“This Just Doesn’t Look like Her”: How This 90s Star Has Changed over the Years

This Hollywood star first captured the world’s attention in the ’90s as Sarah Reeves Merrin on “Party of Five,” portraying a heartfelt, often complex young woman that resonated with audiences.

Soon after, she broke onto the big screen in “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” where her portrayal of a terrified teen cemented her status as a fixture in the thriller genre.

Her rise to fame was swift, and she became a quintessential figure of ’90s pop culture. The actress also became known for her signature look that perfectly captured the era’s aesthetic.

Her expressive, big brown eyes and warm smile made her relatable and magnetic. Combined with her style, consisting of classic ’90s staples like fitted crop tops, denim jackets, and minimalist dresses, she achieved the perfect, wholesome, girl-next-door image.

However, as the Hollywood star’s career gained momentum, media attention often focused less on her acting talents and more on her appearance. Interviews from that period reveal a startling emphasis on her physique.

The questions she faced were often inappropriate by today’s standards, an unsettling reminder of how young actresses were routinely objectified.

“At the time that I was going through it, and interviewers were asking what now would be incredibly inappropriate, gross things, it didn’t feel that way,” the actress said.

She added, “I mean, I was in barely any clothing the whole movie. For some reason, in my brain, I was able to just go, ‘Okay, well, I guess they wouldn’t be asking if it was inappropriate.'”

Despite her efforts to bring authenticity and depth to her roles, the Hollywood star found herself boxed into conversations that reduced her accomplishments to superficial assessments of her appearance.

“With ‘Heartbreakers,’ that was a big part of it. I was disappointed that it was all about body stuff because I had really worked hard in that movie to do a good job as an actress,” she revealed.

“So I remember one specific moment wishing that the acting had overshadowed all that — that for five minutes, they had said I was really great in the movie versus made a body comment,” the actress continued.

Aware of the shift in focus from her acting to her looks, the actress was vocal about her frustrations, going so far as to wear a T-shirt reading “Silicone Free” to challenge the media’s invasive questions.

Looking back years later, she regretted how her younger self had shrugged off such objectification. “Now that I’m older, I think, ‘Gosh, I wish that I had known how inappropriate that was so I could have defended myself somehow or just not answered those questions.’ I laughed it off a lot of the time, and I wish maybe I hadn’t,” the actress said.

In her personal life, becoming a mother marked a new chapter for the actress, reshaping how she viewed her body and career.

Following the birth of her first child and putting on baby weight during her pregnancy, the actress candidly revealed, “Having been somebody who has had to think about what my body looked like for 25 years, it was hard when it didn’t come off.”

However, the actress ultimately realized that the most important thing was nursing her daughter and embracing the gradual changes her body underwent. She was in no rush to shed the post-pregnancy weight, choosing instead to focus on her baby’s well-being.

Recognizing her daughter’s potential future struggles, the actress decided to be kinder to herself, asking, “Would I want her to feel this way when she’s my age? I was like, ‘Get it together — your head’s in the wrong place.'”

This mindset continued as she shared a heartfelt message with her followers on her 44th birthday in 2023. Reflecting on aging, she described herself as “grateful, blessed, happy, sometimes insecure about aging.”

Later that year, the actress opened up further about her views on aging on the “Inside of You” podcast and candidly admitted, “I don’t wanna say that aging is hard because aging is a privilege.”

“It means you’re here, it means you’re still living it, it means your every line is because of a smile or laugh you had […]. But aging in Hollywood is really hard. It’s really hard because you can’t do anything right,” she added.

This well-known actress is none other than Jennifer Love Hewitt, 45. Take a look at her transformation, including her appearance in recent years that left some social media users convinced she looks like a different person compared to the actress they fell in love with years ago.

1994 – 1999

In 1994, Hewitt had a fresh, youthful look that emphasized her natural charm. Her long, straight hair and minimal makeup complemented her radiant, girl-next-door appeal.

By 1999, Hewitt’s look had matured, reflecting her transition from a teen star to an established Hollywood presence.

2001 – 2004

In 2001, Hewitt radiated youthful glamour with her voluminous, shoulder-length curls and warm smile. This period highlighted her playful side, and her look had an effortless elegance that was both vibrant and approachable.

By 2004, the actress’s style took on a more refined and mature tone. She wore her hair sleek with straight bangs, adding sophistication to her appearance.

2006 – 2008

In 2006, Hewitt embraced a glamorous look, with voluminous waves and a radiant smile that highlighted her timeless appeal. Her makeup emphasized her expressive eyes, enhancing her natural elegance and Hollywood star quality.

By 2008, her style had shifted toward a more refined, understated elegance. She wore her hair in a sleek, sophisticated style that showcased her maturity.

2010 – 2013

In 2010, Hewitt’s look combined glamour with a hint of natural charm. She styled her hair in a loose, voluminous updo, showcasing her radiant smile and bright eyes.

In 2013, the actress’s look reflected a graceful acceptance of aging. Her appearance was more relaxed and natural, with loose waves and minimal makeup that showcased her evolving beauty.

2015 – 2019

In 2015, Hewitt radiated elegance with a subtle glow that highlighted her timeless beauty. Her refined look reflected confidence and sophistication as she embraced new chapters in her life and career.

By 2018, she maintained her youthful charm, with a warm smile and flowing waves that captured her approachable appeal. Her style struck a balance between classic Hollywood glamour and modern sensibility.

In 2019, displaying a graceful acceptance of her natural aging process, Hewitt’s look was softer and more mature, with gentle features that reflected her wisdom and experience.

The subtle changes in her appearance over the years showed a woman embracing each new stage of life with confidence and authenticity.

2020 – 2024

In recent years, Hewitt’s appearance has sparked mixed reactions from social media users. In October 2023, she did a live on Instagram, and some people were taken aback by her appearance.

“Who is this??? This cannot be JLH?! I used to love her on Ghost Whisperer and this doesn’t even look like the same person! 🙈,” one person commented. Another added, “I love her 😍 but what’s going on with har face 😮 doesn’t look like her [sic].”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Love Hewitt (@jenniferlovehewitt)

A third social media user typed, “This just doesn’t look like her. I’ve seen her in real life and this is like a different person.” A fourth person wrote, “Why she look so different?? Like who is this [sic].”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jennifer Love Hewitt (@jenniferlovehewitt)

However, other social media users praised the actress’s beauty, with one person commenting, “Your absolutely gorgeous your beauty will never fade [sic].” Another person shared, “It’s absolutely insane. How gorgeous you still are. Oh my god.” A third simply typed, “So pretty.”

Jennifer Love Hewitt at the “9-1-1” premiere event on March 11, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images