Young Actors Who Were Everywhere in the 2000s

The 2000s represented a pivotal era in entertainment, characterized by the surge of teen-oriented television and the expansion of global film franchises. During this decade, a specific group of young male actors achieved ubiquitous status, appearing regularly in blockbuster movies, hit television series, and on the covers of teen magazines. These performers often started their careers on networks like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon or led the burgeoning young adult film movement. Their work across these ten years left a lasting impact on pop culture and established many of them as household names.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron became a global sensation following his breakout role as Troy Bolton in the 2006 Disney Channel film ‘High School Musical’. He reprised the role in two sequels, including the 2008 theatrical release ‘High School Musical 3: Senior Year’. During the late 2000s, he transitioned into mainstream cinema with roles in the musical ‘Hairspray’ and the comedy ’17 Again’. Efron was frequently featured as a primary teen idol in publications such as ‘Rolling Stone’ and ‘People’. His early career was defined by his performances in high-energy musical productions and coming-of-age stories.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf first gained prominence as the lead character in the Disney Channel series ‘Even Stevens’, which aired from 2000 to 2003. He successfully moved into feature films with the 2003 adaptation of ‘Holes’ and the 2005 biographical sports drama ‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’. LaBeouf reached blockbuster status in 2007 by starring in the first ‘Transformers’ film and the thriller ‘Disturbia’. In 2008, he played a central role in ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ alongside Harrison Ford. By the end of the decade, he was considered one of Hollywood’s most bankable young leading men.

Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray was a constant presence on television throughout the early to mid-2000s, starting with recurring roles in ‘Gilmore Girls’ and ‘Dawson’s Creek’. He achieved massive fame as Lucas Scott in the long-running drama series ‘One Tree Hill’, which premiered in 2003. Murray also led several successful teen-targeted films, including ‘Freaky Friday’ and ‘A Cinderella Story’. In 2005, he starred in the horror remake ‘House of Wax’ alongside Elisha Cuthbert and Paris Hilton. His work during this period solidified his reputation as a definitive leading man for the young adult demographic.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe rose to international stardom in 2001 when he was cast as the titular character in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’. He spent the entire decade portraying the young wizard across six films, concluding the 2000s with ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’. Radcliffe’s growth was documented on screen as the franchise became one of the highest-grossing film series in history. Outside of the wizarding world, he took on a challenging stage role in the 2007 play ‘Equus’. His dedication to the ‘Harry Potter’ series made him one of the most recognizable faces of the decade.

Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint gained worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Ron Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise starting in 2001. As the loyal best friend to the main protagonist, Grint appeared in every installment released throughout the 2000s. He balanced his franchise commitments with independent projects like the 2002 film ‘Thunderpants’ and the 2006 coming-of-age drama ‘Driving Lessons’. His performance in the series was often praised for providing comedic relief and emotional depth. Grint remained a fixture of the global box office for the duration of the decade.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson first captured public attention as Cedric Diggory in the 2005 film ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’. He reached a new level of superstarity in 2008 when he was cast as the vampire Edward Cullen in the ‘Twilight’ film adaptation. The massive success of the first film and its 2009 sequel, ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’, made him a central figure in the young adult genre. During this time, he also appeared in the 2008 biographical film ‘Little Ashes’ as Salvador Dalí. Pattinson’s presence in the late 2000s was marked by intense media scrutiny and fan following.

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner began the decade as a child actor, notably starring in the 2005 action film ‘The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D’. He achieved significant fame in 2008 after joining the cast of ‘Twilight’ as Jacob Black. For the 2009 sequel ‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’, he underwent a dramatic physical transformation that became a major talking point in entertainment media. This role propelled him to international fame and established him as a key figure in the “Team Edward vs. Team Jacob” cultural phenomenon. He ended the decade as one of the highest-paid teen actors in Hollywood.

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett was a major cinematic leading man in the early 2000s, starring in high-profile films like the 2001 war epic ‘Pearl Harbor’. That same year, he appeared in ‘Black Hawk Down’ and the teen drama ‘O’. He continued his success with roles in the 2002 romantic comedy ’40 Days and 40 Nights’ and the 2003 action film ‘Hollywood Homicide’. Hartnett also starred in the 2006 neo-noir film ‘Lucky Number Slevin’ and the 2007 horror film ’30 Days of Night’. His consistent presence in diverse genres made him a recognizable star throughout the decade.

Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz became a household name as the lead of the hit sitcom ‘Malcolm in the Middle’, which premiered in 2000 and ran for seven seasons. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations during the show’s run. Muniz also saw success on the big screen, starring in the 2002 film ‘Big Fat Liar’ and the 2003 action-comedy ‘Agent Cody Banks’. He voiced the lead character in the 2005 film ‘Racing Stripes’ and appeared in the horror film ‘Stay Alive’ in 2006. By the mid-2000s, he was one of the most successful young actors in the television industry.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom rose to prominence in 2001 with his role as Legolas in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. His popularity increased further when he starred as Will Turner in the 2003 blockbuster ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’. He continued to lead major historical epics such as ‘Troy’ in 2004 and ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ in 2005. Bloom reprised his roles in multiple sequels for both the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchises throughout the decade. His frequent appearances in high-budget fantasy and action films made him a global icon.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling transitioned from a child performer on ‘The Mickey Mouse Club’ to a serious film actor in the early 2000s. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the 2001 film ‘The Believer’ before achieving mainstream stardom in the 2004 romantic drama ‘The Notebook’. His performance as Noah Calhoun opposite Rachel McAdams remains a defining moment of 2000s cinema. In 2006, he received an Academy Award nomination for his role as a troubled teacher in ‘Half Nelson’. He followed this with notable roles in ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ and the thriller ‘Fracture’ in 2007.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal became a breakout star with his performance in the 2001 cult classic ‘Donnie Darko’. He followed this with a role in the 2004 disaster film ‘The Day After Tomorrow’, which was a major box office success. In 2005, Gyllenhaal received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Jack Twist in the groundbreaking drama ‘Brokeback Mountain’. He continued to take on diverse roles in the 2005 war film ‘Jarhead’ and the 2007 thriller ‘Zodiac’. His work in the 2000s established him as a versatile actor capable of leading both blockbusters and independent dramas.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher was a dominant figure in 2000s pop culture, largely due to his role as Michael Kelso on the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. He further expanded his influence by creating and hosting the MTV prank show ‘Punk’d’ starting in 2003. Kutcher starred in a string of successful romantic comedies, including ‘Just Married’ in 2003 and ‘Guess Who’ in 2005. He also took on more dramatic work in the 2004 sci-fi thriller ‘The Butterfly Effect’ and the 2006 film ‘The Guardian’. His public persona and varied projects made him a staple of the decade’s media landscape.

James Franco

James Franco first gained recognition for his role in the short-lived but influential 1999 series ‘Freaks and Geeks’, which set the stage for his 2000s career. He achieved wide fame as Harry Osborn in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy, beginning in 2002 and concluding in 2007. Franco won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the title character in the 2001 television biopic ‘James Dean’. In 2008, he showcased his comedic range in ‘Pineapple Express’ and took on a dramatic role in the biographical film ‘Milk’. His ability to navigate different genres made him a prominent figure in the industry.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood was at the center of one of the decade’s biggest cultural events as Frodo Baggins in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Following the conclusion of the fantasy series in 2003, he sought out diverse and often unconventional roles. He appeared in the 2004 film ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and played a chilling antagonist in the 2005 film ‘Sin City’. Wood also voiced the lead character in the 2006 animated hit ‘Happy Feet’ and starred in the 2005 drama ‘Everything Is Illuminated’. His post-Middle-earth career was marked by a deliberate move toward independent and artistic projects.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake successfully transitioned from boy band member to solo superstar and actor during the 2000s. While he focused primarily on his music career, he made significant strides in film with a role in the 2005 crime drama ‘Alpha Dog’. He also appeared in the 2006 film ‘Southland Tales’ and provided the voice for Artie in the 2007 animated film ‘Shrek the Third’. Timberlake became a recurring guest host on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where his comedic sketches frequently went viral. By the end of the decade, he had laid the groundwork for his future as a respected dramatic actor.

Milo Ventimiglia

Milo Ventimiglia became a teen idol in the early 2000s through his role as the rebellious Jess Mariano on ‘Gilmore Girls’. He followed this with a lead role in the short-lived but acclaimed 2006 series ‘The Bedford Diaries’. Ventimiglia reached a new peak of fame in 2006 when he began starring as Peter Petrelli in the hit supernatural drama ‘Heroes’. During the decade, he also appeared in films such as the 2006 horror movie ‘Stay Alive’ and the 2006 sports drama ‘Rocky Balboa’. His work on high-profile television dramas made him a consistently visible star of the era.

