Yesterday’s history. Tomorrow’s the future. Tonight’s the party!
1998’s “Can’t Hardly Wait” paved the way for movies like “She’s All That,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” and “Never Been Kissed” to achieve remarkable success at the box office.
Approximately 25 years ago, on July 12, 1998, the teen comedy written and directed by Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont (known for movies like Josie and the Pussycats, Made of Honor, and Leap Year) graced theaters. This movie captivated audiences with its portrayal of an extraordinary graduation party.
Although it only earned $25 million at the U.S. box office, it presented audiences with the Huntington Hillside Class of ’98, featuring actors like Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, Seth Green, and numerous others.
Even though Preston Meyers (Embry), who’s been pining for Amanda Beckett (Hewitt) for four years without ever meeting her, seems a bit far-fetched considering he wrote her a love letter first—it’s hard to believe!—there’s an endearing charm about this movie that harks back to the late ’90s.
It’s also enjoyable to recognize lesser-known actors who eventually became famous, such as Jason Segel, Jaime Pressly, and Leslie Grossman.
Beyond being easily memorable (no offense, Aman-it’s obvious), the movie offered some thought-provoking insights on the significance of grasping opportunities when they present themselves.
According to the wise words of Jenna Elfman’s character, “Destiny guides us to a certain point, but after that, it’s on us to bring it to life.
Because it seemed like a good opportunity, we created this list to see what happened to everyone in our extensive cast. So, get ready with your favorite strawberry Pop Tart, as we embark on an informal Huntington Hillside reunion gathering.
After playing the role of lovesick Preston Meyers, Ethan Embry has since been featured in movies such as Sweet Home Alabama, Vacancy, and First Man, along with TV series like Grey’s Anatomy, The Walking Dead, and Once Upon a Time. From 2015 to 2022, he portrayed Coyote on the Netflix show Grace & Frankie.
In November of 1998, Embry exchanged marriage vows with Amelinda Smith, his first spouse. After giving birth to their son Cogeian Sky, they parted ways in 2002. Three years after that, he tied the knot with actress Sunny Mabrey. In 2012, she initiated a divorce, stating irreconcilable differences; however, they managed to patch things up and resumed their relationship the following year. They remarried in June of 2015.
Since her days as the beloved character Amanda Beckett, Jennifer Love Hewitt has kept herself quite occupied. Her filmography includes titles such as “Heartbreakers”, “The Tuxedo”, and “Garfield: The Movie”, while her television appearances range from “Time of Your Life”, “Ghost Whisperer”, “The Client List”, and “Criminal Minds”.
Currently, she appears on the popular Fox series “9-1-1,” taking over from Connie Britton during the show’s second season. Before the release of “Can’t Hardly Wait,” she had already put out three albums. Her fourth album, titled “BareNaked,” was her last one, and it came out in 2002.
In 2010, she added author to her resume, penning the dating advice book The Day I Shot Cupid.
In the year 2007, she became engaged to her boyfriend Ross McCall, but ended the relationship a year later. Later, in 2012, she started dating Brian Hallisay, her co-star from “The Client List”. By November 2013, they were married and had their first child, Autumn James. In June of 2015, they welcomed another child, named Atticus James.
Following her portrayal of the sharp and somewhat aloof Denise Fleming, Lauren Ambrose gained recognition on television, starring as Claire Fisher in HBO’s critically-acclaimed series Six Feet Under for five seasons from 2001-2005. She has also been seen in various shows such as Torchwood: Miracle Day, Dig, and the recent reboot of The X-Files.
Prior to 2023, she appeared on the Apple TV+ thriller “Servant”. Following her Broadway debut in the 2006 revival of “Awake and Sing!”, she received a Tony nomination for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the 2018 revival of “My Fair Lady”.
In the year 2001, she tied the knot with renowned photographer Sam Handel. Together they are blessed with two beautiful children – a son named Orson and a daughter whose name remains undisclosed.
After playing the character Kenny Fisher, a wannabe basketball player and virgin yearning for experience, Seth Green went on to reprise his role as Scott Evil in the Austin Powers series. He also portrayed werewolf Oz on Buffy the Vampire Slayer until 2000, featured in films like Party Monster, Josie and the Pussycats, and Old Dogs, lent his voice to Chris Griffin (and other characters) on Family Guy, starred in the short-lived Fox show Dads, and co-created the long-running Adult Swim series Robot Chicken.
