25 Years Later: Where Is The 'Never Been Kissed' Cast Now? (2024-2025 Updates)

The 1999 romantic comedy *Never Been Kissed* remains a definitive piece of '90s nostalgia, capturing the awkwardness and hope of second chances in high school. The film, which follows 25-year-old reporter Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) as she goes undercover to relive her teenage years, celebrated its massive 25th anniversary in April 2024, prompting fans to wonder about the iconic cast.

From the star who stepped away from acting entirely to focus on art, to the leading man who made a surprise admission about the movie's famous kissing scene, the lives and careers of the *Never Been Kissed* cast have seen dramatic, and often surprising, changes in the last quarter-century. This is the definitive, most current update on where the stars are now in late 2024 and what they have planned for 2025.

The Complete Biography & Current Status of the Core Cast

The success of the film, directed by Raja Gosnell, launched or solidified the careers of its young and veteran ensemble. Here is a look at the core cast, their roles, and their latest professional endeavors as of December 2024.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Drew Barrymore (Josie Geller)

• Role in Film: Josie "Josie Grossie" Geller, a 25-year-old Chicago Sun-Times copy editor who goes undercover as a high school student.
• Born: February 22, 1975, in Culver City, California.
• Career Highlights: *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial*, *The Wedding Singer*, *Charlie's Angels*, *Santa Clarita Diet*, founder of Flower Films.
• Latest Update (2024-2025): Barrymore continues to host her highly successful daytime program, *The Drew Barrymore Show*, which often features reunions with her former co-stars and has been a major platform for her to discuss the legacy of *Never Been Kissed*. In a major announcement for 2025, she is slated to join the reboot of the classic game show *Hollywood Squares* on CBS. Beyond acting and hosting, she is also a successful entrepreneur with her Flower Beauty line and a home goods collection.

Michael Vartan (Sam Coulson)

• Role in Film: Sam Coulson, the English teacher who becomes Josie's love interest.
• Born: November 27, 1968, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
• Career Highlights: *Alias* (as Michael Vaughn), *Monster-in-Law*, *Bates Motel*.
• Latest Update (2024): Vartan’s most recent film appearance was in the 2024 action-thriller *Red Right Hand*, co-starring Orlando Bloom. Interestingly, some sources now refer to him as a "retired actor." Vartan made headlines in March 2024 when he revealed that he had to "fake an injury" to get out of the iconic kissing scene with Drew Barrymore on the baseball mound because she was "really kissing" him, a story he shared on her talk show.

Jessica Alba (Kirsten Liosis)

• Role in Film: Kirsten Liosis, one of the popular, mean-spirited "in-crowd" students. This was one of her first major feature film roles.
• Born: April 28, 1981, in Pomona, California.
• Career Highlights: *Dark Angel*, *Fantastic Four*, *Sin City*, founder of The Honest Company.
• Latest Update (2024): Alba made significant business news in April 2024 when she announced she was stepping down from her role as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of The Honest Company, the billion-dollar consumer goods brand she founded. She remains on the company's board of directors and will continue to act as a strategic advisor, shifting her focus from day-to-day operations to new acting projects and creative pursuits.

David Arquette (Rob Geller)

• Role in Film: Rob Geller, Josie's eccentric but supportive younger brother who helps her navigate the high school social scene.
• Born: September 8, 1971, in Winchester, Virginia.
• Career Highlights: The *Scream* franchise (as Dewey Riley), professional wrestling career (WCW World Heavyweight Champion).
• Latest Update (2024-2025): Arquette has remained busy with both acting and producing. In 2024, he starred in the drama *The Good Half* and the western *The Unholy Trinity*. He is also passionately working on reviving the legacy of the classic character Bozo the Clown, with plans for a documentary and an animated series revival.

From High School Cliques to Hollywood A-Lists: Supporting Cast Surprises

The supporting cast of *Never Been Kissed* was a powerhouse of comedic talent and rising stars, many of whom have gone on to achieve massive success in television and film, cementing the film's status as a foundational high school comedy. Their current careers are perhaps the most surprising element of the film's enduring legacy.

Molly Shannon (Anita Olesky)

Shannon, who played Josie's enthusiastic and quirky colleague Anita Olesky, has enjoyed a significant career resurgence as a dramatic actress while maintaining her comedic roots. A former *Saturday Night Live* star, her 2024 projects include a major recurring role in the critically acclaimed Hulu series *Only Murders in the Building* Season 4. She is also set to co-star with Will Ferrell in a new, highly anticipated Netflix golf comedy series, proving her versatility across all genres.

John C. Reilly (Augustus Strauss)

Reilly, who portrayed the eccentric high school student Augustus Strauss, is one of the most respected and versatile actors in Hollywood today. Known for his Oscar-nominated work and comedic roles in films like *Step Brothers*, his latest passion project for 2025 is a departure from the screen. He is touring with his one-man vaudeville show, *Mister Romantic*, which has been critically acclaimed for its intimate, theatrical performance.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Leelee Sobieski (Aldys Martin)

Leelee Sobieski, who played the outcast student Aldys Martin, has perhaps the most dramatic "where are they now" story. After a promising early career that included roles in *Deep Impact* and *Joan of Arc*, Sobieski officially retired from acting in 2012. She made the conscious decision to step away from the spotlight to focus on her family and pursue a career as a professional artist, primarily a painter. Her work, which she creates under her married name, is now her sole creative focus, a complete pivot from her career in the world of romantic comedy.

The Enduring Legacy of the Famous Kiss and 25th Anniversary Buzz

The film's central premise—the pursuit of a first, genuine kiss—has kept it relevant for a new generation discovering the high school comedy genre. The 25th anniversary in 2024 brought a fresh wave of media attention, confirming the film's topical authority and emotional resonance.

The iconic final scene, where Josie Geller finally gets her first real kiss on the baseball mound, is a moment of pure cinematic romance. The recent revelation from Michael Vartan about the intensity of that kiss—where he jokingly claimed he had to stop the scene due to Drew Barrymore's passionate commitment—has only added to the film's charming folklore. This kind of '90s nostalgia continues to drive viewership on streaming platforms, where *Never Been Kissed* remains a popular title.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

In a final nod to the film's impact, Drew Barrymore has frequently used her talk show, *The Drew Barrymore Show*, as a venue for mini-reunions with cast members like Michael Vartan, Molly Shannon, and David Arquette, allowing fans to see the genuine, enduring friendships forged on the set of this beloved film. This continuous engagement ensures that *Never Been Kissed* is not just a relic of the '90s, but a living, celebrated piece of pop culture history.