Decades in the future, it’s likely that the early 2000s will be seen as the era of unfettered entertainment. The advent of the internet changed the idea of celebrity. Not only did it usher in the reality TV boom, but it also put the power to become a celebrity into the hands of the average person thanks to social media and video streaming platforms.
In the past, careers in Hollywood and beyond were developed slowly over time. By the early 2000s, that timeline had been shortened. In other words, it was a period when many names surged in popularity and claimed headlines… but not too many of these celebrities have since stood the test of time.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most interesting famous names from the early 2000s who have dropped off the map or switched to focus their efforts elsewhere.
Jim Sturgess
Jim Sturgess was a temporary heartthrob. His breakthrough came with 2007’s Across the Universe. The musical was an innovative and catchy exploration of life through the lens of the Beatles’ top hits, with Sturgess at the helm. But his more well-known role came when he stepped into the shoes of a blackjack player alongside Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey in 21.
The film touched on the highly intellectual nature of the game. Compared to other casino card games, blackjack is preferred because it emphasizes mathematics-based probabilities. Whether playing online or on a virtual platform like PokerStars Casino, players are able to use their mental skills to give them an edge—something that Sturgess captured wonderfully in the film.
But where is he now? Following a substantial role in 2012’s Cloud Atlas, Sturgess has taken on smaller roles largely based in the UK. In 2019, he appeared in an anthology of romantic stories in Berlin, I Love You alongside other early-2000s favorites like Keira Knightly, Helen Mirren, and Luke Wilson.
Nicole Richie
Before Kim Kardashian became known as Paris Hilton’s main bestie, there was Nicole Richie. Paris and Nicole weren’t just early reality TV sweethearts—they helped invent and steer the sector. But following her under-wraps falling out with Hilton after The Simple Life ended in 2007, she disappeared from the mainstream. Though she had parts on shows like Fashion Star, her own comedy series called Candidly Nicole (which included cameos of her sister), and acting roles in Great News, she failed to build a large fanbase. In fact, it isn’t until the last few years that Richie has managed to re-enter the mainstream. In 2020, she took on the role of a judge alongside Naomi Campbell and Jeremy Scott for seasons one and three of Making the Cut. Aside from that, Richie has largely disappeared—though her name is still known.
Kelly Osbourne
Along with The Simple Life, MTV’s hit show The Osbournes put reality television on the map. The show followed the daily happenings of the Osbourne family, headed by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife, Sharon. However, an ill-advised foray into the music industry changed the outlook of daughter Kelly Osbourne’s time in front of the camera.
That being said, she has kept up with her career in reality television, appearing in shows like Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway Junior, and Fashion Police. However, she’s likely most well-known for her appearances on the US talk show titled The View. Back in 2015, she gained national attention for an ill-advised comment, which saw her appearances on the show lessen in the following years.
Brendan Fraser
We’re rounding off this list with one of the greatest comeback stories in Hollywood. Back in the early 2000s, Brendan Fraser was at the top of his game. As one of Hollywood’s quirkiest hunks, he had leading roles in hits like The Mummy trilogy and Crash, along with 90s hits like Encino Man and George of the Jungle. However, from 2009 to 2020, Fraser largely disappeared from the public eye.
Many pointed to a public allegation that Fraser had made against a Hollywood big-wig, Philip Berk. Allegedly, Berk then blacklisted Fraser, barring him from landing major roles. But by 2021, Fraser’s luck had changed. His role in Steven Soderbergh’s crime drama No Sudden Move put his name back on the map, and he was then offered a role in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, for which he became the first Canadian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.