Apart from that, he has made appearances as a guest star on numerous TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Broad City, and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. In the month of May 2010, he tied the knot with actress Clare Grant.
Following his role as athlete Mike Dexter, Peter Facinelli went on to act in movies such as “Riding in Cars With Boys” and “The Scorpion King.” Later in 2008, he became part of the Twilight series, portraying Dr. Carlisle Cullen across all five films.
He has taken leading roles in shows such as “Fast Lane” and “Nurse Jackie”, and has also appeared frequently in series including “Six Feet Under”, “Glee”, and “Supergirl” on television.
In 1995, he had a chance encounter with Jennie Garth; they later married in the year 2001, making her a part of his life as the star from “Beverly Hills, 90210.” They were blessed with three daughters named Luca, Lola, and Fiona. However, their marriage came to an end when he decided to file for divorce in 2012.
After parting ways with Garth, he had a short-lived relationship and engagement with actress Jamie Alexander. Later in the year 2020, he proposed to Lily Anne Harrison. They became parents to their son Jack in September 2022.
After portraying the character William Lichter, a bullied nerd seeking revenge, Charlie Korsmo decided to step away from acting. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000 and later went on to obtain his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 2006.
2007 marked the year he successfully completed the New York State Bar examination. Afterward, he began working as an associate in the New York branch of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, concurrently serving as a visiting professor at Brooklyn Law School. At present, his professional duties involve teaching corporate law and corporate finance as a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, located in Cleveland.
In May of 2011, President Barack Obama put forth Korsmo as a candidate for the Board of Trustees at the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Later, in 2019, he resumed his acting career with a part in the independent movie titled “Chained for Life.” Korsmo and his spouse Adrienne are parents to daughter Lilah and son William.
After portraying T.J., one of Mike’s athletic friends, Freddy Rodriguez subsequently joined Ambrose in the main cast of Six Feet Under for its critically acclaimed duration. Subsequently, he appeared frequently on Ugly Betty, made guest appearances on ER and Scrubs, starred in the initial two seasons of NBC’s The Night Shift, and enjoyed a five-season stint on CBS’ Bull.
In terms of movies, he’s been featured in films such as “Payback”, “Poseidon”, “Lady in the Water”, and “Planet Terror”. His high school sweetheart, Elise, and he are married and they have two sons named Elijah and Giancarlo.
In a perfect fit for teen films, Sean Patrick Thomas portrayed Ben, one of Mike’s athletic friends, graced the screen in ‘Cruel Intentions’, shared romantic moments with Julia Stiles in ‘Save the Last Dance’, and made appearances in ‘The Curse of La Llorona’ and the ‘Barbershop’ series.
On television, he’s featured in series such as Criminal Minds, Madam Secretary, The Good Fight, and is coming back for the second installment of Gen V. In 2006, he tied the knot with actress Aonika Laurent. Together they share two kids, a daughter named Lola and a son called Luc.
After portraying Jake, one of Mike’s athletic friends, on the screen, Channon Roe has continued to act in various productions. These include movies such as “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “The Hangover Part II”, as well as television series like “Charmed”, “Justified”, “24”, and more recently, “Murder in the First”.
In 2009, he tied the knot with Bianca Chiminello. Together, they’ve welcomed one child named Marlon into their family. In 2014, they established a lifestyle store named “In the Field” in Ojai, California.
In one of her initial acting ventures, Jake’s girlfriend was portrayed by Jamie Pressly, who later became known for roles in movies such as “Not Another Teen Movie,” “Joe Dirt,” and “I Love You, Man.
In the year 2005, she started appearing in the NBC sitcom “My Name Is Earl,” which lasted for four seasons and won her an Emmy in 2007. Once the show ended in 2009, she took on roles in brief television series such as “I Hate My Teenage Daughter” and “Jennifer Falls.” However, in 2014, she joined the second season of the CBS comedy “Mom,” eventually becoming a permanent cast member starting from season three.
Following her engagement to Eric Calvo in 2006, she had their son Dezi James in May 2007. They separated in 2008, and the next year, she married entertainment lawyer Simran Singh. The marriage ended in 2011 when she filed for divorce. Just two weeks prior to filing for divorce, she was taken into custody in Santa Monica on suspicion of driving under the influence. She pleaded no contest and received three years of informal probation. In October 2017, she and her long-term partner Hamzi Hijazi welcomed twin sons Leo and Lenon.
