15 Celebs We All Forgot Existed
Just like a number of other things in the world, celebrities, unfortunately, come and go, acting as a conveyor belt for the next big talent. Going from the hot spicy new flavor of one week to being ditched to the bottom of the barrel the next, life can sometimes be difficult for those who reign at the top. That's right, with no protection, falling from grace can be extremely common, with a number of one time superstars somehow finding themselves in the bargain basement of straight to video movies, or even worse, completely forgotten about. Yet, some, the ones who are lucky that is, fight their way back to the top, blasting their way back onscreen and earning their right as the comeback King or Queen. However, some, don't quite make it, sinking to the very bottom, and never to return again. So, to celebrate the fickleness of Hollywood itself, here are 15 celebrities we all forgot existed.
15 Jeff Cohen
Born in Los Angeles, USA, Jeffrey Cohen was once of the most recognizable faces in the world. Most famous for his role as, Chunk, in the popular childhood movie, The Goonies, in 1985, Cohen automatically became one of the most popular characters within the movie franchise. With his characters signature move, 'the truffle shuffle', still referenced today, sadly the same can't be said for the actor who performed it. Claiming that he "did not give up acting, acting gave up me", Cohen felt he was forced to quit the movie business due to being type cast as the 'fat kid'. That is right, retiring not long after, Cohen decided to study law. Now, a fully fledged entertainment attorney, Cohen can also be seen in the realms of the media, writing about business and political matters, a far cry from the Hawaiian shirt wearing, plump little Chunk we so loved.
14 Nate Richert
Best known for his role as teen heartthrob, Harvey Kinkle, on the popular show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Nate Richert suddenly disappeared when the show finally ended in 2003. We bet that your mind is so blown right now because you really forgot about him! That is right, extremely well liked, Richert played the boyfriend of main character Sabrina, played by the teen queen herself, Melissa Joan Heart. Launching a music career not long after, Richert is still as obscure as ever, with his music failing to reach any kind of success. Music, say what?! However, recently tweeting a picture of himself captioned, "you will never believe what Harvey looks like now… ", Richert poked fun at his hunk teenage image. Pictured with thick rimmed glasses, a shaved head, and a couple extra pounds, Richert was a far cry from the chiseled and handsome days of hunk Harvey Kinkle. So sad.
13 William Hung
Looking at the picture above, we bet you are jaw dropped, laughing because you completely forgot about him too! Originally born in Hong Kong, William James Hung, real name Hung Hing Cheong, moved to New Jersey, USA, at just ten years old. Known for his performances on the hit show American Idol, Hung gained world wide fame after his rendition of Ricky Martin classic, 'She Bangs', in 2004. Studying at the time, Hung dropped out to pursue music. However, often accused of promoting or inciting racism and Asian stereotypes, Hung received an enormous amount of negative feedback, something he didn't expect. Bringing his musical career to an end, Hung accepted a job as a technical crime analyst for the Los Angeles Country Sheriff's Department, a far cry from the days of American Idol. Recently discussing his brief time at the top, Hung stated, "I showed that even the Average Joe could succeed".
12 Tammy Lynn Michaels
Pursuing acting at a young age, Tammy Lynn Michaels was a famous face during the 00's. Shooting into the spotlight as the girl we loved to hate, Nicole Julian, on the cult favorite Popular, Michaels went on to guest star in a number of TV dramas. Seen in That '80s show, The L Word, and LGBT movie Debs, Michaels suddenly disappeared from the spotlight. Openly gay, Michaels married rock goddess, Melissa Etheridge in 2001, with Michaels giving birth to twins a few years later. Ending their nine relationships in 2009, the couple split, with Michaels and Etheridge undergoing a bitter custody battle. Now, living life as a blogger of all things cultural (wow talk about a job that relates to most of us these days!), Michaels has seemingly stepped away from the screen, preferring to stay behind the camera. Looks like the phrase "starts, they're just like us" really rings true to its meaning here.