Adam Brody

Adam Brody became a quintessential 2000s star through his portrayal of Seth Cohen on the hit teen drama ‘The O.C.’, which premiered in 2003. His character was widely credited with popularizing “geek chic” and making indie rock mainstream. During the show’s run, Brody appeared in films such as ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ in 2005 and the 2007 comedy ‘In the Land of Women’. He also had a role in the 2009 horror-comedy ‘Jennifer’s Body’ alongside Megan Fox. His status as a fan favorite on television made him one of the most prominent young actors of the mid-2000s.

Ben McKenzie

Ben McKenzie rose to fame as the brooding “bad boy” Ryan Atwood on the popular Fox series ‘The O.C.’, which ran from 2003 to 2007. The show was a cultural phenomenon that launched McKenzie into the spotlight as a leading television actor. During his time on the series, he appeared in the 2005 independent film ‘Junebug’, which received critical acclaim. After ‘The O.C.’ concluded, he took on a more gritty role as Officer Ben Sherman in the 2009 police drama ‘Southland’. McKenzie’s transition from teen idol to serious dramatic actor was a notable trajectory in the late 2000s.

Chace Crawford

Chace Crawford achieved immediate stardom in 2007 when he was cast as Nate Archibald in the hit CW series ‘Gossip Girl’. His character was the quintessential “golden boy” of the Upper East Side, making Crawford a fixture in fashion and entertainment news. In 2008, he appeared in the horror-thriller ‘The Haunting of Molly Hartley’ and the 2009 film ‘Twelve’. He was frequently recognized by publications like ‘People’, being named Summer’s Hottest Bachelor in 2009. Crawford’s role on ‘Gossip Girl’ defined much of his public image during the latter half of the decade.

Ed Westwick

Ed Westwick gained international fame for his portrayal of the manipulative and wealthy Chuck Bass on ‘Gossip Girl’, starting in 2007. His performance as the show’s anti-hero made him a breakout star and a fashion icon of the late 2000s. Before his success on American television, he appeared in the 2006 films ‘Children of Men’ and ‘Breaking and Entering’. In 2009, he won several Teen Choice Awards for his work on the series. Westwick’s character was central to the show’s popularity and helped define the era of stylish teen dramas.

Penn Badgley

Penn Badgley was a consistent presence in 2000s television before reaching widespread fame as Dan Humphrey on ‘Gossip Girl’ in 2007. Early in the decade, he starred in the series ‘The Mountain’ and ‘Do Over’, as well as the 2006 teen comedy ‘John Tucker Must Die’. His role as the “outsider” on ‘Gossip Girl’ made him a recognizable face to millions of viewers. In 2009, he starred in the remake of the thriller ‘The Stepfather’. Badgley’s work across various teen-oriented projects made him a staple of the decade’s entertainment landscape for younger audiences.

Tom Welling

Tom Welling spent the majority of the 2000s starring as a young Clark Kent in the hit series ‘Smallville’, which premiered in 2001. The show followed the future Superman’s early years and became one of the longest-running sci-fi series in television history. Outside of his superhero role, Welling appeared in the 2003 comedy ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’ and its 2005 sequel. He also starred in the 2005 remake of the horror film ‘The Fog’. Welling’s long-term commitment to ‘Smallville’ ensured his constant presence on television screens throughout the entire decade.

Jared Padalecki

Jared Padalecki first gained attention as Dean Forester, the first boyfriend of Rory Gilmore, on ‘Gilmore Girls’ starting in 2000. He appeared in several films during the mid-2000s, including ‘New York Minute’, ‘Flight of the Phoenix’, and the horror film ‘House of Wax’. In 2005, he began starring as Sam Winchester in the supernatural series ‘Supernatural’, which would go on to have a massive cult following. Padalecki also led the 2009 reboot of the horror classic ‘Friday the 13th’. His consistent work in popular television dramas and horror films made him a recognizable star of the era.

Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles was a prolific television actor in the 2000s, beginning with a role in the series ‘Dark Angel’ in 2001. He joined the cast of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ for its final season in 2003 and later played Jason Teague on ‘Smallville’ in 2004. Ackles reached enduring fame in 2005 when he was cast as Dean Winchester in the long-running series ‘Supernatural’. He also appeared in the 2005 horror film ‘Devour’ and the 2009 3D remake of ‘My Bloody Valentine’. His portrayal of the eldest Winchester brother became one of the most iconic television roles of the decade.

