How the Stars of Mean Girls Have Changed 19 Years After Its Release

Nineteen years have passed since the iconic teen comedy Mean Girls first graced the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. As the classic film celebrates nearly two decades since its release, the spotlight shifts to the stars who brought the plastics to life. Join us on a nostalgic exploration of how the stars have navigated their careers, personal lives, and the ever-changing landscape of fame.

1. Jonathan Bennett (Aaron Samuels)

Following his role in Mean Girls, Jonathan Bennett extended his acting career with notable appearances, starring in Cheaper By the Dozen 2 and later gracing the screens in several TV movies, particularly those in the holiday genre on Hallmark and Lifetime channels. Bennett’s popularity transcended film and found a pop culture niche when he made a memorable appearance in Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next music video.

Beyond his on-screen endeavors, Bennett made a significant personal revelation as he came out, adding another layer to his public identity. The actor also celebrated a joyous milestone in 2022 by tying the knot.

2. Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron)

Lindsay Lohan, already an established child actor with credits like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, rose to prominence as Cady Heron in Mean Girls. Following her success, Lohan continued to showcase her talent in films such as Just My Luckand Herbie Fully Loaded. However, the pitfalls of early fame and the pressures of the public eye led her to troubles throughout adolescence and early adulthood.

Amid career challenges, Lohan took a hiatus from acting between 2015-2018. Her triumphant return came in 2022 with the Netflix holiday film Falling For Christmas. Notably, Lohan also reunited with her Mean Girls co-stars in a Black Friday commercial in 2023, marking a nostalgic moment for fans as some of the original cast reprised their roles from the iconic film.

3. Rachel McAdams (Regina George)

Rachel McAdamsreflecting on her pivotal role in Mean Girls, recalls the moment she eagerly embraced any part in the screenplay after reading it. In the nascent stages of her career, McAdams found the prospect of being part of the film to be a compelling aspiration. “I remember when I read it, I called my agent right away and said, ’I will play any part in this, please, please, please,’” she shared.

Following a series of auditions, McAdams secured the role of the main antagonist opposite Lindsay Lohan’s Cady, a performance that not only garnered critical acclaim but also served as a catalyst for her thriving career. From the iconic high school comedy, she seamlessly transitioned into a diverse array of films, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Spotlight in 2016.

4. Tina Fey (Ms. Sharon Norbury)

Tina Fey’s iconic screenplay for Mean Girls drew inspiration from Rosalind Wiseman’s bestselling self-help book, Queen Bees & Wannabes. Providing a humorous yet insightful glimpse into the complexities of high school dynamics. While the 2004 comedy resonated with audiences due to its relatable portrayal of teenage life, what made it truly unique were the personal touches Fey infused from her own experiences.

Fey’s ability to blend real-world insights with comedic brilliance elevated the film beyond the typical teen comedy. Beyond her iconic contribution to “Mean Girls,” Fey continues to leave her mark in the entertainment industry. In 2023, she has showcased her versatility by taking on roles in projects like A Haunting in Venice and the successful series Only Murders in the Building, demonstrating her enduring influence and creative range.

5. Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian)

Lizzy Caplan, known for her portrayal of the goth girl Janis Ian in Mean Girlsfaced a challenging hiatus in her career post the teen drama’s success. Recalling the tough period, she shared, “I remember after Mean Girls I didn’t work again for a long time. For like a year, I couldn’t get a job.”

Determined to break free from the constraints of her previous character, Caplan took matters into her own hands, opting for a bold transformation. “The next thing I did, I straight up dyed my hair blonde and got a spray tan,” she revealed. This strategic move proved effective, as shortly after her makeover, Caplan successfully booked a role. Beyond her on-screen ventures, the actress has continued to evolve, recently participating in a series titled Fatal Attraction and, in a more personal chapter, welcoming a son named Alfie with her husband Tom Riley in 2021.

6. Amanda Seyfried (Karen Smith)

While acknowledging the pivotal role Mean Girls played in her ascent, Seyfried reflects on the challenge of avoiding typecasting and breaking free from the “pretty blonde” stereotype. In recounting her early career struggles, she revealed, “Mean Girls got me on the map. It really got my foot in the door, but getting pigeonholed was the thing you had to fight.”

