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 McAdams, reflecting 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 Girls, faced 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-producers, rajivsurendra / Instagram, Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producers, Fati Sadou / ABACAPRESS.COM / Abaca / East News

Family Gathers for Dinner at Grandma’s, Only to Face Shocking Inheritance Revelations — Story of the Day

Camilla is headed to her grandmother’s 80th birthday dinner, where family tensions and secrets are set to unravel. As they gather for the first time in years, old rivalries ignite, hidden truths surface, and a sudden twist leaves them all reeling.

Camilla and her husband, Scott, were driving to a family dinner at her grandmother’s house. For the first time in years, the entire family was together.

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They had come from different cities because it was Grandma Eleanor’s 80th birthday, and she insisted they all attend. Scott parked the car, and they stepped out into the cool evening air.

“I still don’t get why we’re here,” Scott grumbled as they walked to the front door.

“It’s Grandma’s birthday,” Camilla replied. “She wants to see us all together. She’s the only kind person in our family. I couldn’t say no.”

“I get that, but I could be working right now. You know we need the money more than ever,” Scott complained.

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“It’s just one evening.” Camilla patted her stomach, her loose sweater concealing her figure. “Do you think they’ll notice?”

“They shouldn’t. Even I wouldn’t if I didn’t know,” Scott responded.

“Good. I don’t want Mom to know yet. Maybe I’ll tell Grandma at the end of the night,” Camilla said.

“It’s your choice, honey. I’m here for you,” Scott said, giving her a gentle hug.

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They heard another car parking. Turning around, they saw Camilla’s brother, Michael, and his wife, Stacy, getting out of their car.

“Hey! Wait for us!” Michael shouted, running over.

“Sweetie, I can’t run! I’m in heels!” Stacy whined, catching up slowly. Camilla and Scott exchanged looks, rolling their eyes. It was clear Stacy was with Michael for his wealth, once she even said it herself.

“Can we go in now?” Scott asked. They all approached the door, and Camilla rang the bell.

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A moment later, the door opened, and a joyous Eleanor stood there. “My darlings! I’m so glad to see you!” she exclaimed, hugging each of them. They walked into the dining room, where a beautifully set table awaited, laden with food.

“Why did you make so much? You could’ve waited, and we would’ve helped,” Camilla said.

“Stop it. I enjoy doing this,” Eleanor replied. They all sat at the table.

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“Mom isn’t here yet?” Michael asked.

“She said she wasn’t sure if she could make it,” Eleanor said sadly.

“Typical. She never has time for us,” Camilla remarked.

“Stop it. She’s our mom,” Michael responded.

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“Just because you’re her favorite doesn’t mean anything! She hasn’t even wished me a happy birthday in years!” Camilla snapped.

“Not everyone can be perfect like you!” Michael shouted back.

“She always put her acting career before us! She still does! And look who’s talking about perfection – the owner of several restaurants!” Camilla yelled.

“I worked hard for that!” Michael shouted.

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“Let’s calm down a bit,” Scott suggested.

But Camilla didn’t hear him. “You just got lucky Uncle decided to give the restaurants to you!” she screamed.

“You’ve always been jealous of me!” Michael yelled.

“Jealous?! Of what?! That you’re completely alone, and your wife’s with you only for the money?!” Camilla screamed.

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“As if your situation is any better! Your husband can’t even find a decent job! And how long have you been trying to have a kid? Five? Ten years?” Michael yelled.

“Go to hell!” Camilla screamed.

“Enough!” Eleanor shouted, standing up. “You’re acting like children! I brought you here to have a nice dinner on MY birthday. And I was even thinking about what to do with the inheritance.”

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“What inheritance?!” Michael and Camilla asked in unison.

“The one your grandfather left, and I will leave too. But you can forget about it. You don’t know how to appreciate what you have. I’m not leaving you anything until you learn to value it!” Eleanor declared.

“Wait! What do we need to do to get the inheritance?” Michael shouted after her.

“Convince me you deserve it,” Eleanor said, walking away.

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Camilla started feeling unwell and stepped outside, holding and gently rubbing her stomach. After a few minutes, Michael joined her.

“So we might get an inheritance,” he said to Camilla.

“We might have if you hadn’t ruined everything as usual,” Camilla replied.

“Me? You started it,” Michael said defensively.

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“Michael, I need this inheritance. I really need it,” Camilla said.

“I need it too,” Michael retorted.

“You have restaurants! Leave me something!” Camilla snapped.

“Business isn’t going well, and Stacy threatens to leave if I don’t fix it,” Michael said.

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“That might be good for you,” Camilla said. “I’m not backing down. Scott and I need the money badly right now.”

“And what are you going to do?” Michael asked.

“Prove I deserve the inheritance,” Camilla said, walking back into the house.

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“Hey! That’s not fair!” Michael shouted, following her.

Camilla found Eleanor in her bedroom. “I’m sorry we ruined your celebration with our fighting,” Camilla said.