11 Eamon
Hailing from New York City, Eamon Jonathan Doyle is the epitome of the one hit wonder. Releasing debut single, "F*** (It I Don't Want You Back)" in late 2003, the song immediately went viral, heard all over the radio, as well as on television. Initially garnering attention in the U.S, the song quickly headed across the pond, reaching Europe, and even making the number one spot in Australia. With the success of the single even earning Eamon a Guinness world record for most amount of expletives in one song (how crazy is that!), the number even resulted in an answer single, in which his apparent ex-girlfriend responded with her own tune, aptly named, "F.U.R.B. (F*** You Right Back)". However, claiming not to know the supposed ex, Eamon continued on in his quest for stardom, only to fade away into obscurity, like all the other one hit wonders to have blinded the world.
10 Cris Judd
Dancer and one time actor, Cris Judd, was once one an extremely talented choreographer, working with stars such as Michael Jackson and Celine Dion. Going on to choreograph a number of famous music videos, Judd helped construct My Way by Usher, and Ain't It Funny-Remix by Ja Rule. Meeting pop starlet, Jennifer Lopez, through dancing, Judd later became the creative director for NBC special, Let's Get Loud, overseeing a whopping $5 million budget. Marrying in 2001 after a whirlwind romance, the pair later divorced, less than a year later. Making a comeback through the realms of reality TV, Judd appeared on the first season of the American series, I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here, eventually winning the show. Disappearing out of the limelight, Judd faded into obscurity, only seen sporadically throughout the dancing world. Looks like his (failed) relationship with the beloved J.Lo was his ticket to stardom, but seeing how that did not work out, neither did his career.
9 Ariana Richards
Once a big time movie star, Ariana Richards was one of the most sought after celebs of Hollywood. Appearing in major flicks such as Prancer and Tremors, it was her role as Lex Murphy in the legendary Jurassic Park that propelled her to stardom (ah yes, now you remember her). That is right, playing elder sister Lex, her character undergoes a series of terrifying ordeals, including that of being hunted by a Velociraptor, as well as having to deal with the mighty Tyrannous Rex. Recognized all over the world, Richards won several Young Artist Awards for her acting skills, as well as critical acclaim. Giving it all up, Richards suddenly decided acting wasn't for her, preferring to focus on her art career instead. Earning a degree in Fine Art and Drama in 2001, Richards won first place in the National Professional Oil Painting Competition for her painting, Lady of the Dahlias.
8 Ralph Macchio
Originally born in New York, Ralph Macchio first made headlines in the popular television series, Eight is Enough, playing teenager Jeremy Andretti. Going on to star in The Outsiders, alongside a number of other actors, including Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon and Rob Lowe, Macchio was beginning to get noticed. However, it was his role as Daniel LaRusso, in the cult favorite, Karate Kid, that really propelled him into international stardom, with the movie one of the most popular teen flicks of all time. Starring in all three movies that were originally made, Macchio became a hit with teenagers all over the world, with Macchio himself actually in his mid-twenties. Never quite reaching the success of the Karate Kid, Macchio disappeared, going on to become a guest star in a number of sitcoms across the United States. We can't all be winners sometimes, but I guess that's okay for some celebs!
7 Shane West
You probably haven't forgotten about this hunk, but he does slip your mind from time to time. Born in Louisiana, Shane West moved to Los Angeles at 15 to pursue an acting career. Landing his first big role in 1998, West guest starred in the critically acclaimed and cult favorite, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Playing the role of Eli Sammler in the ABC family drama Once and Again, alongside Mischa Barton, West was quickly becoming a well-known face. Making the rounds in a number of teen flicks, West really got pulses throbbing when he was cast as Landon Carter opposite Mandy Moore in the 2002 adaptation of A Walk to Remember. With his performance earning him a number of teen awards, West went on to win the Young Hollywood Award. Deciding to venture into music, West fronted the punk rock band, Jonny Was, however, he last played with the band in 2009.