Now the star has since navigated a diverse array of genres on the big screen, showcasing her versatility from the realms of the erotic thriller to wholesome musicals.

7. Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners)

Lacey Chabert recently reunited with her co-stars, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried, for a nostalgic ad. The reunion was a mini-sequel where the actors relieved their iconic characters. While Chabert continues to be celebrated for her contribution to the iconic teen comedy, she has transitioned into a different genre, becoming synonymous with Hallmark Christmas movies in recent years.

8. Rajiv Surendra (Kevin Gnapoor)

Rajiv Surendra, celebrated for his portrayal of Kevin Gnapoor in Mean Girls experienced an unexpected turn in his acting trajectory when his ambitious quest for the lead role in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi did not materialize, ultimately prompting his departure from Hollywood and acting.

Today, Rajiv has emerged as a multi-talented individual, showcasing his skills in DIY and styling through a thriving social media presence, particularly on YouTube. The actor continues to captivate audiences, occasionally sharing glimpses of his personal life, including a boyfriend reveal recently.

9. Daniel Franzese (Damian Leigh)

In 2014, around the 10th anniversary of the movie, Daniel Franzese, who brought the unforgettable character Damian to life, publicly came out. Franzese was privately navigating a profound internal struggle with his own identity while portraying the witty and beloved character. Franzese shared, “It wasn’t just about being ashamed of who I was — it was about losing family members. It was about losing my livelihood.”

Fast forward to the present, and Daniel has transitioned into stand-up comedy, embracing his true self. As he moves forward, Franzese’s portrayal of Damian endures as a beacon of inspiration for queer teens.

On more recent news, Lindsay Lohan is a first-time mom, and the internet is buzzing with excitement as she proudly embraces motherhood. In a bold and empowering move, Lohan has taken to social media to share a glimpse of her postpartum journey, leaving fans in awe and sparking conversations about body positivity.

Preview photo credit Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producersrajivsurendra / InstagramMean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producers, Fati Sadou / ABACAPRESS.COM / Abaca / East News

My Boyfriend Ended Our Relationship and Gave Me an Invoice for All He ‘Spent on Me’

When Kyra discovers, by accident, that her boyfriend, Henry, has been cheating on her, she goes completely numb. Until he sends her an invoice for everything that he had ever spent on her. Fueled by her anger, Kyra fights back, exposing Henry for who he is and asking for her monetary rewards in return.

We’ve all heard of crazy boyfriend or ex-boyfriend stories—I mean, when I was in college, it was a common sleepover story.

I’ve heard of the boyfriend who wanted to taste everything his girlfriend ate—before she did. And an ex-boyfriend who demanded that his ex-girlfriend help him study for finals because it was her fault that he wasn’t able to concentrate.

But I didn’t expect my relationship to turn into one of those stories.

I had been dating Henry for two years. We had met in college at a party and after a night of drunken conversation over fries, we ended up dating.

Our relationship wasn’t perfect—in fact, over the course of it, we had broken up three times.

“Come on, Kyra,” Henry said. “We either get back together or we break up for good.”

It was the defining moment in our relationship because Henry was the one who wanted to call the shots. He wanted us to stay together, and I wanted us to call it a day.

Over the years, Henry and I had gotten into enough fights, motivating me to turn to therapy to help me cope with the stress of it.

“And yet,” my friend Brent said, “you still remain with him.”

It was just another ordinary Friday evening and Henry had come over to my place. We were going to eat pizza and watch series until we fell asleep.

A few hours into the evening, Henry had fallen asleep on the couch and I casually reached over to grab his phone to check the time.

But I was completely unprepared for everything that followed.

Just as I picked up Henry’s phone, his screen lit up with a text message from another girl.

Hey, babe! See you later or are we meeting tomorrow?

“Hey, who’s this?” I asked, nudging him awake and handing him the phone with a puzzled look.

Henry snatched the phone from my hand in a fury, his face clouding over.

“Kyra, why are you reading my messages?” he snapped, his tone defensive.

“I was just looking for the time,” I stammered. “My phone is on charge in the kitchen. I wasn’t snooping or anything.”

Henry stood up, took a swig of his now room-temperature beer, and paced around my living room.