“It’s not your fault. Your mother didn’t raise you to be friendly,” Eleanor replied.

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“Do you want something? Food? Drink?” Camilla asked.

“Is this how you want to prove you deserve the inheritance?”

“Scott and I really need this money right now,” Camilla said, placing a hand on her stomach. “Because—”

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Michael barged in, interrupting, “Don’t listen to her. She’s lying about me.”

“We weren’t talking about you,” Eleanor said. “Camilla, you were saying?”

“No, nothing important. I’ll tell you later,” Camilla said, not wanting Michael to hear.

“Do you need anything, Grandma? Let me help you with something,” Michael offered.

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“If you think sucking up to me will get you the inheritance, you’re wrong,” Eleanor said. “Let’s go back to the table and continue dinner.”

The three of them returned to the dining room, where Scott and Stacy were still sitting, and saw that Margaret, Camilla and Michael’s mom, had arrived.

“My darlings! I’m so happy to see you!” Margaret said, hugging Michael and then Camilla. “You’ve gained some weight, Camilla,” she commented, making Camilla roll her eyes. They all sat down.

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“Michael told me you’re discussing inheritance. Am I in the list of heirs?” Margaret asked.

“So that’s why you came. Not surprised my daughter only wants money from me,” Eleanor said.

“Not at all. I came for your birthday,” Margaret said.

“Sure, I believe that,” Eleanor replied.

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“I think we should discuss the inheritance,” Michael said, holding Stacy’s hand. “We believe it should go to us.”

“Why you?” Scott asked.

“When was the last time you visited Grandma?” Camilla asked.

“We live far away; it’s hard to get here,” Michael replied.

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“We also live far away but visit at least once a month,” Camilla said.

“I sent groceries to Grandma!” Michael shouted.

“I helped her around the house!” Camilla shouted back.

“I called her every week!” Michael yelled.

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“I called her every day!” Camilla screamed.

“I think the inheritance should go to me as the oldest,” Margaret said.

“No!” Camilla and Michael shouted in unison.

“Oh!” Margaret said, clutching her chest.

“Grandma, are you okay?” Camilla asked.

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“Yes, just…” Eleanor didn’t finish her sentence and fainted. Camilla rushed to her.

“Grandma! Grandma! Call an ambulance!” Camilla shouted, then grabbed her stomach and screamed.

“What’s wrong?” Scott asked nervously.

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“It’s starting,” Camilla said.

“What’s starting? Labor?” Scott asked.

“Yes,” Camilla said, screaming again.

“You’re pregnant?!” Michael asked, shocked.

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“I’m going to be a grandma!” Margaret exclaimed.

Scott called an ambulance, and they took Camilla and Eleanor to the hospital. The rest gathered to drive to the hospital in Michael’s car.

“Let’s take my car,” Michael said.

“Fine,” Scott replied.

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“Michael, maybe you shouldn’t go. You know I hate hospitals,” Stacy said.

“What? My grandma is sick, and my sister is giving birth,” Michael said.

“But I don’t want to go,” Stacy said.

“Then stay,” Michael said.

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Michael, Scott, and Margaret drove after the ambulance.

Camilla was in the delivery room, almost ready to give birth but refusing to until she heard about Eleanor.

“What’s happening with Grandma?!” Camilla screamed. “Tell me about my Grandma!”

Scott sat beside her, holding her hand. “Please, calm down. The baby is the priority now.”

“There’s no time to wait. We need to deliver,” the doctor said.

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“What’s happening with my Grandma?!” Camilla screamed.

The doctors calmed her down, and she delivered a healthy baby girl. She held the baby when Michael and Margaret entered the room.

“I can’t believe I’m an uncle,” Michael said. “I’m sorry for everything I said at dinner.”

Margaret looked upset. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” she asked Camilla.

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“I didn’t want you to be in her life and then disappear like you did with me and Michael,” Camilla said.

“You’re right. I wasn’t a good mom. But maybe I can be a good grandma,” Margaret said.

“Let’s take it slow,” Camilla replied. “Do you know what’s happening with Grandma?”

“Camilla…” Margaret hesitated. “You need to rest and not stress.”

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“What happened to her?” Camilla insisted.

“Her heart stopped,” Michael said. “The doctor said it had been bad for a while. I think that’s why she wanted us all together.”

Camilla started to cry, and Scott hugged her.

A doctor entered the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but we found something in Eleanor’s belongings. I think you should see it,” the doctor said, handing Michael a folded note. Michael brought it to Camilla, and they read it together.

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I know our family isn’t the closest, and I wanted to change that. I hope it can happen with you, but I have more hope for the new generation. Camilla, I know you’re pregnant, even though you tried to hide it. I’m so happy for you and Scott. That is why I want my great-grandchild to inherit everything I have. Teach this child to love and protect our family, as it’s the most important thing we have. Michael, it’s time to leave Stacy. Margaret, it’s time to learn to be a mother and a grandmother. I love you all very much and hope you know that. Learn to love each other too.