Beyond her character as Rachel’s girlfriend (T.J.), Jennifer Lyons has also been seen on television shows such as That ’70s Show, Desperate Housewives, Workaholics, and As We See It. In the year 2019, she tied the knot with Jeremy Fuchs, who is an executive at Vuori.
After playing Cindi alongside Mike’s girlfriend, Tamala Jones, has been featured in movies like “Next Friday,” “Up in the Air,” and “What Men Want,” as well as television series such as “For Your Love” and “Castle.
After her TV series on ABC ended in 2016, she has appeared as a guest star on shows such as Speechless, Seal Team, and 9-1-1: Lone Star. She was selected for the 2020 pilot Rebel, which was produced by Krista Vernoff, the showrunner of Grey’s Anatomy. Unfortunately, the series only lasted one season before it was canceled.
Following her portrayal of the character Stephanie who was quite high, Amber Benson became a beloved figure among Buffy the Vampire Slayer enthusiasts when she played Tara, Willow’s cherished partner. Tragically, this role came to an end in 2002 when her character met her demise on the show.
After that, she has made guest appearances on shows such as Supernatural, Private Practice, and Grey’s Anatomy, in addition to starring in independent films like Latter Days, Kiss the Bride, and House of Demons. Moreover, she has excelled as an author, writing both graphic novels and traditional novels.
After appearing in a memorable role as the stripper angel, Jenna Elfman went back to her regular gig on ABC’s “Dharma & Greg,” a series that continued until 2002.
Following stints on various short-lived TV sitcoms, such as “Courting Alex,” “Accidentally on Purpose,” “1600 Penn,” “Growing Up Fisher,” and “Imaginary Mary,” she eventually joined the AMC series “Fear the Walking Dead,” which concluded its eight-season journey in 2023.
Besides these films – EDtv, Keeping the Faith, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, and Friends with Benefits, Elfman has also graced the screen. Her husband, Bodhi Elfman, shares her life, and together they have two sons named Story Elias and Easton Quinn Monroe.
After playing Amanda’s unsettling cousin Ron, Erik Palladino made his appearance on ER as a regular cast member during its sixth season in 1999. For two consecutive seasons, he portrayed the character of Dr. Dave Malucci.
Following his departure from the successful NBC show, he has made guest appearances on shows such as Joan of Arcadia, Make It or Break It, NCIS: Los Angeles, Suits, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Godfather of Harlem. He also starred in the short-lived series Over There and 666 Park Avenue.
In 2005, they tied the knot with Jamie, and since then, their family has expanded to include a daughter named Paloma and two sons, Enzo and Roman.
Following his role as Love Burger’s lead vocalist, portrayed by Breckin Meyer, he later featured in movies such as “Go”, “Road Trip”, “Rat Race”, and “Ghosts of Girlfriend Past”. Additionally, he became recognized for playing the renowned character Jon Arbuckle in the “Garfield” movie series.
He played the main character in the short-lived NBC series titled “Inside Schwartz” back in 2001. After that, he made guest appearances on shows like “House“, “Heroes“, and “Party Down“. Later, from 2011 to 2014, he starred in TNT’s show called “Franklin & Bash“. Currently, he is still working on “Robot Chicken” alongside Seth Green and has also recurred on “Designated Survivor.“.
In the year 2001, he tied the knot with Deborah Kaplan, who co-wrote and directed Can’t Hardly Wait. Together they had two daughters named Caitlin and Clover before parting ways in 2014. As of 2024, he has been in a relationship with Kelly Rizzo, a popular podcaster.
After taking up the role of Dan, Love Burger’s drummer, Donald Faison has become most famously known for his portrayal of Dr. Chris Turk on NBC’s Scrubs from 2001 to 2010. Following this, he appeared in TV Land’s The Exes from 2011-15 and spent a season on the NBC sitcom Extended Family.
Apart from his voice roles, this actor can also be seen on the big screen in movies such as Josie and the Pets, Big Fat Hoax, Girl Talk, and Kick-Ass: The Second Strike.
2001 saw him tying the knot with his then-girlfriend Lisa Askey. Before their wedding, they had twin children, a boy named Dade and a girl named Kaya, who were fraternal. The year of their marriage also brought their son Kobe into the family. However, they parted ways in 2005. In 2012, he exchanged vows with CaCee Cobb, Jessica Simpson’s former personal assistant, after six years together. Their union resulted in the birth of their son Rocco and daughter Wilder Frances. It is also worth noting that he has a son named Sean, born in 1997, from his relationship with Audrey Ince prior to this marriage.
