It’s hard to believe that *13 Going on 30* is now officially two decades old, yet the film’s message about wishing for a better future still resonates with millions of fans worldwide. The beloved 2004 romantic comedy, which saw 13-year-old Jenna Rink magically wake up as her 30-year-old self, has become a timeless staple of the genre, driving constant curiosity about the actors who brought the story to life. With the film celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, the cast has been back in the spotlight, revealing new career pivots, major life changes, and even a few surprising reunions that have made headlines.
From an Oscar-nominated performance to a major superhero movie comeback and a shocking personal revelation from one of the younger stars, the cast of *13 Going on 30* has been incredibly busy. This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date look at where the core actors are today, confirming their latest projects and uncovering the shocking secrets and success stories that have defined their careers since they last danced to "Thriller" on the big screen.
Jenna Rink and Matt Flamhaff: The Main Stars' Full Biography and 2024 Career Highlights
The heart of *13 Going on 30* lies with the unforgettable chemistry between Jenna Rink and Matt Flamhaff. Both actors have leveraged their roles in the film to become two of Hollywood’s most recognizable and successful stars. Here is a look at their full biographies and their most recent, high-profile projects.
Jennifer Garner (Jenna Rink)
- Full Name: Jennifer Anne Garner
- Date of Birth: April 17, 1972
- Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Sydney Bristow in the TV series *Alias* (2001–2006)
- Key Films: *Daredevil*, *Juno*, *Dallas Buyers Club*, *Peppermint*, *The Adam Project*
- Current Focus (2024): Acting in major franchise films, producing, and philanthropic work.
Since her star turn as the "thirty, flirty, and thriving" Jenna Rink, Jennifer Garner has maintained a powerful presence in both film and television. In 2024, she made a massive return to the superhero genre, reprising her role as Elektra Natchios in the highly anticipated Marvel film, *Deadpool & Wolverine*.
Garner also remains a powerhouse in the family film space, having starred in the 2023 Netflix comedy *Family Switch*. Beyond acting, she is a dedicated advocate for early childhood education, serving on the board of Save the Children USA, and is the co-founder of the organic food company Once Upon a Farm.
Mark Ruffalo (Matt Flamhaff)
- Full Name: Mark Alan Ruffalo
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1967
- Place of Birth: Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.
- Breakthrough Role: Terry Prescott in *You Can Count on Me* (2000)
- Key Films: *Zodiac*, *The Kids Are All Right*, *Foxcatcher*, *Spotlight*, The Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Bruce Banner/Hulk)
- Current Focus (2024): Critically acclaimed film roles and environmental activism.
Mark Ruffalo has had an explosive career trajectory since playing the sweet, loyal Matt Flamhaff. His career is now defined by his iconic role as Bruce Banner, a.k.a. The Hulk, in The Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role he has played across multiple blockbuster films, including *The Avengers* series.
In a major 2024 highlight, Ruffalo earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his eccentric and memorable performance in the critically acclaimed film *Poor Things*. In addition to his acting success, Ruffalo is a prominent environmental activist, a role he often highlights in public appearances and interviews.
The Shocking Success and Surprising News of the Supporting Cast
While Garner and Ruffalo are the main draw, the supporting cast of *13 Going on 30* is filled with actors who have gone on to achieve massive fame, and others who have recently shared incredible personal stories that have captured fan attention.
Judy Greer (Lucy "Tom-Tom" Wyman)
The iconic frenemy of Jenna Rink, Lucy Wyman (originally "Tom-Tom"), was played by the prolific character actress Judy Greer. Greer has since become one of Hollywood's most reliable and recognizable faces, often playing the best friend or the sharp-witted foil.
Greer continues to have a busy schedule, with her upcoming 2024 project, *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever*, being highly anticipated. In a delightful nod to their on-screen friendship, Greer and Jennifer Garner had a mini-reunion in early 2024 to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary, proving that their friendship is truly "Poise."
Christa B. Allen (Young Jenna Rink)
The actress who perfectly encapsulated the awkward, hopeful 13-year-old Jenna Rink, Christa B. Allen, has recently been in the news for a story far more dramatic than any Hollywood script. Allen, who is now 33, made headlines in 2024 after revealing on social media that she had recently escaped what she described as a cult.
This shocking personal revelation has been a major focus for the actress, who has since stated she is concentrating on moving forward and rebuilding her life while actively seeking new film roles. Fans of *13 Going on 30* have rallied around her, expressing support for her bravery and her return to acting.
Andy Serkis (Richard Kneeland)
Many fans forget that the demanding, eccentric editor-in-chief of *Poise* magazine, Richard Kneeland, was played by the legendary Andy Serkis. Serkis is, of course, best known for his pioneering motion-capture performances as Gollum in *The Lord of the Rings* and Caesar in *Planet of the Apes*.
In a major 2024 development, Serkis announced his return to Middle-earth. He is set to both star as Gollum and direct the new *Lord of the Rings* film, *The Hunt for Gollum*, solidifying his status as a director and a master of performance capture.
The Future Superstars: Brie Larson and Ashley Benson’s Six Chicks Cameo
One of the most fun facts for fans rewatching *13 Going on 30* is spotting the now-famous actors who had small, uncredited, or early roles. The film’s mean-girl clique, the "Six Chicks," featured two future superstars who are now household names.
Brie Larson (Six Chick)
Before she was an Oscar winner for *Room* or a global superhero as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson played one of the mean-spirited Six Chicks.
Larson's early appearance is a testament to the film's casting foresight. Her career has since skyrocketed to A-list status, making her brief role as a teenage bully a delightful piece of trivia for her millions of fans.
Ashley Benson (Six Chick)
Like Larson, Ashley Benson also appeared as a member of the Six Chicks. Benson would go on to achieve massive fame as Hanna Marin in the wildly popular television series *Pretty Little Liars* (2010–2017), a show that defined a generation of teen drama. Her inclusion in the *13 Going on 30* cast further highlights the incredible talent that was present on the set of the 2004 rom-com classic.
The enduring legacy of *13 Going on 30* is not just in its charming story, but in the powerhouse careers it launched and sustained. The 2024 reunion and the constant stream of new projects from the cast prove that, much like Jenna Rink, these stars are truly "thirty, flirty, and thriving" in their own successful futures.
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