31 Famous and Iconic Actresses Who Ruled the 90s
The 1990s produced some of the most legendary leading ladies in Hollywood history. These actresses defined the decade with their iconic roles, acclaimed performances, and influence on pop culture.
Let’s look back at 31 famous and iconic actresses from the 90s:
1. Julia Roberts
America’s sweetheart, Julia Roberts enchanted with hits like Pretty Woman, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Notting Hill.
2. Meg Ryan
The quintessential rom-com queen, Meg Ryan stole hearts in classics like Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally.
3. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock launched to stardom in the 90s thrillers Speed and Miss Congeniality.
4. Nicole Kidman
With her porcelain beauty, Nicole Kidman shone in films like To Die For, Eyes Wide Shut, and Moulin Rouge!
5. Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston became a household name portraying Rachel on the smash-hit sitcom Friends.
6. Demi Moore
Demi Moore cemented her A-list status starring in hits like A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal, and G.I. Jane.
7. Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder excelled in 90s cult classics like Edward Scissorhands, Reality Bites, and Girl, Interrupted.
8. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Sarah Michelle Gellar slayed as Buffy in TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer and in hit movies like Cruel Intentions.
9. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore made her triumphant transition to adult stardom in beloved films like The Wedding Singer and Ever After.
10. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s work in Girl, Interrupted hinted at her future greatness and cemented her rising star status.
11. Cameron Diaz
With her magnetic charm, Cameron Diaz burst onto the scene in The Mask, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and There’s Something About Mary.
12. Claire Danes
Claire Danes won acclaim for her roles in edgy 90s films like Romeo + Juliet and The Rainmaker.
13. Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell screamed her way to fame as Sidney Prescott in the smash horror hit Scream franchise.
14. Salma Hayek
Sultry beauty Salma Hayek often portrayed sexy vixens in 90s flicks like Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Wild Wild West.
15. Uma Thurman
Cool girl Uma Thurman established her star power playing Mia Wallace in 1994’s iconic Pulp Fiction.
16. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon delightfully portrayed popular overachiever Tracy Flick in 1999’s Election.
17. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow gracefully came into her own starring in Emma, Great Expectations, and Shakespeare in Love.
18. Helen Hunt
Helen Hunt charmed TV audiences on Mad About You while winning an Oscar for As Good as It Gets.
19. Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith emerged as a talent to watch in films like Set It Off, Scream 2, and The Nutty Professor.
20. Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth Hurley became a knockout sensation donning the safety pin dress in 1994’s Four Weddings and a Funeral.
21. Fairuza Balk
With an edgy aesthetic, Fairuza Balk transitioned from child star in Return to Oz to rebellious teen in The Craft.
22. Thora Birch
Young actress Thora Birch held her own opposite veterans in American Beauty and Hocus Pocus.
23. Christina Ricci
Deadpan darling Christina Ricci endeared herself to outsiders in The Addams Family, Casper, and Now and Then.
24. Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker rocketed to fame as fashionista columnist Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.
25. Sherilyn Fenn
Sultry siren Sherilyn Fenn captivated audiences as naughty girl Audrey Horne on cult series Twin Peaks.
26. Famke Janssen
Famke Janssen transformed into the powerful Jean Grey in the hugely popular X-Men blockbusters.
27. Andie MacDowell
Andie MacDowell displayed her charm and poise in rom-coms like Four Weddings and a Funeral.
28. Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth Shue gracefully pivoted from her 80s teen roles to acclaimed adult parts in Leaving Las Vegas and Deconstructing Harry.
29. Bridget Fonda
Cool and confident, Bridget Fonda smoothly transitioned to more mature roles in The Godfather Part III, Point of No Return, and Jackie Brown.
30. Mira Sorvino
Mira Sorvino’s versatility shone through in Mighty Aphrodite, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, and Mimic.
31. Téa Leoni
Téa Leoni starred in 90s hits like Bad Boys, Jurassic Park III, and Deep Impact, often playing tough, independent women.
Defining Film and TV of the Era
With their memorable roles and captivating charm, these 31 actresses came to represent the distinctive spirit of film and television in the 1990s. Their influence still shines through in the entertainment of today.
