Fans Shocked by How This 2000s Heartthrob Looks Now
Michael Vartan, best known as Michael Vaughn from the hit 2000s series Alias, looks almost unrecognizable these days. The 57-year-old actor was recently spotted grocery shopping in Los Angeles, wearing a black hoodie, Puma pants, and a Los Angeles Kings hat. His gray beard and glasses gave him a very different look from the heartthrob image fans remember.
Vartan became a household name playing Michael Vaughn on Alias from 2001 to 2006, starring alongside Jennifer Garner. The two briefly dated during that time. He also appeared in popular romantic comedies like Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore and Monster-in-Law with Jennifer Lopez. His most recent acting credit was a guest role on CBS’ God Friended Me in 2018.
2000s heartthrob actor looks completely unrecognizable after leaving Hollywood https://t.co/VL08jpi4LD pic.twitter.com/zvc9QPsljD
— Page Six (@PageSix) January 14, 2026
Despite stepping away from Hollywood, Vartan remains close with some of his former co-stars. In 2023, Jennifer Garner wished him a happy birthday on Instagram, sharing a still from Alias. “I can’t remember why I was Bavarian, but I do know today is your birthday. Hope it’s a great one, Michael!” she wrote.
Vartan has also shared fun memories from his past roles. In 2021, he appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show and revealed he had “feelings” during his famous kissing scene with Barrymore in Never Been Kissed. “So, I get up to the mound, we embrace, and we start kissing. And you really kissed me. I mean, you really kissed me,” he recalled.
Over the years, Vartan has appeared in European films like Fiorile, as well as smaller supporting roles in Hollywood movies such as One Hour Photo and Monster-in-Law. He has also been part of TV shows including Friends, Ally McBeal, Kitchen Confidential, Big Shots, Hawthorne, and The Arrangement.
Outside of acting, Vartan hosts a weekly live sports program called Advanced Shouting on YouTube and Facebook. He is a fan of Australian rules football, especially Carlton, and enjoys ice hockey, a trait he even brought to his Alias character. He also has a dog named Millie and has appeared in a PETA video promoting good care for pets.
Vartan’s personal life has seen its ups and downs. After dating Jennifer Garner, he later got engaged to Lauren Skaar in 2010, whom he met in a Whole Foods parking lot. They married in 2011 but divorced in 2014.
It’s striking to see how much Michael Vartan has changed since his Alias days. He may no longer be in the Hollywood spotlight, but he seems happy living life on his own terms and pursuing his interests outside of acting.
It’s a reminder that actors can reinvent themselves and step away from fame without losing their identity. Michael Vartan’s transformation shows that life after Hollywood can be calm, grounded, and fulfilling. What do you think about his new look and lifestyle? Share your thoughts in the comments.
