20 Former Teen Actors Who Are Now Famous TV Parents

Here’s a sign that you’re getting old.

Jesse

• Published in Film & TV
• July 31, 2022

Most people spent a considerable chunk of their childhood in front of television sets. You can’t blame them, though. Teen TV shows and movies were the real deal.

From the characters to the plot and even the soundtracks, there was almost no reason not to love these shows.

Most importantly, we can’t deny the fact that we fell in love with some specific characters that kept us glued to our screens. Watching these teens act out completely relatable scenarios made our day, and now they are all grown up. 

Thankfully, while age may change an actor’s roles, it doesn’t end their career. As a result, even though these actors are no longer teens, they still grace our screens ever so often.

Yet, that’s not the catch in this piece. It’s the fact that the teen actors we watched as kids are now so grown that they are TV parents themselves. Yup, you read that right. 

To further prove our point, we have compiled a list of some of the most significant teen sensations who are now taking on parent roles in movies and TV series. 

Over the years, some of these actors have remained glaringly the same, while others have undergone unexpected transformations. So prepare for a few shockers.

1. Benjamin McKenzie

Then: 16-year-old Ryan Atwood on Welcome To The O.C, Bitch!

Now: Dad in I Want You Back.

2. Zac Efron

Then: 17-year-old Troy Bolton in High School Musical.

Now: Dad in Firestarter. 

3. Raven-Symoné

Then: Raven Baxter on That's So Raven.

Now: Mother of two in Raven's Home.

4. Sarah Drew

Then: Featured as Hannah, a high schooler, on Everwood.

Now: Jeanette's mother in Cruel Summer.

5. Nicole Bilderback

Then: Whitney in the 2000 Bring It On.

Now: Jeanette's lawyer in Cruel Summer.

6. Chad Michael Murray

Then: Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill.

Now: Edgar Evernever on Riverdale.

7. Winona Ryder

Then: 17-year-old Veronica Sawyer in Heathers.

Now: Joyce Byers on Stranger Things.

8. Scott Wolf

Then: 16-year-old Bailey Salinger on Party of Five.

Now: Nancy Drew's father on Nancy Drew.

9. Minka Kelly

Then: Lyla Garrity on Friday Night Lights.

Now: A mom on Euphoria.

10. Alanna Ubach

Then: Serena in Legally Blonde.

Now: Cassie and Lexi's mom Suze on Euphoria. 

11. Mekhi Phifer

Then: Odin "O" James in O.

Now: Mia’s dad on Love, Victor.

12. Sophia Bush

Then: Brooke Davis on One Tree Hill.

Now: Mia's stepmother on Love, Victor.

13. Meredith Monroe

Then: Andie McPhee on Dawson's Creek.

Now: Alex’s mom on 13 Reasons Why.

14. Wilson Cruz

Then: Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life.

Now: The Bakers' lawyer, Dennis Vasquez, on 13 Reasons Why.

15. Molly Ringwald

Then: Teen star in Pretty in Pink.

Now: Archie’s mom in Riverdale.

16. Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel

Then: Played childhood sweethearts Cory and Topanga on Boy Meets World.

Now: They have kids in Girl Meets World. 

17. Luke Perry

Then: Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210.

Now: Archie's dad, Fred Andrews, on Riverdale until he passed in 2019. 

18. Nia Peeples

Then: Nicole Chapman on Fame.

Now: Emily's mom on Pretty Little Liars.

19. Skeet Ulrich

Then: Billy Loomis in Scream.

Now: F.P. Jones on Riverdale.

20. Alicia Silverstone

Then: Cher in Clueless.

Now: Kristy's mom, in The Baby-Sitters Club reboot.

You're probably wondering how they're all so old now. Remember how many years ago you watched them in those teen movies or TV series?

Now, this is your cue to digest how much time has gone by. Take it all in.

Which of these stars was your favorite while growing up? Tell us in the comment section below!

Jesse