ashton Kutcher arrives at an event celebrating the 100th episode of "That ''70's Show" on April 10, 2002
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    Then: From taking on the part of Michael Kelso inThat '70s Show to serving as the host of the MTV comedy series Punk'd, Ashton was everywhere in the '00s, and viewers couldn't get enough of him.

    Ashton Kutcher now:

    Ashton Kutcher smiles while on the "Your Place or Mine" set on October 04, 202
    James Devaney / GC Images / Getty Images

    Now: Ashton is a cast member of That '90s Show, an upcoming Netflix spinoff of the original That '70s Show series. Aside from his continued acting success, Ashton is an activist dedicated to ending human trafficking.

    25. Mario then:

    Singer Mario attends the Billboard Music Awards on December 6, 2005
    Ethan Miller / Getty Images

    Then: Fans loved Mario for his smooth vocals and noticeable stage presence. Plus, the lyrics of his hit, "Let Me Love You," conveyed how he would always treat you right.

    Mario now:

    Mario seen backstage during day 2 of 2021 ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park on October 10, 2021
    Paras Griffin / Getty Images

    Now: Mario released his fifth album, Dancing Shadows, in 2018. More recently, he dropped "Get Back," a duet featuring Chris Brown, in October 2021.

    26. Patrick Dempsey then:

    Patrick Dempsey attends the "Sweet Home Alabama" premiere on September 23, 2002
    Matthew Peyton / Getty Images

    Then: Patrick was best-known for his longtime portrayal of Derek Shepherd, aka McDreamy, in Grey's Anatomy, which kicked off in 2005.

    Patrick Dempsey now:

    Patrick Dempsey arrives at the Season 2 premiere of "Diavoli"  on April 08, 2022
    Rosdiana Ciaravolo / Getty Images

    Now: Since Patrick's departure from Grey's Anatomy, he's been in Bridget Jones's Baby and the TV series Devils. He will be returning as Robert Philip for Disenchanted, the Enchanted sequel.

    27. Heath Ledger then:

    Heath Ledger smiles for a photo circa 2000
    Bob Riha Jr / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Heath displayed his exceptional acting abilities in roles ranging from William Thatcher in A Knight's Tale to Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain.

    Heath Ledger in 2007:

    Heath Ledger arrives at the "I'm Not There" premiere on November 13, 2007
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage / Getty Images

    Heath sadly passed away in January 2008. In 2009, he earned a posthumous Oscar for his performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight.

    28. Daniel Radcliffe then:

    Daniel Radcliffe attends The Orange British Academy Film Awards on February 10, 2008
    Eamonn Mccormack / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: The Harry Potter films and their merchandise were ubiquitous in the 2000s, so Daniel naturally became a widespread heartthrob.

    Daniel Radcliffe now:

    Daniel Radcliffe smiles at the UK premiere of "The Lost City"  on March 31, 2022
    Mike Marsland / Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images

    Now: Daniel was in The Lost City this year and is playing Weird Al Yankovic in a soon-to-be-released film on the parody singer's life. 

    29. Ryan Gosling then:

    Ryan Gosling attends the MTV Movie Awards on June 4, 2005
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    Then: Ryan absolutely set the standard for all other 2000s heartthrobs while starring as Noah opposite Rachel McAdams as Allie inThe Notebook.

    Ryan Gosling now:

    Ryan Gosling poses in his seat at The 24th Annual Critics' Choice Awards on January 13, 2019
    Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Now: Ryan's next film, The Gray Man, will be out on Netflix this summer. One of his upcoming roles is Ken in a Barbie movie with Margot Robbie in the lead role.

    30. Bow Wow then:

    Bow Wow smiles at his 21st birthday party at Jet Nightclub on March 15, 2008
    Denise Truscello / WireImage / Getty Images

    Then: Not only did Bow Wow, formerly known as Lil Bow Wow, release '00s music bops, he also had noteworthy onscreen roles in films such as Like Mike and Roll Bounce. 

    Bow Wow now:

    Rapper Bow Wow poses at the opening of The Taste Boutique on April 01, 2022
    Marcus Ingram / Getty Images

    Now: In January 2022, Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, hinted on Twitter that his next album will be his final music release. He is also a businessperson and has his own durag line with KISS.

    31. Joseph Gordon-Levitt then:

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt attends the "Stop-Loss" premiere on March 17, 2008
    Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    Then: Joseph was a lovable leading actor as he played Cameron in 10 Things I Hate About You and Tom in 500 Days of Summer. 

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt now:

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt poses at the Vulture Festival on November 14, 2021
    David Livingston / Getty Images

    Now: Joseph will next star alongside Lily James and Himesh Patel in a comedy film called Providence.

    32. Nick Cannon then:

    Nick Cannon arrives at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards on March 19, 2005
    Michael Buckner / Getty Images

    Then: Nick was a multitalented heartthrob of the aughts. He appeared in All That episodes, released his own music, and hosted the long-running MTV series Wild 'N Out.

    Nick Cannon now:

    Nick Cannon stops by SiriusXM Studios on February 11, 2022
    Cindy Ord / Getty Images for SiriusXM

    Now: Nick has continued to host shows like America's Got Talent and The Masked Singer. He also led an eponymous daytime talk show from 2021 to 2022 and will take part in a Wild 'N Out tour this summer.

    33. Milo Ventimiglia then:

    Milo Ventimiglia arrives at the "Tuck Everlasting" premiere on October 5, 2002
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    Then: Milo's breakout role was playing Jess Mariano in Gilmore Girls. He went on to star in another 2000s hit show, Heroes.

    Milo Ventimiglia now:

    Milo Ventimiglia poses at a "This Is Us" Dolby Theatre event on April 02, 2022
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

    Now: Milo began starring as Jack Pearson in This Is Us, which has earned him three Emmy nominations, in 2016. He recently wrapped up filming the finale of the series.

    Separately, in 2016 he reprised his role of Jess for the Gilmore Girls revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.