6 Andrew Keegan
Born in Los Angeles, Andrew Keegan first appeared on screens in the cult classic, Camp Nowhere. Guest starring in a number of TV dramas such as Full House, Party of Five, and 7th Heaven, Keegan's breakout role came in the form of womanizing jerk, Joey Donner, in the ultimate teen flick, 10 Things I Hate About You. With the movie garnering critical acclaim, it has also gained somewhat of a cult following, with Keegan's character one of the main sources of comedy. Going on to star in movies such as The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy, which won the best picture at the GLAAD Awards, Keegan then moved into theater, in which he received positive views. However, seemingly having a change of heart, Keegan left the acting world for something entirely different all together, forming the spiritual center, Full Circle, in 2014. That's right, often described as a 'cult' of sorts, Full Circle has been described as a 'new religion", and a, "non-denominational spiritual community center where people of all beliefs and backgrounds come together to meditate, practice yoga, and engage artistically." Interesting…
5 Brandon Davis
This guy. Oil heir and grandson of the former 20th Century Fox owner Martin Davis, Brandon Davis was the number one party boy of the early 00's. That is right, hanging out with the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Mischa Barton, he was also rumored to have dated all three, dubbing Lohan with the nickname 'firecrotch', and calling Barton a 'fat heifer', after they broke up. Charming isn't he? In and out of rehab, as well as the papers, Davis was once caught with a huge amount of illegal substances, in which he was arrested. Usually pictured looking absolutely wasted, to say the least, Davis was the ultimate Hollywood party boy. Suddenly disappearing into thin air, along with the other losers of that era, Davis seemingly kept out of the media. However, in 2015, Davis was involved in a collision, which saw his Mercedes sports car become engulfed in flames.
4 Rider Strong
Born in San Francisco, Rider Strong was one of the most famous faces in the world at one point, becoming a pin up for a number of people all over the world. Starting young, Strong began his career at the tender age of nine years old, starring in a San Francisco production of Les Miserables. Guest starring in a number of TV shows, his first big break came in the form of Shawn Hunter, on the ABC series, Boy Meets World. Popular, the series ran for seven years, with Strong nominated for the Young Artist Award two times. Going on to star in a few horror movies after the show ended, Strong faded away into obscurity, declining an offer to return to the show that made him famous. That's right, with the spin-off, Girl Meets World, starring the majority of the previous cast members, Strong later changed his mind, briefly reprising his role as Shawn Hunter one last time.
3 Eve
Originally hailing from Philadelphia, Eve, full name, Eve Jihan Jeffers-Cooper, got into music during high school, in which she performed in an all female group named EDGP. Spotted at an early age, Eve was first featured on Prince album, Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, as well as appearing on a number of other records. Singing on the Grammy Award winning song, You Got Me, by The Roots, Eve was beginning to get noticed. Collaborating with a number of famed rappers, Eve gained international success with her first single, Who's That Girl (we bet it's stuck in your head now), still remembered as her most favored track. Moving into acting, she later starred in movies such as XXX, and cult favorite, Whip It, with Drew Barrymore. However, never really making it on her own as a solo artist, Eve faded into the background, focusing on collaborations, and preferring to stay out of the spotlight.
2 Jesse Metcalfe
Californian born Jesse Metcalfe was once a talented basketball player, giving it all up for the wonderful world of acting. That is right, dropping out of school to play the role of Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on soap opera, Passions (RIP), Metcalfe quickly attracted attention due to his sizzling appeal (can you blame anyone?). However, it was his role as teen gardener John Rowland, in the critically acclaimed Desperate Housewives, that really got pulses throbbing. Involved in an affair with main character Gabrielle Solis, played by the wonderful Eva Longoria, Metcalfe was often filmed topless (thank god), earning him a number of teen awards. Starring in a number of teen flicks such as John Tucker Must Die, and The Other End Of The Line, Metcalfe's fame suddenly fizzled. Now, prone to guest starring in one TV drama, as well as short-lived series, Metcalfe's career is a shadow of its former self.
1 Jesse Bradford
Born in Connecticut, Jesse Bradford first began acting at only eight months old (what? that has to be some kind of record or something), appearing in an advertisement for Q-tips. Going on to star in a variety of commercials, as well as starring in soap operas, Bradford's first film came in the form of Falling In Love, starring opposite movie legend, Robert De Niro (not a bad person to start off your movie career with). Receiving positive feedback, Bradford later starred in movies such as Romeo and Juliet, Swimfan, and Clockstoppers. However, it was his role in the critically acclaimed, Bring it On, that really propelled him to stardom, cast as the love interest for the main character, Kirsten Dunst. Sadly, the success never followed, with Bradford's career seemingly taking a nosedive. Appearing in a few minor roles across television, Bradford's last major role was in the courtroom drama, Outlaw, which was canceled after just one series.