SO-GROWN
My So-Called Life cast from AJ Langer to Lisa Wilhoit look completely different 30 years after cult teen drama debut
Many of the cast's careers have skyrocketed since their appearance on the 1994 show
THE CAST of cult teen drama My So-Called Life looks completely different 30 years after the show initially premiered.
While the show only lasted a season, the cast, from AJ Langer to Lisa Wilhoit, have since made a name for themselves in Hollywood and beyond.
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My So-Called Life originally premiered on August 25, 1994.
As the show hits its 30th anniversary this year, fans are eager to know where the teen celebs are today.
Claire Danes
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The cult drama series followed the story of 15-year-old Angela Chase, played by Claire Danes.
At the time, Claire was only 13 years old. However, her role on the show landed her a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series.
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Since she appeared in the 1994 series, Claire, now 45, booked an array of shows and films, including Romeo + Juliet, Homeland, and Full Circle.
Over the span of her career, Claire has taken home various accolades, including three Primetime Emmys.
In 2009, Claire married English actor Hugh Dancy.
Together, they welcomed three kids.
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AJ Langer
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AJ Langer played the role of Angela's best friend, Rayanne Graff.
Though her acting career wasn't as big as Claire's, AJ went on to book smaller roles in films such as Seinfeld and The Drew Carey Show.
AJ retired from acting in 2013, however, the former actress went on to engage in royal affairs.
In 2004, AJ married Charles Courtenay, the 19th Earl of Devon, making the actress the Countess of Devon.
The pair moved to London in 2014, where they stayed married for nearly two decades before announcing their divorce in 2023.
While together, the pair welcomed two children.
Since the split, AJ was seen on her way to a meeting in April 2024, sporting a zip-up jacket, camo cargo pants, and a trucker hat, as she looked different from her days on the show.
Bess Armstrong
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Bess Armstrong was famously known as Angelas's mom, Patty Chase, in the teen drama.
On the show, she was married to Graham Chase, played by Tom Irwin.
Before My So-Called Life, Bess had been acting in various shows and films, including The Four Seasons, Jaws 3-D, and Married People.
After her stint on the ABC show, Bess continued acting, with her most recent roles in The Good Doctor and Grey's Anatomy.
Throughout her career, Bess has been married twice. The Maryland actress married film producer John Fiedler in 1985 and has been married ever since.
Together, the couple have three kids: Lucy, Samuel, and Luke.
Bess was recently spotted jet-setting from LAX Airport last week with her pixie cut grown out.
Lisa Wilhoit
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Lisa Wilhoit played the role of Angela's little sister, Danielle Chase.
Since My So-Called Life, Lisa has booked small roles in shows such as 7th Heaven, Greek, and Watching Ellie.
Recently, Lisa made a career as a voice actress.
According to her IMDb, she has voiced various characters in Family Guy as well as the 2017 film Smurfs: The Lost Village.
Just last week, Lisa was spotted taking out the trash from her home in Los Angeles wearing ripped jeans, flip-flops, and a gray shirt.
Tom Irwin
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Tom Irwin famously played Angela's dad, Graham, and was the on-screen husband to Bess's character, Patty.
Similar to Bess, before My So-Called Life, Tom had been acting for years prior.
However, his acting career after the ABC show skyrocketed.
The actor was a series regular for hit shows, including Devious Maids, Saving Grace, and Grey's Anatomy.
His most recent role was as Fred Micklen on The Morning Show alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Tom was recently spotted strolling through his Los Angeles neighborhood with his two dogs, as he showed off gray locks compared to his days on the show.
Jared Leto
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A heartthrob to many, Jared Leto played the role of Angela's love interest, Jordan Catalano.
Similar to Claire, Jared has had a huge success in his career following My So-Called Life.
In addition to being an actor, Jared is the frontman of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars alongside his brother Shannon Leto.
As of 2024, the brothers are currently on the Seasons World Tour, which is set to conclude on December 14, 2024, in Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Jared has booked A-list roles, including Suicide Squad, Zack Snyder's Justice League, House of Gucci, and Morbius.
He is also scheduled to play the lead role of Ares in the 2025 film Tron: Ares.
Jared's successful career landed the actor and musician an Oscar for his performance in the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club.
He traded in his clean-cut look on the show for long hair and a beard today.
Devon Odessa
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On the show, Devon Odessa played the role of Angela's childhood best friend, Sharon Cherski.
Before her role on My So-Called Life, Devon was known for her roles in The Facts of Life, Small Wonder, and Full House.
After the ABC show, the West Virginia actress booked gigs on That's So Raven and in 2024 as Jackie in the film Shark Girl.
In addition to her acting career, Devon is married to Jeffrey Baldinger.
Together, the couple have two children.
She was recently seen walking her dog around her Los Angeles neighborhood looking totally different with long locks, as she ditched her signature bangs.
Wilson Cruz
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Wilson Cruz played the role of troubled gay teen Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez.
His role on the show was vital as My So-Called Life was one of the first to bring to light homophobia and teenage alcoholism, among other tough themes, with the show using Rickie to do so.
The ABC show was Wilson's first acting gig, and from there, the New York actor has been widely recognized for his roles in Party of Five, 13 Reasons Why, and Star Trek: Discovery.
In 2024, Wilson played the role of Scott in the Netflix movie Mother of the Bride alongside Brooke Shields and Benjamin Bratt.
Wilson also recently attended the Social Impact Fund and The Hollywood Reporter 2024 Social Impact Summit: The Future of Hollywood in July this year.
TV Show Cancellations 2024
While many TV shows were renewed this year, many did not get as lucky and were axed by their respective networks. Here's a list of some shows that didn't make the cut for another season:
- Blue Bloods - CBS (cancelled after its 14th season)
- The Good Doctor - ABC (cancelled after its 7th season)
- Grown-ish - Freeform (cancelled after its 6th season)
- Good Trouble - Freeform (cancelled after its 5th season)
- Magnum P.I. - moves to NBC (cancelled after its 5th season)
- Station 19 - ABC (cancelled after its 7th season)
- Superman & Lois - CW (cancelled after its 4th season)
- What We Do in the Shadows - FX (cancelled after its 6th season)
- Young Sheldon - CBS (cancelled after its 7th season)
- NCIS: Hawai'i - CBS (cancelled after its 3rd season)
- CSI: Vegas - CBS (cancelled after its 3rd season)
- So Help Me Todd - CBS (cancelled after its 2nd season)
Devon Gummersall
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Lastly, Devon Gummersall played the shy and awkward character Brian Krakow, who has a crush on Angela throughout the season.
Similar to his My So-Called Life co-stars, Devon went on to book small roles over the last three decades.
In 2023, Devon played the role of Robert in the TV movie You're Not Supposed to Be Here.
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In addition to his acting career, the Colorado actor has directed a few films and series, including two episodes of the drama show Nashville.
According to his Instagram, Devon is often seen enjoying nature and playing golf.
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