Almost two decades have passed since Mean Girls hit theaters in 2004, but the movie remains a cultural phenomenon. From its endlessly quotable lines to its hilarious and heartfelt story of high school dynamics, the film solidified itself as a teen classic. The cast—which includes Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert—put in performances that continue to resonate. But what have the stars been up to since we last saw them navigating the Plastics’ hierarchy at North Shore High? Here’s a look at the cast of Mean Girls and where they are today.

Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron)

Back in 2004, Lindsay Lohan was Hollywood’s "it girl," and her role as Cady Heron—an innocent transfer student who gets caught up in the tangled web of the infamous Plastics—cemented her as a star. Following Mean Girls, Lohan starred in films like Herbie Fully Loaded (2005) and Just My Luck (2006). However, by the late 2000s, her career took a hit due to struggles with substance abuse and legal issues, which kept her in the tabloids more than the big screen.

Recently, Lohan has been making a career comeback. She showcased her acting chops again in Netflix’s holiday feel-good movie Falling for Christmas (2022) and appears set to stay active in front of the camera. Beyond acting, she’s embraced a quieter life. Married to financier Bader Shammas since 2022, Lohan seems to have found stability and happiness far removed from the chaos of her earlier years.

Rachel McAdams (Regina George)

Arguably one of the most memorable characters in Mean Girls, Regina George is still iconic—and Rachel McAdams' brilliant portrayal is a huge reason why. McAdams was already on the rise when she landed this role and took her career to the next level immediately after the film. From romantic hits like The Notebook (2004) to star-studded dramas like Spotlight (2015), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, McAdams has built an impressive résumé.

She has since dipped into genres ranging from comedy (Game Night) to superhero flicks, appearing as Christine Palmer in Marvel’s Doctor Strange (2016) and its 2022 sequel. Off-screen, McAdams lives a private, family-oriented life. She has two children with her partner, screenwriter Jamie Linden, and remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile yet grounded stars.

Amanda Seyfried (Karen Smith)

Every group needs a lovable airhead, and Amanda Seyfried’s Karen Smith delivered hilariously with lines like “It’s like I have ESPN or something.” Mean Girls marked her film debut, and though Karen might not have been the sharpest student at North Shore High, Seyfried has proven to be one of Hollywood’s brightest talents.

After Mean Girls, Seyfried starred in major hits like Mamma Mia! (2008) and its 2018 sequel, playing Sophie alongside Meryl Streep. She also ventured into darker material with movies like Chloe (2010) and Les Misérables (2012), in which she showcased her impressive singing abilities. Most recently, Seyfried won an Emmy for her portrayal of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s The Dropout (2022). Off-screen, Amanda is a devoted mom of two with her husband, actor Thomas Sadoski.

Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners)

Gretchen Wieners’ “Fetch” may never have happened (sorry, Regina), but Lacey Chabert’s career certainly did. Before playing Regina’s loyal yet insecure sidekick, Chabert was already a familiar face as Claudia Salinger in the ‘90s drama Party of Five. Although Mean Girls remains her biggest mainstream hit, Chabert is now affectionately known as the “Queen of Hallmark.”

Lacey has starred in more Hallmark Channel original movies than you can count, including Christmas favorites like Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (2018) and Winter in Vail (2020). Fans appreciate her consistent presence in feel-good romantic films. Away from the screen, Chabert has embraced motherhood, sharing occasional glimpses of her life with her husband and daughter.

Tina Fey (Ms. Norbury)

Tina Fey not only played the lovable math teacher Ms. Norbury, but she also wrote the brilliant screenplay for Mean Girls. At the time, Fey was best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, but the success of Mean Girls proved she was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Since then, Fey has become a comedy icon. She created and starred in the Emmy-winning sitcom 30 Rock (2006–2013) and co-created Netflix's acclaimed series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2020). Fey hasn’t left the big screen behind, either, appearing in films like Sisters (2015) and Wine Country (2019). A passionate advocate for women in entertainment, Tina continues to inspire as a writer, producer, and performer.

Jonathan Bennett (Aaron Samuels)

Jonathan Bennett, a.k.a. the heartthrob who made "your hair look sexy pushed back," became a teen crush sensation after Mean Girls. Though his role as Cady and Regina’s shared love interest may have been his biggest mainstream claim to fame, Bennett never stopped working.

He went on to host reality competition shows like Cake Wars and has appeared in several Hallmark and Lifetime holiday movies. Bennett also made headlines in 2022 when he and his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, became the first gay couple featured on the cover of The Knot’s wedding magazine. He’s a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion.

Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian)

Lizzy Caplan’s portrayal of the sardonic Janis Ian has earned her a loyal fanbase, but her career has gone far beyond the walls of North Shore High. After Mean Girls, Caplan showcased her comedic chops on shows like Party Down and her dramatic range in Masters of Sex, which earned her an Emmy nod.

Recently, Lizzy has leaned into darker roles with projects like Castle Rock (2018) and Fatal Attraction, Paramount+’s upcoming TV adaptation of the iconic thriller. On the personal side, Caplan married British actor Tom Riley in 2017 and welcomed their first child in 2021.

The Legacy Lives On

The cast of Mean Girls has spread their talents across Hollywood, with each actor carving out their own path. While some took to blockbusters and awards circuits, others found their niche in Hallmark movies or independent projects. Despite these varied careers, the legacy of Mean Girls ties them together as part of a phenomenon that continues to define a generation.