After playing the character Trip McNeely, Jerry O’Connell landed multiple film roles, such as Mission to Mars, Kangaroo Jack, and Veronica Mars. He also appeared on television shows like Ugly Betty, Scream Queens, and Billions.
Between 2001 and 2007, he acted in the NBC drama “Crossing Jordan”, and in 2018, he featured in the Canadian series “Carter”. Moreover, he has graced the Broadway stage on several occasions, with his latest appearance being a 2020 revival of “A Soldier’s Play”.
He often filled in as a host on “The Wendy Williams Show”, and prior to that, he auditioned for various other talk shows. Eventually, he became a part of “The Talk” in 2021.
In the year 2007, he got married to Rebecca Romijn. In 2009, they were blessed with twin daughters, Dolly Rebecca Rose and Charlie Tamara Tulip. That very year, he decided to attend Southwestern Law School, but he left after a year to take on the role in the brief-lived CBS series “The Defenders”.
Following her brief role as Vicki, the enthusiastic girl seeking yearbook signatures, Melissa Joan Hart resumed her primary job on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, continuing until 2003 when the television series concluded.
Apart from that, she has appeared in movies like “Drive Me Crazy”, “Not Another Teen Movie”, and “God’s Not Dead 2”. Additionally, she participated in the ninth season of “Dancing With the Stars” back in 2009, ultimately being eliminated in seventh place.
Starting from 2010, she made her comeback to television with the ABC Family sitcom “Melissa & Joey,” which ran until 2015. In the year 2017, she handled a remake of “The Watcher in the Woods” that was broadcast on Lifetime. Since then, she’s been directing episodes for shows like “The Goldbergs,” “Young Sheldon,” and “Schooled.
In 2003, she married musician Mark Wilkerson. They have three sons, Mason, Braydon and Tucker.
After starring in the game “Ready to Have Sex Girl,” Nicole Bilderback has since been featured in “Bring It On” and a range of shows such as “Dawson’s Creek,” “Bones,” “Good Girls,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and more recently, “Cruel Summer.
Prior to her stint as a character on “Ready to Have Sex Girls’ Friend,” Leslie Grossman appeared in Ryan Murphy‘s show, “Popular,” from 1999-2001. Subsequently, she became part of the cast for “What I Like About You.
After that, she has been featured in movies such as “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous”, “Running With Scissors”, and “Spring Breakdown”. She also made appearances on a diverse range of TV series including “Nip/Tuck”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scandal”, “The Good Place”, and “Shrill”.
Over the past few years, she has re-entered the television sphere with lead performances in six episodes of American Horror Story, as well as Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
1999 saw her tying the knot with John Bronson. They had a child, Goldie, together and parted ways in 2020. In the year 2024, she revealed her intention to wed film producer Sascha Penn.
After his portrayal as the Klepto Kid, Chris Owen secured the part of Chuck Sherman, also known as the Sherminator, in American Pie. He continued to play this character across all sequels, including American Pie Presents: Band Camp which was released directly on DVD.
He has been a guest star on shows such as Brothers & Sisters, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds, and also appeared in the 2018 film The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time, portraying the 30-year-old Gil, son of Fin (played by Ian Ziering). In 2007, he tied the knot with Michelle Beck, but they divorced in 2012.
Initiating his acting journey under the moniker Matt, the Watermelon Guy, it was on Judd Apatow’s short-lived 1999 NBC show “Freaks & Geeks” that Jason Segel landed his first significant role.
After making appearances on shows like “Undeclared”, “CSI”, and “Alias”, he got the part of Marshall in CBS’ romantic comedy series “How I Met Your Mother” in 2005, which he held until the final season in 2014. Later, in 2020, he started, produced, and starred in AMC’s “Dispatches from Elsewhere”. In the same year, he also co-created Apple TV+’s “Shrinking”, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance as therapist Jimmy.
Apart from that, he made a name for himself in the movie industry, starring in popular films such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I Love You, Man, Bad Teacher, The Muppets (where he also wrote the script and served as an executive producer), and This Is 40.
Since 2023, he’s been dating So You Think You Can Dance alum Kayla Radomski.
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2025-06-12 10:18