Once adored as the ultimate ’90s girl-next-door, this Hollywood star’s transformation over the years left social media users talking. Her timeless beauty and iconic roles made her a beloved figure, but recent changes had some convinced she “doesn’t even look like the same person” anymore.
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.
The actress at the ABC Television Affiliates Party on June 9, 1994, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The Hollywood star at the 125th Edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Opening Night Performance on April 27, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The ’90s star during the 1995 MTV’s Rock n’ Jock Basketball event in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The actress at the “Three Wishes” premiere on October 24, 1995, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“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.'”
The Hollywood star circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The ’90s star, circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images
“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.
The American actress at the premiere of “That Thing You Do” on September 30, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The Hollywood actress at the Fashion Café in New York in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
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.”
The actress at the “House Arrest” premiere on July 20, 1996, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The “Party of Five” star at the Back to School fashion show on August 17, 1996, in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
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.'”
The American actress at the Environmental Media Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on October 14, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
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.”
The ’90s star during an interview with host Jay Leno on October 22, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
“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.
The Hollywood star at the 23rd Annual American Music Awards in 1996 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
The actress at the 65th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade on December 1, 1996, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
By 1999, Hewitt’s look had matured, reflecting her transition from a teen star to an established Hollywood presence.
Jennifer Love Hewitt at the First Annual Teen Choice Awards on August 1, 1999, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt at the 10th Annual Boathouse Rock Dance Party on June 11, 2001, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt during the ShoWest 2004 Fox Searchlight Pictures event on March 25, 2004, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt arrives at “The Envelope Please” Oscar viewing party on March 5, 2006, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt at the Step Up Women’s Network 2008 Inspiration Awards Luncheon on May 9, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt at the Oceana benefit at Esquire House LA on November 13, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt photographed in Los Angeles, California, on September 13, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Jennifer Love Hewitt seen in Los Angeles, California, on October 10, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt filming “Criminal Minds” in 2015. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt photographed in Los Angeles, California, on September 4, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
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.
Jennifer Love Hewitt at the FOX Summer TCA 2019 All-Star Party on August 7, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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].”
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].”
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
Despite the criticism, Jennifer Love Hewitt has been celebrated for her ageless beauty all these years later. Though she once struggled with the pressures of aging in Hollywood, she now stands as the picture of a woman who embraces every line.