Jesse McCartney

Jesse McCartney was a multifaceted star of the 2000s, finding success as both a singer and an actor. He starred in the WB drama ‘Summerland’ from 2004 to 2005 and made numerous guest appearances on shows like ‘Hannah Montana’. As a pop artist, his 2004 debut album ‘Beautiful Soul’ was a major commercial success, with the title track becoming a definitive hit of the era. He also provided the voice for Theodore in the ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ film series starting in 2007. McCartney’s status as a premier teen idol made him a ubiquitous figure in music and television.

Corbin Bleu

Corbin Bleu was a prominent star within the Disney Channel ecosystem throughout the 2000s. He gained fame as Chad Danforth in the ‘High School Musical’ franchise, appearing in all three films between 2006 and 2008. He also starred in the 2007 Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Jump In!’ and guest-starred on ‘Hannah Montana’. Outside of Disney, he appeared in the 2004 film ‘Catch That Kid’ alongside Kristen Stewart. Bleu released two solo albums during the decade and was a frequent performer in the ‘High School Musical’ concert tours.

Shane West

Shane West became a definitive 2000s heartthrob after starring as Landon Carter in the 2002 romantic drama ‘A Walk to Remember’ opposite Mandy Moore. Before this breakout film role, he was a regular on the family drama ‘Once and Again’ and appeared in the 2000 teen comedy ‘Whatever It Takes’. West transitioned into action and medical drama roles later in the decade, starring in ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ in 2003. He joined the cast of ‘ER’ in 2004, playing Dr. Ray Barnett for several seasons. His varied career spanned some of the most popular genres of the decade.

Jesse Metcalfe

Jesse Metcalfe gained widespread attention in 2004 for his role as John Rowland, the teenage gardener, on the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. His performance on the show made him an immediate celebrity and led to his leading role in the 2006 teen comedy ‘John Tucker Must Die’. He also appeared in the 2008 horror film ‘Insanitarium’ and the 2009 thriller ‘Beyond a Reasonable Doubt’. Earlier in the decade, he was known for his long-running role as Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on the soap opera ‘Passions’. Metcalfe’s roles often emphasized his status as a prominent physical lead in Hollywood.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson successfully transitioned from a successful R&B singer to a major film star during the 2000s. He made his big-screen debut in the 2001 urban drama ‘Baby Boy’ and followed it with a role in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ in 2003. Gibson became a key member of the ‘Transformers’ franchise, playing Sergeant Robert Epps in the 2007 and 2009 installments. He also appeared in the 2005 film ‘Four Brothers’ and the 2008 action film ‘Death Race’. His presence in several major action franchises made him one of the most visible actors of the decade.

Josh Duhamel

Josh Duhamel first gained recognition on the soap opera ‘All My Children’ before transitioning to prime-time television in 2003 as the lead of the series ‘Las Vegas’. He became a global film star in 2007 when he was cast as Captain William Lennox in the ‘Transformers’ film series. Duhamel appeared in the 2004 romantic comedy ‘Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!’ and the 2006 horror film ‘Turistas’. He also played a lead role in the 2009 romantic comedy ‘When in Rome’. His combination of television success and blockbuster film roles kept him in the public eye throughout the 2000s.

Michael Cera

Michael Cera became an icon of indie and teen comedy in the mid-2000s, starting with his role as George Michael Bluth in ‘Arrested Development’. He achieved massive cinematic success in 2007 with the hit comedies ‘Superbad’ and ‘Juno’. Cera was known for his awkward, deadpan comedic style, which he continued in the 2008 film ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’. He also starred in the 2009 comedy ‘Year One’ and the independent film ‘Youth in Revolt’. His work during this period helped define the “awkward teen” archetype of the late 2000s.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill emerged as a leading comedic voice in the late 2000s after appearing in a series of successful films produced by Judd Apatow. He had small roles in ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ in 2005 and ‘Knocked Up’ in 2007 before his breakout lead role in ‘Superbad’. Hill also appeared in the 2008 films ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Strange Wilderness’. In 2009, he voiced a character in ‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ and starred in ‘Funny People’. His rapid rise from supporting player to leading man was a hallmark of the decade’s comedy scene.