“This is my private stuff, Kyra,” he accused. “You shouldn’t be looking at all.”

Before I could process what was happening, Henry began putting his shoes on, and then he made a final decision about our relationship.

“I think we’re done here. I can’t trust you anymore!”

And with that, he left my apartment.

Stunned, I watched him leave. We were over in the blink of an eye after two years.

I couldn’t understand if I felt relief or devastation. I would miss Henry, of course, but at the same time—I didn’t think that this was the worst thing.

Henry had been emotionally manipulating me for a long time, but I had felt a familiarity with him. And that had made it easier to stay with him.

It was the comfort of being with a familiar person, despite the heartache that came with them.

I could hear my mother’s words loud in my head.

“Kyra,” she would say, “You’re too smart to be playing a game like this. Let go of the dead weight. Henry has been nothing but dead weight since your first big fight.”

And she would be correct.

I decided to take a shower, I needed to lull my body into a sense of relaxation so that I could just let go and sleep.

And then it truly dawned on me—the reason for the breakup now was because I had caught Henry cheating on me. At first, I was too stunned. I was stunned by the fact that he had walked out on me.

But I finally managed to realize that he had actually been dating another woman. And had no idea how long it had been going on for.

The thought was too much for me to comprehend. I had so many questions running through my mind—how long had Henry been cheating on me? Who was the other person? What would have happened if I hadn’t found out?

The next few days were a complete blur—I felt a sense of relief knowing that I was untied to Henry. But at the same time, I felt hollow and a bit raw.

I found myself crying—not for Henry, but for myself. And through it all, I couldn’t understand why I was so upset.

While making a cup of tea, an email pinged on my laptop, signaling me to my desk.

It was from Henry.

Hoping for an apology, I opened it immediately—only to find a detailed bill listing every single expense that Henry claimed to have incurred on my behalf over the duration of our relationship.

Kyra, please make the payment soon. I need to move on, and you need to make things right with me. I cannot believe I wasted so much time and money on you.

I saw red—a hazy fury took over my sight. My head pounded, and my heart was ready to burst with the flood of feelings that were unleashed by Henry’s email.

“This is insane!” I screamed at the screen.

I shut off my laptop and made myself some soup. Henry and his delusional state of mind could wait. I wasn’t going to pay anything back. I was done with him.

As I cut up some garlic bread, I had an idea.

My friend, Brent, who hated Henry—was a lawyer and he loved a challenge.

“Hey, it’s me,” I said, calling him while I waited for the soup to get ready. “I’ve got a bit of a situation with Henry, and I think I need to hit back with something clever.”

Brent was intrigued. He chuckled and asked me to explain.

“Tell me everything, Kyra,” he said.

The next day, I met Brent at a coffee shop, where we planned on thinking up the next step where I could get back at Henry.

Brent ordered us coffee and pastries, while I pulled up the email from Henry.

As we laid out his claims against my emotional tolls—the late-night anxiety, the therapy costs—he burst out laughing.

“This is actually genius. Let’s draft up a counter-invoice.”

Our response was meticulously calculated, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of satisfaction sending it back to him.

This inspired me to start a blog about my journey of recovery and empowerment. To my surprise, the blog resonated with many, and soon, a publisher reached out with an interest in turning my experiences into a book.

On the other hand, Henry’s pursuit for repayment dwindled, especially once he realized the potential public fallout and legal ramifications.

“I cannot believe that you did that, Kyra,” Henry said. “People are messaging me constantly now. Why would you embarrass me like that? Why would you post the invoice I sent you? You owe me!”

I sat in front of the TV and let Henry vent on speaker.

I had absolutely no intention of explaining myself. My blog did expose him—and sure, I did post the invoice. But it was my way of healing through the entire ordeal.

But as always, Henry had to make it about himself. He commented on some of the blog posts, stating that I was yet to pay him for everything.

In reply, other readers let him have it—calling him out on his selfishness.

When Brent came over for dinner, he sat down and chuckled.

“Looks like Henry got the message,” Brent said. “He has dropped all demands. It seems like he just didn’t want to risk any further exposure.”

In the end, not only did I manage to counter his pettiness with strength, but I also carved out a new path for myself.

This wasn’t just about a breakup recovery—it was a rebirth.

What would you have done?

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