Josh Hutcherson

Josh Hutcherson was one of the most active child and teen actors of the 2000s, appearing in numerous family and adventure films. He starred in the 2005 films ‘Little Manhattan’ and ‘Zathura: A Space Adventure’, as well as the 2006 comedy ‘RV’ alongside Robin Williams. Hutcherson gained further recognition for his role in the 2007 fantasy drama ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ and the 2008 action film ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’. He concluded the decade with a role in the 2009 vampire film ‘Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant’. His consistent work in family-friendly blockbusters made him a familiar face to young audiences.

Freddie Prinze Jr.

Freddie Prinze Jr. entered the 2000s as one of Hollywood’s most prominent young leading men following his 1999 hit ‘She’s All That’. He starred in the 2000 romantic comedy ‘Down to You’ and the 2001 films ‘Head Over Heels’ and ‘Summer Catch’. Prinze Jr. also played Fred Jones in the live-action ‘Scooby-Doo’ film in 2002 and its 2004 sequel, ‘Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed’. He later starred in his own sitcom, ‘Freddie’, from 2005 to 2006. His frequent roles in romantic comedies and family films defined much of his career during the first half of the decade.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett became a permanent part of 2000s pop culture through his role as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 classic ‘Mean Girls’. His performance opposite Lindsay Lohan made him an instant teen idol and one of the decade’s most recognizable faces. Following the success of ‘Mean Girls’, he appeared in the 2005 films ‘Cheaper by the Dozen 2’ and ‘Love Wrecked’. He also took on the role of Van Wilder in the 2009 prequel ‘Van Wilder: Freshman Year’. Bennett’s association with one of the decade’s most influential teen films ensured his lasting fame.

Cole Sprouse

Cole Sprouse, alongside his twin brother Dylan, was a central figure on Disney Channel throughout the mid-to-late 2000s. He starred as Cody Martin in ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’, which premiered in 2005 and ran until 2008. The series was followed by the spin-off ‘The Suite Life on Deck’, which began in 2008 and continued into the next decade. Before his Disney success, he played Ross Geller’s son Ben on ‘Friends’ and starred in the 2001 film ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’. His presence in Disney’s top-rated programming made him a ubiquitous star for younger viewers.

Dylan Sprouse

Dylan Sprouse achieved massive popularity in the 2000s as Zack Martin on the hit Disney Channel series ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’. He and his brother Cole became some of the highest-paid teen actors on television during the show’s successful run. In addition to his television work, Dylan appeared in the 2002 film ‘The Master of Disguise’ and the 2003 film ‘Just for Kicks’. He transitioned to the spin-off series ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ in 2008, maintaining his status as a Disney Channel mainstay. His face was a constant on network promotions and related merchandise throughout the decade.

Drake Bell

Drake Bell was a major star for Nickelodeon in the 2000s, primarily due to the success of ‘Drake & Josh’, which aired from 2004 to 2007. He first gained attention as a performer on ‘The Amanda Show’ earlier in the decade. Bell also starred in the 2005 film ‘Yours, Mine & Ours’ and the 2008 superhero parody ‘Superhero Movie’. He pursued a music career simultaneously, releasing the successful 2005 album ‘It’s Only Time’, which featured the ‘Drake & Josh’ theme song. His widespread appeal on Nickelodeon made him a defining figure of the network’s golden era.

Josh Peck

Josh Peck became a beloved comedic actor in the 2000s through his role as Josh Nichols on the hit Nickelodeon series ‘Drake & Josh’. His performance and physical transformation over the course of the show were widely discussed by fans and media. Peck also appeared in the critically acclaimed 2004 independent film ‘Mean Creek’ and the 2008 film ‘The Wackness’. He provided the voice for Eddie in the ‘Ice Age’ sequels ‘The Meltdown’ in 2006 and ‘Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ in 2009. His work across television, film, and voice acting kept him consistently active throughout the decade.

David Henrie

David Henrie was a prominent actor on Disney Channel during the latter half of the 2000s, most notably as Justin Russo in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. The show premiered in 2007 and became one of the network’s most successful properties. Before this, Henrie had a recurring role as the son in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and appeared in ‘That’s So Raven’. In 2009, he starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘Dadnapped’ and the theatrical ‘Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie’. His role in the Russo family made him a central figure in Disney’s late-2000s lineup.

Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas reached the height of teen superstardom in the late 2000s as the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers. The band became a global phenomenon, leading to their appearance in the 2008 Disney Channel film ‘Camp Rock’ and its sequel. He also starred in the 2009 Disney series ‘Jonas’ alongside his brothers. Outside of his musical and group commitments, he performed on Broadway and released a solo project with the band ‘The Administration’ in late 2009. His frequent media appearances and sold-out tours made him a defining icon of the decade’s final years.

Joe Jonas

Joe Jonas was a central figure in 2000s pop culture as the lead singer of the Jonas Brothers. He starred as Shane Gray in the 2008 Disney Channel hit ‘Camp Rock’, which further catapulted the band to international fame. In 2009, he appeared in the reality-style series ‘Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream’ and the scripted show ‘Jonas’. His high-profile relationships and fashion choices were frequently covered by entertainment media. By the end of the decade, Joe was one of the most recognizable faces in the music and television industries.

Lucas Grabeel

Lucas Grabeel became a familiar face in the 2000s through his role as Ryan Evans in the ‘High School Musical’ franchise. His character’s flamboyant style and musical talent were key elements of the series’ success across its three films. Grabeel also appeared in the Disney Channel Original Movies ‘Halloweentown High’ in 2004 and ‘Return to Halloweentown’ in 2006. In 2008, he took on a dramatic role in the biographical film ‘Milk’ alongside Sean Penn. His consistent work with Disney Channel made him a staple for the network’s audience during the decade.

Hayden Christensen

Hayden Christensen achieved worldwide fame in the early 2000s when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. He starred in ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones’ in 2002 and ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ in 2005. Outside of the ‘Star Wars’ universe, he received critical praise for his role in the 2003 drama ‘Shattered Glass’. In 2008, he led the sci-fi action film ‘Jumper’ and appeared in the anthology film ‘New York, I Love You’. His role in one of cinema’s biggest franchises ensured his prominence throughout the decade.

Topher Grace

Topher Grace was a television mainstay for much of the 2000s due to his lead role as Eric Forman on ‘That ’70s Show’. He starred in the series from its beginning until his departure in 2005 to pursue a film career. During the decade, he appeared in high-profile films such as ‘Traffic’ in 2000 and ‘In Good Company’ in 2004. In 2007, he played the villainous Eddie Brock/Venom in ‘Spider-Man 3’. His transition from a popular sitcom lead to a versatile film actor was a notable part of the decade’s entertainment news.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans began the 2000s with roles in teen-oriented films like the 2001 parody ‘Not Another Teen Movie’. He gained wider recognition in 2004 with ‘The Perfect Score’ and the thriller ‘Cellular’. Evans reached a new level of fame in 2005 when he was cast as Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, in ‘Fantastic Four’. He reprised the superhero role in the 2007 sequel ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’. Throughout the decade, he also appeared in diverse projects like the sci-fi film ‘Sunshine’ and the 2009 action film ‘Push’.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum became a major breakout star in the mid-2000s after starting his career as a model and dancer. He achieved mainstream fame with the 2006 dance film ‘Step Up’ and the comedy ‘She’s the Man’ alongside Amanda Bynes. His athletic ability and screen presence led to roles in action films like the 2009 blockbuster ‘G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’. He also appeared in the 2009 sports drama ‘Fighting’ and the 2008 war film ‘Stop-Loss’. By the end of the decade, Tatum was established as one of Hollywood’s leading young action and romantic stars.

Seann William Scott

Seann William Scott was a ubiquitous presence in 2000s comedy, largely thanks to his recurring role as Steve Stifler in the ‘American Pie’ series. He appeared in the 2001 sequel ‘American Pie 2’ and the 2003 film ‘American Wedding’. During the decade, he starred in numerous other comedies, including ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’ in 2000 and ‘Road Trip’ that same year. He also took on roles in ‘The Rundown’ in 2003 and ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ in 2005. Scott’s energetic comedic persona made him one of the most recognizable comic actors of the era.

Paul Walker

Paul Walker became a global action star in 2001 with his role as Brian O’Conner in ‘The Fast and the Furious’. He reprised the character in the 2003 sequel ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and again in the 2009 film ‘Fast & Furious’. Outside of the racing franchise, he starred in the 2001 thriller ‘Joy Ride’ and the 2005 adventure film ‘Into the Blue’. In 2006, he appeared in the survival drama ‘Eight Below’ and the war film ‘Flags of Our Fathers’. His consistent leading roles in high-octane action and adventure films made him a fixture of the 2000s box office.

Share your favorite memories of these actors in the comments.